Yatsugatake Cycling

From Racing Pro to Tour Guide: Paul Chetwynd on Yatsugatake Cycling and Mountain Biking in Japan

From racing five years as a Pro in North America on both Road and Mountain Bikes, Paul’s journey in Japan’s cycling scene is a testament to turning passion into profession. What began as a three-month racing visit with Rocky Mountain, his then sponsor, evolved into a decade-long career of racing mountain and road bikes across the country. After ten years, that foundation in competitive cycling led Paul to establish Yatsugatake Cycling, his bike tour business.

The idea for a tour company was encouraged early on by a friend who was a magazine editor, noting that people would want to ride and learn from Paul. The Japanese cycling federation also played a key role, actively encouraging him to remain in the country to help raise the competitive level in both downhill and cross-country racing.

The Yatsugatake Cycling Philosophy

Yatsugatake Cycling is strategically based in Nagano, an area Paul calls a “no-brainer” for bike tours. Located just a couple of hours from Tokyo, the region boasts good clean air, great roads, spectacular terrain and trails.

The company’s philosophy centers on quality and manageability over large numbers. Recognizing Japan as a small country where busloads of riders aren’t feasible on trails or roads, the focus is on small, intimate group tours.

For Paul, the rider experience is at front and centre. The critical first step in planning any tour is assessing a rider’s skill level. This is particularly vital for mountain bike tours due to the steep terrain in the Japanese mountains, where improper riding technique can quickly become a safety issue.

An Authentic Japanese Experience

While the core experience is focused on riding, the tours intentionally integrate the local community, culture, and food. Paul avoids large, famous tourist hotspots like Kyoto, preferring to pass through local villages or visit small, quiet shrines. Customers frequently praise the unique food experiences, such as enjoying sushi at a local spot whose owner’s husband is a fisherman – straight from the source.

For the Yatsugatake Team, the most meaningful indicator of success is word-of-mouth referrals and seeing customers return. He considers the “biggest compliment” to be a customer returning and wanting to share the experience with their friends, spouse and children.

Swing by and say hello to the guys if in the area. The shop is perched beautifully over fields and you may even score a freshly baked muffin and brewed coffee to wash it down.

Rider Owned, Rider Operated.

Check out Yatsugatake Cycling at https://yatsugatakecycling.com/