Kumamoto Prefecture is the stage for cycling this time. The area, in the center of the island of Kyushu, is recovering from an earthquake in 2016. The program starts in the city of Kumamoto and works its way around the Amakusa island chain. It then heads for Mount Aso, where one of the world's largest volcanic craters is located. Meet the people and see the sights of this 4-day, 300km bicycle journey.

In this episode we will take you to northern country, Akita Prefecture in Tohoku region. We will start our journey from Kakunodate, the town is famous for its samurai tradition and its hundreds of weeping cherry trees, Shidare-zakura. Spring in Akita is marked by the melting of winter snows, feeding the hills and fields with moisture. The people of Akita have discovered many ways to take advantage of the region's bountiful nature. Our journey will bring us in contact with the unique cultural traditions borne from that nature and world-famous dog breed, the Akita Inu. It will be a 330-kilometer ride through a northern land emerging from its long winter and feeling the first breath of spring.