Majestic Ride on a Segway

 Here we are, rolling into the spooky season of October—in style.

▲Moegi-no-Mura Village (Hokuto City)

In these times we live in, it can be a daunting task thinking of social distance-friendly activities that aren’t already heavily saturated. Luckily, there are more and more facilities popping up to target this increasingly popular niche of “social distance-friendly outdoor fun.” As a beginner who isn’t particularly athletic, I didn’t have a clue where to start…but then I discovered “Yatsugatake Outdoor Activities.”

Yatsugatake Outdoor Activities

Yatsugatake Outdoor Activities（External Link） is based in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. They offer a series of different outdoor activities you can enjoy all throughout the different seasons, such as: kayaking, trekking, e-bikes, bonfires, and more. What makes them really stand out from the others, is their wide variety of beginner-friendly, guided tours that are both “active” and “scenic.” No gear? No problem. Helmets are provided, and additional gear like rainwear is available to rent for separate fees.

▲Safety Gear Swag

Segway Adventures in the Park

Name the first thing that comes to mind when you think, “Segway.” Many think mall security guards may have played a role in influencing the unexpected popularization of this unique, two-wheeled transporter in media culture. At first glance, the next-generation technology of the Segway might appear to clash with the “outdoor activity” scene—but in actuality, they complement each other quite nicely. Unfortunately, Segway production just recently came to an end, rendering them an even rarer means of transportation.

▲Segway Crash Course

Before embarking on our Segway adventure, we underwent a crash course on how to drive our Segways. It may come as a surprise, but they are indeed powerful machines that can take some getting used to. Luckily, our tour guide managed to make the entire experience a joy from start to finish, helping us to loosen up with his witty humor. Although rolling through the forest in style was the obvious main attraction, I also enjoyed being surrounded by the seasonal Halloween decor as we strolled through Moegi-no-Mura Village. 

Customize a Plan Perfect for You

A weekend trip worked best for me, but for others, a day trip might be just right. To help you build a plan customized to your liking, Yatsugatake Outdoor Activities has implemented an online reservation system for you to check the date and time availability of tours you might be interested in. My favorite part of each tour is the endless supply of fresh mountain air and gorgeous scenery—nothing tops that!

▲Two-Wheeled Outdoor Fun