Deepening cycling tourism exchanges between Taiwan and Japan, a delegation from Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, visited the Northeast Coast region to jointly create a new model of cross-border cycling cooperation.

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On December 19, the Northeast Coast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration of the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (hereinafter referred to as the Northeast Coast Administration) hosted a delegation from the Policy Planning Department of Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The two sides continued to build on the existing friendly relationship on bicycle tourism and conducted in-depth exchanges on international bicycle tourism cooperation, the promotion of the dual-line domination event, and on-site riding experience, so as to further strengthen the tourism interaction between Taiwan and Japan and the cross-border cycling cooperation relationship.

A delegation from Ibaraki Prefecture, led by Policy and Planning Director Takahisa Kinase, Deputy Director of the Sports Promotion Division Kazuhiro Nakamura, and other staff, visited the Northeast Coast National Park Administration. They exchanged views with Director Li-Yu Yu and colleagues, and also completed a 20-kilometer cycling trip along the Old Grass Ridge Loop Cycling Trail, demonstrating the high importance both sides place on international tourism exchange and the development of cycling tourism.

Expanding international tourism exchanges between Taiwan and Japan through bicycles

On February 7, 2023, the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area Administration and Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, established a friendly exchange agreement on bicycle path tourism, focusing on the "Old Caoling Circular Cycling Path" in Taiwan and the "Tsukuba-Kasumura Ring Ring Road" in Japan. The two routes are not only geographically close, both located northeast of the Tokyo metropolitan area, but also both converted from abandoned railways, possessing historical and cultural significance as well as natural scenic features, making them an important platform for exchange between Taiwan and Japan in the field of bicycle tourism.

Yu Li-yu, director of the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area Administration, said that cycling tourism has become a popular form of sustainable tourism internationally in recent years. Through the establishment of friendly cycling routes between Taiwan and Japan and the continued exchange of visits, not only can the two sides share their experiences in tourism policies, facility planning and tour design, but it will also help to expand international tourists’ understanding of the landscape and cultural charm of the northeast coast of Taiwan and deepen the tourism partnership between Taiwan and Japan.

Real-world riding experience promotes cross-border business exchanges

This exchange trip included a special arrangement for the Japanese representatives to experience riding the Jiucaoling Loop Cycling Trail firsthand, immersing themselves in the mountain and sea scenery of the Northeast Coast, the railway culture of the Jiucaoling Tunnel, and the overall cycling service environment. Following the trip, opinions were exchanged on cycling tourism promotion models, international marketing cooperation, and future exchange directions, laying the foundation for deeper cooperation in the future.

Promoting "Dual-Line Domination" and Creating New Highlights for Cross-Border Cycling Tours

Both parties also reached a consensus on extending the deadline for promoting the "dual-line domination" initiative, from the original end of 2025 to December 31, 2026. Participants who complete the cycling trip on the Old Caoling Loop in Taiwan and the Kasumigaura Forest Bikeway in Tsukuba, Japan, will receive a completion certificate and a special commemorative gift.

The Northeast Coast National Scenic Area Administration stated that it will continue to deepen cooperation with Ibaraki Prefecture in areas such as bicycle tourism, sustainable tourism, and local industry development through international exchanges and on-site visits. The goal is to create a transnational slow-travel brand centered on bicycles, allowing travelers to experience the diverse landscapes of coastal cities in Taiwan and Japan at a "just the right pace." Please refer to the 2025 announcement for activity details.