Interview with Koike Yoshihisa, Chief of the Tourism Project Division, Soja City
Before actually going cycling, I spoke with Koike Yoshihisa, Chief of the Tourism Project Division, Soja City.
This interview features content from the initial coverage conducted in May 2021.
Please tell us about the background of the introduction of Kibi Chari.
Koike (honorifics omitted)
In May 2018, the four cities of Okayama City, Kurashiki City, Soja City, and Akaiwa City applied to the Agency for Cultural Affairs for the story of "The Town Where the Momotaro Legend Was Born - Okayama - The Ancient Kibiji Heritage Invites the Story of Demon Slaying", which was certified as a Japan Heritage.
Japan Heritage refers to stories that the government certifies, which convey Japan's culture and traditions through the historical charm and characteristics of a region, leading to regional revitalization.
It consists of 28 cultural properties that are said to be the prototype of the Momotaro legend, including Kibitsu Shrine, Kinojo Castle, and Kibi Dango.
Kibi Chari is an initiative planned and implemented by the Promotion Council for the Japan Heritage "The Town Where the Momotaro Legend Was Born - Okayama" (Okayama City, Kurashiki City, Soja City, Akaiwa City) after its certification, with the aim of encouraging people to casually tour Japan Heritage by bicycle.
The Kibi Road Cycling Path runs through Okayama City and Kurashiki City, so we are collaborating on cycling tourism with the introduction of Kibi Chari, planning and implementing it together.
I personally transferred to the Tourism Project Division in July 2020, and by that time, the planning had already started.
When I first saw the design of Kibi Chari, I thought, "What a cute design it turned out to be."
The spokes are only red in two places, showing attention to detail.
Please tell us about the Japan Heritage in Soja City.
Koike
The most famous is Kinojo Castle. It is said to be the place where Ura (the demon) took refuge during the battle with Momotaro in the Momotaro legend.
It is located at an elevation of about 400 meters and can be seen from a distance along the Kibi Road Cycling Path.
Additionally, along the way to Kinojo Castle, there are the Demon’s Cauldron, the "Chisui River" where Ura's blood is said to have flowed, the Tsukuri-yama Tomb, and the Komori-zuka Tomb.
Along the Kibi Road Cycling Path, there are the Tsukuri-yama Tomb and Komori-zuka Tomb.
The Tsukuri-yama Tomb, which is the 10th largest in Japan, is notable for being climbable. Please do try climbing it.
The Komori-zuka Tomb can be accessed up to the entrance of the cave.
If you cycle along the Kibi Road to Okayama City, you will reach the Tsukuri-yama Tomb, which is the 4th largest in Japan, and this one is also climbable.
I think it is interesting to experience the concentration of tombs when cycling.
Please tell us how to enjoy Kibi Chari.
Koike
Kibi Chari is not only stylish in appearance but also a bicycle that is easy to ride and has a light start.
The tires are 26 inches. I think children from around the upper grades of elementary school can ride it.
By adjusting the saddle height, even men can ride it comfortably, so it seems possible for families to enjoy cycling together.
There are many famous Japan Heritage sites in Okayama City and Kurashiki City, such as Kibitsu Shrine and Koikui Shrine, but I would be happy if people also knew that there are Japan Heritage sites in Soja City and enjoyed them through cycling.
Since most of the roads are gentle, I think it is a cycling route that is easy to challenge even for those who are not confident in their physical strength.
Additionally, rental bicycles can be used not only on the cycling road but also in town, so it is possible to use them like riding around the shopping district.
Soja has many bakeries, so a bakery tour might also be enjoyable.
