About Us

Here to guide you through the best of Japan by bike.

Who We Are

Built by two people’s passion, put into practice

Ride Nagano began with two locals passionate about cycling and travel.

Raita brings Olympian precision and experience shaping Nagano as a cycling spot. Yukie offers award-winning guiding and commitment to sustainable rural development, connecting visitors with welcoming communities.

Together, they create unique Ride Nagano journeys.

Ride with Them

What we believe in

The journey matters

Not just where you go, but how you get there.
And everything along the way.
Connection over consumption

Connection to people, places and culture.
Travel should bring meaning and moments shared.
Discovery of the unknown

Experience a Japan that few get to know and you didn’t expect to see.
Thoughtful collaboration

Everything we do is built alongside local people and communities, through long-standing relationships and trust.

Raita Suzuki and Yukie Sawada, founders of Ride Nagano

Slower journeys, deeper connections

We know luxury travel can be done differently. Less rush, more depth and purpose. More time for what actually matters.

Done properly, bespoke travel creates something lasting, for those passing through and those who live there.

Enabling genuine connections to local communities, grounded in sharing stories, time and appreciation for everything the real Japan offers, is what we’re all about.

Responsible travel, rooted in place

Sustainability is central to our mission, rooted in the responsibility of living and working in Nagano. The region’s culture and rural landscapes thrive because they’ve been cared for across generations, and we are committed to nurturing these efforts.

By supporting local artisans, preserving traditions, and creating opportunities, we can continue to share the beauty of Nagano.

By cycling with us, you choose to help sustain rural livelihoods in Japan.

MEET THE TEAM

The people behind the journeys

United by a shared love for Nagano and a commitment to creating travel that is responsible, meaningful, and deeply connected to place.

Meet Raita

Founder and CEO

Former Olympic cyclist; Former Manager for the Japan cycling team; Director of the Japan Alps cycling project; Founder of Japan-wide cycling races including the Alps Azumino Century Ride; Manager of his own bike shop ‘Bike Ranch’; and father of two.

Meet Yukie

Founder & Vice President

Award winning tour leader and cycling guide; Independent consultant in regional development of rural Japan; and ambassador of sustainable tourism in Nagano.