Cycling Japan – Sketching “Fukyuan”

Cycling Japan – Sketching “Fukyuan”

Join me for the first instalment of an evolving series where I ride my bicycle through beautiful Takayama, Japan, discover something that catches my eye, and capture it on paper. This project is part of my journey toward finding a new normal after buying a home here in the Japanese Alps—exploration, creative reflection, and seeing Japan from the ground up.

In Episode 1, I cycle around Hida–Takayama, stop to sketch the stunning Fukyuan café, and take you along for a ride through narrow streets, riverside paths, and the everyday atmosphere of rural Japan. There are a few early mistakes—questionable camera settings, rough edits—but that’s all part of building something new. I’m still trying to gauge whether there’s interest in this kind of content, and whether I have the drive to keep the series going.

If you enjoy bicycle-ride POV footage, sketching or Japan travel vibes, let me know in the comments. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, please consider liking and subscribing 🙂

– Hitori

All footage © and all music © owned by myself.

Drawing subject:
Tucked away in the historic old town of Hida Takayama, Fukyuan Cafe is the kind of place you’ll never forget and always wish you’d found sooner.

From the street, its beautiful yet understated traditional facade gives almost nothing away. Step inside the genkan and the magic begins: the warm, welcoming family who run the cafe greet you like an old friend and gently escort you through their incredible traditional machiya. Suddenly you’re standing in front of a breathtaking central garden that stops you in your tracks; time feels like it slows down the moment you arrive.

The wide engawa wraps all the way around this serene courtyard, offering postcard-perfect views no matter the season – every seat feels like the best seat in the house.

Then comes the food; homemade pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts, exquisitely delicious crepes, towering parfaits and coffee floats so pretty you almost don’t want to ruin them (almost). Everything tastes even better than it looks, and it already looks incredible!

Fukyuan isn’t just a cafe; it’s a warm hug from the past served with world-class hospitality and some of the most delicious comfort food in Japan. If you only have time for one hidden gem in Takayama, make it this one. You’ll leave with a full heart (and a very happy stomach).

“Fukyuan” – 14 Shimoichinomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0843, Japan
https://www.fukyuan.com/cafe/

Equipment used:
• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro (25fps 1/50 and ND filters)

Software:
• Clipchamp
• Photopea

Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitoridakemusic/

Spotify: https://spotify.com/artist/0ldMEUv2rp0czNNSpFxQf9

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCyTFwMleAYCEB7c-s3FJTMQ?si=4T-_iGR5kj_ayn5C

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hitori-dake/1659225768

#travel #travelvlog #traveldiary #japan #japantravel #sketch #sketching #cycling #cyclingvlog #art #artist #artwork

Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:54 Leaving home
01:28 Cycling around Takayama
11:40 Sketching Fukyuan
13:35 Arriving home
14:09 Sketch reveal