Gattan Go!! is a rail bike experience in the Hida region that allows visitors to ride pedal powered bicycles along a former railway line. The activity takes place on disused tracks running through quiet countryside, river valleys, and short tunnels, offering a different way to experience the area’s natural landscape.
The rail bikes are designed for two riders and operate at a relaxed pace, making the experience accessible for most visitors. Rather than a thrill ride, Gattan Go!! focuses on scenery, light physical activity, and the novelty of travelling along tracks once used by local trains.
Located outside Takayama, Gattan Go!! is best suited to travellers looking to add a hands on outdoor activity to their itinerary, particularly those visiting the Hida region in warmer months.
What the Experience Involves
Participants ride specially designed bicycles that sit directly on the railway tracks, with pedalling providing all forward movement. Each bike seats at least two people side by side, with some configurations accommodating up to five riders, allowing participants to share the effort and enjoy the scenery together. The pace is gentle, with no need for speed or technical ability.
Routes follow former railway lines that pass through rural landscapes, including river gorges, forested sections, and several short tunnels. The experience is linear rather than circular, with riders travelling out along the track before returning along the same route.
Staff provide a short briefing before departure, and the activity is managed so that bikes remain spaced along the line. This keeps the experience relaxed and easy to follow, even for first time visitors.
Scenery and Seasonal Appeal
The route passes through a quiet rural landscape shaped by rivers, forests, and steep valley walls. Riders travel alongside clear waterways, through shaded woodland, and into short tunnels that reflect the area’s railway past. Much of the experience feels removed from towns and traffic, giving a strong sense of being in the countryside.
Seasonal changes play a large role in how the ride feels. Spring and summer bring greenery and cooler temperatures within the tunnels, while autumn is particularly popular for its changing foliage along the valley slopes. Operations are seasonal, and conditions such as weather and daylight hours can affect availability and overall experience.
Who It Is Suitable For
Gattan Go!! is suitable for a wide range of visitors, including couples, families, and small groups. The gentle pace and shared pedalling make it accessible for most people with basic mobility and a reasonable level of fitness.
Children can participate when accompanied by adults, and larger bike configurations allow families or groups to ride together. As the bikes are pedal powered, participants should be comfortable cycling for the duration of the route, but no special skills or experience are required.
The experience is best suited to those looking for a relaxed outdoor activity rather than a physically demanding ride. Visitors with limited mobility or those unable to pedal for extended periods may find the activity less suitable.
Location and Access
Gattan Go!! operates in the mountainous Hida region, east of Takayama, using sections of former railway lines that once connected rural communities. The activity is offered on two separate courses: the Town Course (Main Branch) and the Canyon Course, each following a different stretch of disused track through rural scenery.
Town Course (Main Branch)
The Town Course (Main Branch) follows a flatter section of track near local communities and former station areas. It offers a relaxed ride with open views of the surrounding countryside and is well suited to first time visitors or those looking for a gentle introduction to the rail bike experience.
Canyon Course
The Canyon Course runs deeper into the valley, following a more enclosed route shaped by rivers, forested slopes, and tunnels. This course places greater emphasis on natural scenery and feels more remote, making it a good option for visitors who want to experience the Hida landscape away from settled areas.
Both courses are set in quiet areas away from major towns and roads. The Town Course runs closer to local settlements and offers a gentler introduction to the experience, while the Canyon Course passes through narrower valleys with more dramatic river and mountain scenery. Together, they showcase different sides of the Hida landscape.
The experience is usually visited as part of a wider day trip rather than on its own. It pairs well with other destinations in the Hida area, such as Hida Furukawa, and is most easily reached by private transport or organised tours due to its rural setting.
Private and Customisable Itineraries
While there is currently no scheduled group tour that includes Gattan Go!!, this experience can be arranged as part of a private, customisable itinerary. If you would like to include Gattan Go!! alongside other destinations in the Hida region, please contact us to discuss private tour options and itinerary planning based on your interests and travel schedule.