Cycling across Europe on my Bamboo Bike🇯🇵: Connecting through the power of Matcha 💚

This video documents the entire journey from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Rome, Italy with my bamboo bike!!!

Which countries did I travel through?
What did I see, who did I meet, and what did I feel as a Japanese person?
And why did I decide to embark on this journey in the first place?

If you’re interested at all, I believe you’ll enjoy this adventure.
So, let’s set off together.

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Subscribe and become a friend today: https://www.youtube.com/c/SamuraiMatcha

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00:00 Intro
00:49 Netherlands
07:31 UK
11:23 France
11:55 Belgium
16:06 Luxembourg
17:56 France②
18:53 Switzerland
22:56 Italy
30:18 Final thoughts: People

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【Things I brought on this trip 】

【Bamboo bike】
・Gerworks ▶︎▶︎▶︎ https://gerworks.sakura.ne.jp/index_en.html

【Matcha Set】
・Chafinity ▶︎▶︎▶︎ https://chafinity.com/
・hizoudenrai ▶︎▶︎▶︎ https://teayame.com/item/C-03.html

【Camping set】　
・Snow Peak sleeping bag　▶︎▶︎▶︎ https://amzn.to/3FGEObb
・モンベル(mont-bell) Tento ２型（JP）▶︎▶︎▶︎　https://amzn.to/46cnc3v
・Jetboil ▶︎▶︎▶︎ https://amzn.to/3PhOXB6

【Gadgets】
・MacBook Air　M1 ▶︎▶︎▶︎ https://amzn.to/38hAUtR
・MOFT Laptop Carry Sleeve　▶︎▶︎▶︎　https://amzn.to/3ekesiP
・Anker USB C Charger ▶︎▶︎▶︎ https://amzn.to/3PDRJ4L
・RODE microphone ▶︎▶︎▶︎ https://amzn.to/3PjGQDV

【CAMERA GEAR】
Sony ZV-1 Camera ▶︎▶︎▶︎https://amzn.to/48idbUs

【Other small things】
・Fjallraven　Kanken（TOTEPACK NO. 4 TALL）　
　▶︎▶︎▶︎　https://www.fjallraven.com/ca/en-ca/bags-gear/backpacks-bags/shoulder-bags/totepack-no-4-tall
・Montbell Sandals ▶︎▶︎▶︎ https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=1129475
・NOUSAKU Guinomi Kawaii Sake Set　▶︎▶︎▶︎　https://amzn.to/3CILxlu

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MUSIC:
・Epidemic Sound

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BE MY FRIEND:
BLOG https://samuraijourney.com/​
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/samuraimatcha.journey/
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/mizuno.akihito​

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GET IN TOUCH:
If you’d like to talk, feel free to email me at samuraimatcha.japan@gmail.com I try my best to reply to things but there sadly aren’t enough hours in the day to respond to everyone…

Hi, I’m Aki, a former Japanese school teacher. Recently, I cycled across Europe on a  single-gear bamboo bicycle while making matcha. This video documents the entire journey  from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Rome, Italy. Total duration: 60 days. Total distance: 2629 km. Matcha tea made: 96 cups. Which countries did I travel through?

What did I see, who did I meet, and  what did I feel as a Japanese person? And why did I decide to embark on  this journey in the first place? If you’re interested at all, I believe you’ll enjoy this adventure. So, let’s set off together. [Starting from the Worst]

It was a sudden turn of events. After checking out of the guesthouse,  I carried my bicycle bags to the bike. I placed two bags next to the bicycle. Knowing that this wasn’t Japan, where you  should never take your eyes off your bags. But I happened to leave my bags 

And went back to the guest  house for other belongings. When I returned a few minutes later, one of the red bags had already vanished. And this was how I started my journey even without clean underwear for tomorrow. What a splendid start lol [What Do I Do When Panicking?]

Yes, I drink matcha. It’s rich in L-Theanine, which has a relaxing effect. Calm down, Aki. You’ve got this. [Underwear Hunting Quest] First things first, I need underwear for tomorrow. I only wear the red underwear from Uniqlo,   so I tried searching for it. I thought, “There’s no way there’s a Uniqlo in Amsterdam.”

But when I searched on Google Maps, I found it! [Bicycle-Friendly Culture] My first impression of the Netherlands is that it’s a cycling paradise. The roads are flat, and there  are bike lanes everywhere. Plus, the bicycles are incredibly stylish, unlike anything I’ve seen in Japan. But I’ve noticed one thing.

With so many bicycles around, finding  parking spaces was quite challenging. Still, the bike lanes were incredibly convenient. [Differences at Uniqlo] I arrived at Uniqlo. Oh! I saw lots of the  same products as in Japan, which made me happy. Mostly the same, but with some  differences. For example, the colors. I couldn’t find 

The red Ultra-Light Down that’s popular  in Japan in the Netherlands or Germany. And sizes.  Like, this hoodie that’s an M in Japan is an  XS in the Netherlands. I seem like a shorty. So, this is everything I bought today.

By the way, in the evening, I was shocked to discover that the stolen credit card had   already been used for a purchase  of 100,000 yen by someone. Well, I can’t do much about  it. It’s been a long day. [Peacefulness from a cup of tea]

In the tea ceremony, there’s a concept of “Peacefulness from a cup of tea.” The world right now is filled  with instability due to  things like wars, and I believe  many people carry anxiety. So, through matcha, I wanted to bring a little love and inner peace.

And that’s one of the big reasons why  I chose to embark on this journey. Today, I held my first tea gathering of the trip. The participants were one person   and one bird. The next day, four people joined. I’d be happy, their hearts could find  some peace even if just during this time.

[Minimalist Houses] While I was in Amsterdam, I  stayed at a follower’s house,   and I really wanted to  introduce you to this place! Look at it! Such an incredibly  minimal and beautiful house, right? Surprisingly, he used to be a monk. We had matcha together and practiced meditation.

After enjoying Amsterdam fully  with waffles, a boat tour,   and even visiting a police station,  I headed to the next city, Leiden! Look at all these cute houses,  animals I’ve never seen, , windmills. I’m in love with these sceneries, so  different from the rural views of Japan. [High-Level Japanese Market]

Ok, let’s go take a look at the Japanese market in Leiden today! Wow there’s so many people! Lots of small   shops too! Hmm what are they selling? Are those Sashimi? … No, they are not. Haha. They’re selling various things from stationery,  fresh flowers, Yu-Gi-Oh cards, matcha, kimonos,   pottery, swords, to school bags).

Oh wow! They even have Shio  koji (Salted Rice Koji),   a secret Japanese food recipe! I’ve never seen such high-quality  Japanese goods at an overseas market. The Netherlands is fascinating! By the way,  I secretly hosted a small tea gathering   here 😉

After the market, I moved to The Hague and stayed at another follower’s house. Then, I witnessed a surprising sight there. [Simple Tatami House] Taking off my shoes and  entering the room, I saw tatami! I never expected to see tatami in the  Netherlands, so it was a big surprise.

The reason I like tatami is its versatility. It would be a perfect mattress for kids.  And we can all sit down to eat on it. And, with futons, you can even  do pillow fighting! Just kidding. If you put down futons, you can sleep on the tatami. Tatami is amazing, isn’t it? [Morning Routine]

Today, I jumped into the freezing cold sea  in the morning. Apparently, this is something  he occasionally does as  part of his morning routine. Honestly, it was incredibly cold,  but it was really refreshing. If you have your specific morning routine,  I’d love to hear about it in the comments 🙂

After this, we all enjoyed the mate tea together.  The warm tea seeped into our chilled bodies. [Miraculous Birthday] Today, we headed to the beach to catch the  sunset. The sun was setting fast. Hurry, hurry. We made it! The sunset was breathtakingly  beautiful! As it turns out, it was my birthday, 

So we had cake and celebrated together. What’s the miracle, you ask? A woman happened  to be passing by, and it was her birthday too. Moreover, we had just a piece left for one more person, so we could give it to her. Such coincidences do happen.  Thanks for the best birthday.

The next day, after sipping heartfelt mate tea, I set off for the ferry terminal. Next stop, the ferry to the UK. UK I arrived in the town called Harwich, my first time in the UK. It was a relief to find out that they  drive on the left side, just like in Japan. [130km]

The next day, at 7:00 in the morning, I set  out. The plan was to reach London today. According to Google Maps, it was  81km. I thought I had plenty of time. Pedaling through the first  sights of the UK, I was amazed.  sights of the UK, I was  amazed. But something felt off.

I’d been cycling for a while, yet the map cursor wasn’t moving much. There’s still 65 km left… How come? What’s “mi”? Dang it, it’s miles! Without realizing it, Google  Maps had switched to miles. So, there were 104km left! OMG! I  decided to push on as far as I could.

I reached the town of Chelmsford  after tackling some hilly roads. I got too hungry, so I destroyed a massive kebab. Pushing on from there, I finally arrived at today’s accommodation. A crazy 130km in a day. I was truly exhausted. Unexpectedly, Airbnb canceled  on me today. Fortunately,  

One of my followers kindly offered me a home. A big thank you. [Ever Heard of “Japan House”?] Today was the day for the tea ceremony in London,   so I went to a shop called Japan House  to find wagashi (Japanese sweets). I stumbled upon it, and the  moment I entered, I fell in love.

The place had the atmosphere of a  sophisticated Japanese tea room,   and it was filled with  high-quality Japanese items. Oh, those sake cups by Nosaku! And  my beloved matcha! Just between us,   I was ecstatic on my own  even before the tea ceremony. [Tea Gathering for 15]

Afterward, I prepared for a tea gathering in Hyde Park. Initially, there were only   three attendees, but more and more  people joined, eventually reaching 15. I was so happy to see so many! However,   I’d never made so much matcha in a single day in  my life, so it was honestly quite a challenge.

Still, everyone was so kind that we  had a great tea gathering. By the way,   the matcha I used was “Hizou  Denrai,” my first favorite brand. [First Flat Tire] The next day, while enjoying a pleasant bike  ride… I got a flat tire. (Sigh)  I was using SCHWALBE, sturdy tires.

But even SCHWALBE seemed no match for this needle. Today, I’ll continue on toward the campground. [Camping turned Glamping] This is my tent. Just kidding. What happened was,   the place I thought was a campground  turned out to be a glamping site. When I explained the situation to the owner,  

They said, “You can stay for free.”  The world is full of generous people. The next day, my breakfast was miso soup and eggs.  Aww, miso soup after a long time is so delicious! Now, I’m heading to Dover today to catch the ferry. [Google Maps Trap]

If I were to give just one piece of advice to  anyone considering a bike trip in the future,  it would be this: Don’t rely too heavily on Google Maps. Because, like me, you might find  yourself cycling through a wheat  field without even realizing it. Haha.

Of course, I usually love Google  Maps. I mean it, Google Map. I   made it to Dover! I managed  to catch the ferry on time. I’m exhausted, so I’ll rest on the ferry. FRANCE① I arrived in Calais, France. From here, I’ll be passing through Cassel and heading to Kortrijk. [Unexpected Situation]

As I was cycling on this day, I started  hearing a rattling sound. Could it be… Yes.¥ A spoke had broken. Since I couldn’t fix the  spokes myself, I needed to find a repair shop. Today, I stayed at a lovely Airbnb in Cassel.  I’ll set off towards Belgium tomorrow. BELGIUM

I’ve traveled to various countries before, but crossing borders by bicycle was   a first for me. So, I was wondering what would happen. [Nothing Happened] Well, in reality, nothing really happened. It was like crossing from one Japanese prefecture  to another. So, this is the EU. Impressive! [The Law of Success]

Since the spoke broke in France, I had been searching for a repair shop. The first two didn’t work out. On the third try,  I finally found a bike shop that could fix it. And they even had spare spokes! Yay! There’s a saying: “All’s well that ends well.” No matter  

How many setbacks there are, if the ending is good, it’s a success. [Attack of the White Fluff] While cycling in Belgium, I  noticed something peculiar. I was being attacked by fluffy white  things. What are these? Dandelions, maybe? Someone, please find me the answer! I arrived in Kortrijk and stayed at an Airbnb.

The owner recommended some delicious  Belgian beers. For us Japanese,   Belgian beers are easy to drink and tasty! I’ll cycle toward Ghent tomorrow. [A World of Hogwarts] I arrived in the city of Ghent. What is  that? It’s like Hogwarts from Harry Potter.

Speaking of Harry Potter, wearing a kimono coat  with a scarf makes you look like Harry Potter. But who cares haha. Anyway, it was truly a beautiful city. [Living on a Boat] Today, for the first time in my life, I stayed in an Airbnb on a boat.

The room looks like this. It had electricity and a   shower but no washing machine, so I  washed and dried my clothes myself. It didn’t rock much, surprisingly comfortable. More than anything, it felt like a  secret base, so exciting. Ok, good night. Good morning! Today, I’ll head to Brussels. [Manneken Pis]

The first thing I saw in Brussels was the Manneken Pis. I had high expectations, but  wait? It’s smaller than I thought. Japan also has the Shonben Kozo in the Iya  Valley, so definitely check it out! Haha. [Interesting Siren Sounds] While riding, I heard the siren  of an ambulance. Like this.

I think this sound is quite  intriguing for Japanese people. Because it’s similar to the sound effects of a ghost appearing. By the way, this is what an ambulance sounds like in Japan. What’s it like in your country? [Kind-hearted People of Belgium] Today, I stayed at a follower’s house in Brussels.  

They treated me to delicious meals and  offered numerous local experiences. What’s more, a few days later, I  even stayed at her mother’s house. They were so kind. The friends I met at  the tea gathering the next day were all  incredibly kind too. I was moved by how open-hearted Belgians are.

[A Little Lost in the Mountains] Today, I was cycling on the usual paved road. Gradually, the slope became steeper,  and I found myself on a mountain path. I started feeling a bit anxious… Still, I  kept going until the road disappeared. Haha. Hey Google Maps, where’s the road?

As I went further, I found a road and  a house. Good god, I was relieved! But then, as I followed that  road, it led to a dead end. When I was thinking, maybe  I’ll camp here tonight…,   in the middle of nowhere, I  happened to spot a person.

How sweet! In the end, that person guided  me to a major road. I was so thankful! After that, it was all  downhill to the guest house. LUXEMBOURG The next day, I entered Luxembourg aiming to reach Wiltz. Luxembourg is a relatively unfamiliar  country for Japanese people. What could it be like? [First Impression]

My first thought upon entering Luxembourg  was “beautiful.” First, the  stunning mountains greeted me. The houses are unified in soft colors, making them very stylish. Most surprising was the absence of litter! I instantly fell in love with this country. [Trash Bins] Upon arriving in Luxembourg City, I explored various places.

I saw some beautiful cityscapes,  charming buses, mysterious red bags, etc. While many things surprised  me, this was the most shocking. What are these black baskets? Tra, tra, trash bins? While I agree with having trash  bins, aren’t there too many?

In Japan, there aren’t many trash bins in parks  or streets, so I wished we could share some. [Free Trains and Buses?] Another surprise was that  buses and trains are all free. Moreover, their designs are cute,  making me want to ride them every day. [Multilingual] I also held a tea gathering in Luxembourg.

What I noticed there was that many  Luxembourg residents are multilingual. Dutch, French, German, English, and more.  Most Japanese can only speak Japanese,   so being able to speak three or  more languages is beyond amazing. It’s a miracle, I would say. In Luxembourg, I had many different  experiences. I’d like to share more,  

But there’s no end to it, so let’s move on. FRANCE② Back in France. Riding through vast  vineyards, I continue to make progress. Headed from Metz to Strasbourg. I stayed at the  lovely home of a follower couple along the way. Traveling can be tough but encounters  like this make me want to keep going.  

All right, let’s ride from Strasbourg to Colmar! [World of Howl] Admiring the beautiful towns and  vineyards of France, I arrived in Colmar. Actually, this place served as the inspiration  for Howl’s Moving Castle in Studio Ghibli films. Wow!  It’s incredibly beautiful! It looks  like a town where Howl could fly!

Japan isn’t just Tokyo, and France isn’t just   Paris. There are so many more  stunning cities in the world. Well tomorrow, I’m heading to  my beloved country, Switzerland. SWITZERLAND Woohoo! I’ve safely entered Switzerland! I stayed in Basel for a night and will head  towards Olten. [Swiss Countryside for Japanese]

The Swiss countryside feels incredibly beautiful   to the Japanese, as it’s more  open compared to rural Japan. But both countries share the challenge of steep slopes lol [Japanese Small Habit] Many Japanese clean their room a bit and then  check out when staying in accommodations.

This is because Japanese people cultivate  the habit of cleaning up after using a space. While not all Japanese do this, it  might be considered a Japanese habit. [Traveling with Someone] In Switzerland, I often traveled  with someone. Solo travel is great,   but having someone along makes  the journey even more enjoyable. [My Belief]

During this journey, some advised me, “It’s dangerous to share your location online!” or “You shouldn’t stay at strangers’ houses.” Certainly, I had some concerns. However, I wanted to believe in my followers. And fortunately, everyone I met turned out to be  genuinely kind-hearted, which made me truly happy. [Being Lucky]

Riding from Altdorf in the rain  towards today’s accommodation. Among 60 days of riding, this  was the only day it rained. I   really feel lucky all the time. That,  I think, is the secret to being lucky. [Day 1 of Alps Climb] Finally, today I will start climbing the Alps. 

Though my legs have been trained  throughout the journey, I’m still worried. The road was flat for a  while, then suddenly uphill. Cars pass effortlessly, but  I pedal with all my energy. After 2 hours, my legs ache.  Occasionally stretching, I keep climbing.

When it gets tough, the gift from my followers  gives me power. I think I can keep going. After 4 hours on this road,  I finally reached Andermatt. Daily yoga and stretches are a must. [Day 2 of Alps Climb] Good morning. I had some bread for breakfast,  

Fueled up, so let’s aim for  the top of the mountain. Climbing, climbing, and more climbing. I took some photos and climbed some more. Omg the muscle soreness is killing me! Oh, the view is opening up! Just a bit more! Gave my all, pedaling the bike with my last strength.

Finally, I’ve reached the top of the mountain. 2106 m, I made it! So happy—! I was anxious if I could complete this mission,   so as soon as I reached the  goal, my energy drained out. As a reward to myself, I prepared  matcha in this breathtaking view.

Reminds me of making matcha at the Grand Canyon. [Furious Descent] I spent some time at the top of  the mountain, then headed downhill. Huh? What’s this? The longest and steepest downhill  I’ve ever seen in my life. Descending and still  descending, it just keeps going. The best roller coaster I’ve ever experienced!

I stayed in Airolo for the night, and the downhill continued the next day. Today, I got nearly 100km closer to Agno. [First Tent!] Today, for the first time on this journey, I used a tent. My beloved Montbell tent. (Montbell Stellaridge Tent Type 2) Well then, good night. [Heaven]

The next day, I decided to stop by Lugano  in the morning. Honestly,  I didn’t know about Lugano, but it turned out to be an  incredibly beautiful place. Is this heaven!? Later I learned that this place is known as the Gateway to Heaven. Yeah, it truly felt like heaven. Italy

Finally, I entered Italy, the last country of my journey. I’m so excited!  I stayed in Como for a night, aiming  for Milan through rough mountain roads. [Sightseeing in Milan] After arriving in Milan, I decided to do some sightseeing. Everything is new for me so I’m too excited.

Arrived at DUOMO station and walked above ground. Wow! Suddenly, the grand  cathedral appeared in front of me. Truly breathtaking. Everything in this city looks gorgeous. I won’t buy anything, but just looking at them was enjoyable enough. [Italians] Next day, I held a tea party in Milan. By having organized tea parties in  

Different countries, I’ve noticed something. That is, the overall character of  people varies by country even in Europe. For instance, in general, the Dutch are open and kind. Swiss are peaceful and smart. And Italians, they give the impression of being cheerful and friendly.

Thanks to that, the following party was a lot of fun too. By the way, here’s my reaction when I first had Margherita pizza in Italy. [Enjoying the Journey] Took a train today and arrived in Venezia. I’ve changed into a kimono, let’s   have some fun!

Wow! This is Venezia, the city of  water! But it was too hot. Haha. Let me introduce one way I enjoy  my travels. It’s to travel without   researching much in advance. Instead of meticulously planning like many Japanese do, I let my intuition guide my actions.

Because intuition helps discover what I truly want to do. Even in Venezia, I followed my heart  and had a truly enjoyable journey. Following intuition can lead to unexpectedly finding delicious restaurants too. Afterward, returned to Milan,  passed through Piacenza, Parma, spent a few days with a wonderful follower in Reggio Emilia.

I’ll be crossing mountains next, heading for Pisa. [Miracle Water] After climbing the Alps at 2000m in Switzerland, I thought 1000m would be easy. However, it wasn’t easy at all. With the intense sunlight and steep slopes, I quickly ran out of drinking water.  When I felt absolutely hopeless, I found a bar ahead.

The water I drank there was tastier  than any water I had ever had. [Ideal Simple Room] The accommodation I stayed at  today was very simple and lovely. A room with a wooden base,  exactly the room I idealize. God always prepares gifts beyond challenges. [Falling]

Later, I stayed in Massa and aimed for Pisa. On the way, I fell spectacularly. The front wheel dropped from a road bump. Look at this miserable front basket. It’s so smashed and pitiable… Well, at least I didn’t get  run over by a truck. Phew.

In Pisa and Firenze, I visited the typical tourist sites. Then, I stayed overnight at the campsite in Certaldo and headed to Siena. [Siena] Honestly, I didn’t know about the city of Siena. So, I was shocked when I arrived in this city.  There are many historical  buildings, and personally, I really like it. 

I should tell more Japanese  people about this city! [What Did I Bring?] Now, let me briefly introduce what I brought on this journey. Honestly,   I think this is still a lot. Next time, I want to go even more minimal. I’ve been still advancing from Siena toward Rome today. [Surgery]

Yes, surgery, but it’s not me. The front basket that got bent   in an accident finally broke due  to the weight of the luggage. Oh no, this could be serious! I used some tape from the first aid kit, I had to do some makeshift repairs.

I never thought I’d use a first aid kit for my bicycle. While experiencing various things, I was  steadily getting closer to Rome, even if slowly. [Hayao Miyazaki] Today, I stayed in Calcata, a town perched on a cliff. It was incredibly mystical.

Upon researching, I discovered it’s the  model for Laputa from Castle in the Sky. Miyazaki himself has also  visited here. I didn’t know that! Labyrinthine alleys, sudden green  forests — truly a Laputa-like world. Amazing! [Goal] Today marks the final day of the journey. I headed from Calcata to  Rome. Despite a bad migraine,  

I pushed through on the last day,  pedaling and walking the bike. Finally, I’ve reached Rome.Yeah! I’ve changed into a kimono at the hotel,  headed to the goal, the Piazza di Spagna. Any followers here? I had a nervous excitement… Oh, they’re there! Some followers were waiting for me!

I finally completed the 2629km ride. Yes! Shared the joy, we took  commemorative photos together. Afterward, I had a final tea gathering and party with them, marking the end of this journey. I was truly grateful to everyone who joined along the way. Thank you so matcha! [Final Thoughts: People]

So, I’ve safely made it back to Japan. There’s something I want to say as a  final message through this journey. Throughout this trip, many friends said to me, “Thank you for coming all the way to Europe.” “Thank you for making delicious matcha.”

“Thank you for creating wonderful videos.” I was really glad to hear that, but in fact,  it’s the opposite – I want to say, “thank you.” Because of everyone’s support, I could reach the goal of this journey, Because all of you are here, I feel  inspired to create videos like this.

The kanji for “people” is written as  “人,” composed of two strokes. By removing either one (either stroke) makes it fall apart. That means people support each other, living together. So, always, thank you. So stay safe have fun , thank you for watching as usual! I hope to see you in the next video!