Akizuki is often referred to as the "little Kyoto of Kyushu", a carefully preserved picturesque mountain village less than an hour away from Fukuoka city.
A town with deep historical roots, Akizuki has also become known in popular culture in relation to the movie Star Wars. George Lucas's screenplay is said to have been inspired by Japanese director Akira Kurosawa's movie, "The Hidden Fortress," in which the films battle scenes are set against the backdrop of Mt. Kosho towering above Akizuki. Although not immediately apparent, the robot characters R2D2 and C3PO were based on a pair of bumbling peasants from the original film.
This e-bike tour also highlights local crafts of the region with visits to the Akizuki Washi paper factory, the woodcraft showroom of Meibokuya, and the pottery village of Koishiwara. The out and back course from Akizuki climbs steadily thru the mountains for a round-trip total of 45km. A shorter, easier course can also be requested by starting at Koishiwara Dam
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