Have you exercised recently?

I have not.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "35.1% of men and 27.4% of women have an exercise habit".

'... so many?" Am I the only one who thinks so?

Well, let's leave it at that.

After a cold winter and a cold dragging spring, Niigata has finally become a good place to exercise.

However, running seems painful and you don't want to get into a swimming costume to swim. For those of you (like me), I recommend the Smart Cruise.

Smart Cruise is a service that allows users to rent sports bikes (*road bikes, cross bikes and other bicycles) for as little as ¥1,000 per day.

There are nine rental terminals in the city, including the Ishimiya Park Bicycle Parking Lot, a three-minute walk from Niigata Station, as well as Hotel Nikko Niigata and Marinepia Nihonkai.

There are a total of 31 types of sports bike. However, it is best to check in advance if there is a particular type of bike you want to ride, as the type installed varies depending on the rental terminal.

*For first-time users, membership registration (200 yen) is required in addition to the rental fee.

This time, the Smart Cruise has been used to cycle around Niigata City (Chuo and Higashi wards).

Stone Palace Park underground bicycle parking. Choose according to your height and handlebar shape.

Decide on a 'buddy' to accompany you for the day and off you go.

The first destination is the Numadari Terrace shopping street, where a morning market is held on the first Sunday of every month.

The morning market at the Numa Terrace shopping street has a monthly 'theme'.

This month's theme is 'Flowers and floral patterns'.

Unfortunately, we were two boys travelling without a flowery 'ha', but we were able to fully enjoy the bustle of the morning market.

Bicycle parking is available at the morning market.

The morning market is open from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm.

First, recharge your energy with a curry containing summer vegetables such as aubergines and tomatoes.

Once you have finished your stomach, head to your next destination, YAMANOSHITA COFFEE.

The interior, which is inspired by a café in Melbourne, Australia, has become a hot topic on Instagram. A large table in the centre of the restaurant is furnished with beautiful plants.

When ordering coffee, the owner will give you a detailed explanation so you can choose the coffee you prefer.

I didn't ask for it this time, but banana bread is also popular..!

Afterwards, cross the East Ward to the banks of the Agano River.

Close to Niigata Airport, aircraft taking off and landing can be seen up close.

It is very refreshing to drive on the riverbeds and on roads with little traffic.

Roads that are just 'roads' in a car become special 'journeys' when you ride a sports bike.

Pedalling with the wind in your face is a good way to refresh yourself, as it naturally empties your head.

Next came the natural restaurant SUZU8 (Suzu Hachi), located on the second floor of Nature Katayama, which opened in November the year before last (2017).

There is an open terrace outside the shop, where café time was spent feeling the pleasant early summer breeze.

Naturae Katayama, located on the ground floor of the building, has a wide selection of craft beers and other beers that are hard to find in supermarkets.

It can be used for yourself or as a gift for people who like to drink.

Then it was on to the final destination of the local cycling trip, the public bath 'Golden Hot Spring'.

Pour the day's fatigue into the hot water and sweat it out.

After all, you want to finish with a beer!

So finish with a beer at the Craft Beer Pavilion south of Niigata Station!

Not to mention the placid calorie consumption, as,

Even though I don't own a sports bike, I was able to enjoy the local area by using the Smart Cruise, which can be hired for ¥1,000 per day!

Whether you're thinking, "I haven't exercised recently" or "I'd like to try riding a sports bike", why not give it a try?