NOW that’s what I call mountain biking – without the pain. New electric bike tours in the shadow of Japan’s majestic Mt Fuji have just been launched to woo tourists.

The new Mt. Fuji Nature E-bike Ecotour allows visitors to Shizuoka to discover the prefecture’s stunning scenery and traditional life, enjoying local food and drink en route.

The experience includes visiting Lake Tanuki, riding through a traditional Japanese village, trying fresh spring water from Mt Fuji and fresh rainbow trout at a local farm.

The tour also takes in World Heritage Shiraito falls and, after an action-packed day, visitors return to basecamp for a local craft beer surrounded by paddy fields in front of the mountain.

Organisers say: “After meeting your local guide, our e-bike ecotour begins at the En-Ya Mt. Fuji Ecotours basecamp.

“After a quick e-Bike lesson and safety briefing, we ride for Lake Tanuki to see Mt Fuji reflected off the lake’s pristine waters and also learn about local birdlife.

“We then cycle through a local village, called a Satoyama, to see how life has remained largely unchanged for centuries. We pass by Jimba Falls, where we fill our bottles with fresh spring water.

“For lunch we have fresh rainbow trout at a local trout farm. Then we visit the mighty Shiraito Falls, one of Japan’s most impressive waterfalls, and learn of their history.

“To finish the day, we cycle back to basecamp and enjoy locally brewed craft beer at our glamping site right in front of Mt Fuji.”

Just an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, Shizuoka prefecture boasts spectacular coastline, mountains and lakes including the beautiful Izu Peninsula, which has been described as “Japan’s Riviera”.

The region is steeped in history, has a huge choice of traditional ryokan inns and onsen hot springs, and is also regarded by foodies as a gourmet paradise.

Its natural environment produces some of the country’s best food and drink, from green tea – of which Shizuoka is Japan’s biggest producer – and wasabi to fresh seafood.

Tour groups can range from two to 10 people, and are led by an English, French or Spanish speaking guide.

The tour pack includes insurance, transportation from, and to, Shin-Fuji or Fujinomiya station, e-bike, helmet, binoculars rental, lunch, and a bottle of Mt Fuji craft beer or soft drink.

For full details of the ebike tours, rates and advice, head to mtfujitours.com.

All images courtesy En-Ya Mt. Fuji Ecotours