Ancient temples, well-maintained roads, and endless onsens – that’s what cycling in Kyushu is all about! We will spend 6 days riding along Edo-period villages, plum forests, ancient temples, stratovolcanoes, and epic viewpoints of the Seto Inland Sea as we tour the hot spring capitals of Japan’s third-largest island. Get ready for full cultural immersion: we will taste regional delicacies, explore historic towns, and stay in a mix of modern and Japanese-style hotels. Kyushu is packed with authentic charm – and it is best experienced by bike!
Escape the hustle and bustle of touristy Japan on a serene 6-day bike tour through Kyushu! Enjoy breathtaking scenery, indulge in authentic onsen experiences, and recharge your soul with spectacular bike rides led by an expert guide. Visit all of the region’s most important sites, taste tons of local delicacies, and rest your legs in cozy, authentic accommodations!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
This trip requires strong biking skills and excellent fitness levels. You will cover 242 km/170 miles over 4 cycling days, with a daily distance of 71 km/ 28.5 miles on the longest day, and a daily average of 685 m/ 2,247 ft of elevation gain.
This tour offers a mix of challenging and leisurely riding. Climbing can be expected on most days, with both gradual and steep ascents throughout the tour. Downhills and flat sections provide a nice balance and are just as prominent. Having a basic level of physical fitness, being comfortable on a bike, and possessing good handling skills will allow you to enjoy this tour more.
You will be cycling almost entirely on paved roads, most of which are in very good condition. While near towns or popular attractions, some heavier traffic should be expected, but for the vast majority of the tour, there will be very light traffic. Your guides have chosen routes following the most scenic and quiet roads available.
A support vehicle is available at all times to provide refuge for weary riders. Almost all of the riding takes place on paved roads, so this tour is not recommended for riders seeking off-road experiences.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
You will receive a more detailed equipment list upon booking.
Your guide will provide the bicycle and helmet, as well as a jersey, water bottle, and snacks. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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The bikes you will be using on this tour are hybrid bikes by a reputable manufacturer. You can bring your own pedals, (rail type) seat, and handlebar extensions which your guides can fit for you. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is in good mechanical order.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though your guides cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube, and a pump while riding is recommended.
Japan has a diverse climate and experiences all four seasons. Spring lasts from April to June. The rainy season is between mid-June and July. Summer (July through the end of September) can be hot and humid – temperatures in the big cities can go as high as 35 degrees Celsius. Make sure to pack accordingly.
On this trip, you will be led by a local English-speaking guide. If the group is 9 people or more, the guiding company will add another guide to the tour. All of the guides are well-informed in the history, culture, and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at sharing that knowledge. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
Group sizes and pricing
Min. age requirements
To get to Fukuoka, the largest metropolis in Kyushu and the starting point of your tour, most people fly into Fukuoka International Airport right in the city. From there, you can take a taxi or train to the pre-arranged meeting point, NEST Hotel Hakata Ekimae near the Hakata train station.
Alternatively, you can fly into Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo, and take a 5-hour bullet train or 14-hour night bus to Fukuoka.
You will meet your guides in the hotel on Day 1 of the tour at the pre-arranged time.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.
With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters, and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
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