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!
We meet in Fukuoka, Kyushu’s largest metropolis and one of Japan’s most populated cities. For many centuries, Fukuoka has played an important role in East Asian maritime trade. In fact, it is technically closer to Seoul, Korea, than to Tokyo! Our hotel is very easy to find as it is near the Hakata train station, which is a quick train ride from the airport. In the evening, we will meet at the hotel for a trip briefing and welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: EST Hotel Hakata Ekimae
After breakfast, we leave buzzing Fukuoka and head to the city of Dazaifu. Before getting on the bikes we’ll visit the Dazaifu Tenmangū, a popular Shinto shrine honoring the deity of knowledge and featuring centuries-old torii gates and beautiful plum trees. Our first day of cycling begins with an easy ride along flat country roads leading to the Chikugo River, the lifeblood of the region.
We follow the course of this river east for 20 km/12,4 miles before again veering inland, where we’ll do a little climbing through a valley of forested hills and rice fields. After a refreshing descent, we complete the ride by approaching Hita, a city renowned for its hot springs and Edo-era merchant houses. In the afternoon, you can stroll the historic Mameda Machi Street before we gather for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling distance: 74 km/ 45.9 miles
Elevation change: +526 m/ 1,725 ft, -490 m/ 1,607 ft
Accommodation: Hinano Sato Sanyokan
This morning, after a 10 km/6.2 mile flat warm-up out of Hita, we’ll tackle the climb up to the Fushiki Pass. The narrow, meandering road, flanked by dense forest, was once part of the “Kaido Highway,” vital for trade in Japan’s Edo period. Upon reaching the highest point, we’ll cruise downhill to the Yamakuni River, following its course for 25 km/15.5 miles. Then, we’ll dip south along the smaller Yakata River, leading us to today’s second climb up the Sakura Pass.
The short ascent is followed by a fun downhill, then a flat stretch to reach the town of Usa. Before reaching our hotel we’ll ride by Kure Bridge, once used by the Emperor’s envoys to enter Usa – and it certainly looks the part! In the afternoon, you can explore the famous Shinto shrine of Usa-jingū which dates back some 1,200 years and is the chief shrine among some 40,000 in Japan dedicated to the warrior-god Hachiman.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling distance: 77 km/ 47,8 miles
Elevation change: +933 m/ 3,061 ft, -1,006 m/ 3,300 ft
Accommodation: Hotel AZ Oita Ajimu
On day 4, we reach the sea by traversing the Kunisaki Peninsula from west to east! In the center of the peninsula sits Mount Futago, a stratovolcano shaping the region’s hilly terrain. After an initial, mostly flat, 15 km/9.3-mile ride through the rural areas surrounding Usa, we’ll begin climbing into the highlands.
We will ride on quiet mountain roads with pleasant views over the surrounding valleys as we ascend to the top of two mountain passes for around 15 km/ 9.3 miles. Along the way, we’ll ride past some beautiful, rustic temples, the main one among them being Fuki-ji, famous for its ancient wooden pagoda, one of the oldest in Japan. As we descend from the second pass, we’ll be greeted with views over the Seto Inland Sea. Once we reach sea level we complete the journey to the coastal town of Kunisaki, where we’ll spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling distance: 47 km/ 29,2 miles
Elevation change: +786 m/ 2,578 ft, -788 m/ 2,585 ft
Accommodation: Villa Kunisaki
Our final ride takes us along an undulating inland route south to Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous onsen towns. We’ll be crossing several streams that trickle down from Mount Futago and, at the 22 km/13,6-mile point, stop in the historic town of Kitsuki. It is renowned for well-preserved feudal-period architecture, including traditional wooden houses, samurai residences, and stone-paved streets.
The highlight is Kitsuki Castle, said to be the smallest castle in Japan. We then conclude the final stretch to Beppu, opting to ride along the main road for the final 10 km/6.2 miles, which allows us to reach Beppu with plenty of time to indulge in a celebratory soak in an onsen! Beppu produces more hot spring water than any other resort in the country. It also has a range of baths to enjoy – ordinary hot water baths, mud baths, sand baths, and steam baths. In addition, the Hells of Beppu are several spectacular hot springs to view, but not to bathe in. The choice of onsen is yours! In the evening, we’ll meet for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling distance: 50 km/ 31 miles
Elevation change: +497 m/ 1,630 ft, -496 m/ 1,627 ft
Accommodation: Nishitetsu Resort Inn Beppu
You are welcome to stay at the hotel until it is time to check out. Feel free to extend your stay in Kyushu or head to the airport or the train station for your next adventure!
Meals: Breakfast
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.
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!