KYUSHU

SELF-GUIDED CYCLING TOUR

KYUSHU

SELF-GUIDED CYCLING TOUR

Season

March-Early December
Best time: March-May, October-November

Duration

7days
*Sunday start suggested for best stop availability, but flexible.

Price

$6,500CAD
$4,500CAD: comfort accommodations including ryokans

+$500CAD for E-bike
+$350CAD for Hybrid
+$750CAD for Road bike

(Canadian dollars/per person)

Location

Start: Kagoshima Airport (KOJ)

Finish: Kagoshima Chuo Station

-All five-star quality accommodations
-6 breakfast x 4 dinners (6 breakfast x 3 dinners for comfort plan)
-Daily luggage transfer
-Our complimentary original jersey
-Tokyo self-guided walking tour (1–2.5 days)
-Turn by turn smartphone navigation map

Included

-Airfare
-Rental Bike
-All lunch
-Small fees not payable in advance
-SIM card (eSIM or physical)
-Bike security deposit ($500 CAD)
-Travel Insurance
-Gratuity

Not Included

Pre-trip:
-3 nights in Tokyo

Post-trip:
-1 night in Kumamoto (45mins) and 2 nights in Fukuoka (1.5hrs)
-Hiroshima (2.5hrs)
-Kagoshima Airport (45mins) to Osaka or Tokyo

Pre/Post Ideas

Highlights

Ride through green tea fields producing Japan’s finest leaves
Ferry with your bike to Sakura-jima, a volcanic island
Learn about shochu, Japan’s second most popular alcohol
Cherry blossoms in spring, vivid foliage in fall
Explore preserved samurai homes
Cycle through Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
Flexible dinner options in Kagoshima City
Stay 3 nights in ryokan and 3 in hotels, all with onsen

Nestled in the southern region of Kyushu, the Satsuma Peninsula is a captivating destination shaped by the volcanic activity of Sakura-jima. The unique Shirasu Plateau soil makes rice cultivation impractical, fostering lush Japanese green tea plantations instead. During the cherry blossom (Sakura) season, dry and muddy rice paddies are a common sight across Japan. However, the plateau offers a picturesque ride through vibrant green tea fields, with Sakura trees planted alongside—echoing the prosperous history of the Satsuma Domain (1600–1871).

We have carefully selected a blend of accommodations along the route, including traditional Japanese inns, known as Ryokan, as well as carefully curated hotels that provide modern luxury. A Ryokan offers more than just a place to rest; it provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality. Features include outdoor hot springs, known as onsen, and exquisite local cuisine.

This is a truly exceptional cycling expedition that places a primary emphasis on the quality of the route for cyclists, while also highlighting culture, onsen, and culinary experiences.

Itinerary

14km (9mi)
+245m/-260m (+804ft/-853ft)
—Kirishima— Once a place of retreat for monks and samurai, this historic onsen town has long been known for over a thousand years as one of Kyushu’s oldest hot spring areas. After landing at Kagoshima Airport, you’ll be transferred to your ryokan. Today’s short loop introduces you to the bike and Japan’s road system. A hidden natural hot spring and waterfall invite a short walk—and a chance for a soak if you’re up for a bit of adventure. You’ll stay two nights at the same ryokan for a relaxed start.
49km (31mi)
+750m/-822m (+2,461ft/-2,697ft)
—Aira— Many local shrines in Japan are associated with sacred trees known as “Goshinboku.” One along this route is estimated to be over 1,500 years old. The route offers a chance to visit a shochu distillery—in Japan, shochu is consumed 1.5 times more than sake and is primarily made from Japanese sweet potato. For those taking the extended option, follow the traces of samurai from the late Edo period (1603–1868) on a route that eventually returns to the inn.

Extended Option +26km (16mi) +300m/-235m (+984ft/-771ft)
35km (22mi)
+875m/-356m (+2,871ft/-1,168ft)
—Kirishima— This steady uphill ride carries you toward Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, with views of the Kirishima mountain range for most of the day. Along the way, visit a centuries-old shrine dedicated to mountain deities. Originally built higher in the mountains, the shrine was relocated after repeated volcanic eruptions and remains central to the region’s tradition of mountain worship.
52km (33mi)
+627m/-1,043m (+2,057ft/-3,422ft)
—Kinkowan— This gentle downhill ride leads through Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, with views of the coastline, cherry blossom trees (spring), and the volcanic form of Sakurajima. Along the way, explore fermentation—an essential element of Japanese cuisine and brewing—through a visit that ties flavor to place. Sakurajima reveals different moods throughout the day, always captivating. The next three nights are spent in Kagoshima City, where you’ll have the chance to explore local bars and nightlife after dinner.
59km (36mi)
+581m/-581m (+1,906ft/-1,906ft)
—Sakurajima— This day begins with a short ferry crossing before riding around the base of Sakurajima, a volcanic island that reveals a different face at every turn. You’ll also visit a historic garden estate, once maintained by the Shimazu family (1185–1871), one of Japan’s most powerful feudal lineages. its design balances elegance and defense, with a legacy of foreign diplomacy and early industry.
54km (33mi)
+584m/-791m (+1,916ft/-2,595ft)
—Chiran— This ride traces the foothills of the former Satsuma Domain (1600–1871), offering sweeping views of endless green tea fields, distant mountains, and glimpses of the ocean. Along the way, explore a remarkably preserved samurai district, where homes, stone walls, and gardens remain just as they were laid out over 250 years ago.
The journey concludes this morning at Kagoshima Chuo Station. For those planning to visit Kumamoto Castle or transfer to Kagoshima Airport (45 minutes away), you’ll make your own way onward.