Kyushu Onsen to Onsen

The forested slopes of Kunisaki peninsula of Kyushu have samurai castles, Buddhist temples, and rugged volcanic nature to reveal. Many overlook this remote corner of Kyushu, but those who make the effort will discover some of the most undisturbed pawฤ spotto (spiritual places) in all of Japan.

Tour Dates

2023

  • September 4 – 9
  • October 9 – 14 *Confirmed

2024

  • March 18 – 23
  • April 1 – 6
  • May 6 – 11
  • September 2 – 7
  • October 7 – 12

Tour Details

  • Duration: 6-days
  • Ride Type: Touringย 
  • Difficulty: Hard (Level 5 of 6)
  • Average Daily Mileage: 40
  • Price: $2,850

We meet in Fukuoka and quickly head out with a ride along the Chikugo River to an Edo-era town. After climbing up our only significant hill, we descend to the town of Usa and visit a Shinto shrine dating back to 708.

Then ride around the conical 731-m high Mt. Futago volcano that has 28 ravines extending from the centre. Cycling around the perimeter allows us to avoid climbing and we can explore the beaches, ports and some hidden temples in the forest. This area is also very rural and known for producing scallions, leeks, tomatoes and prized kabosu limes.

Before we leave the peninsula we’ll visit the town Kitsuki, often referred to as “little Kyoto” of Kyushu Island. This picturesque town is often used today as backdrops for Japanese movies based in the Edo Period. We’ll go to the historic Samurai district and to Kitsuki Castle, the smallest in Japan.

We end our tour in one of Japan’s top spa destinations, Beppu. Besides luxuriating in an onsen you can also see Beppu’s unique hot springs where the water bubbles forth in different manifestations – ruby red water, steamy blue, muddy brown and even a geyser that shoots off about every 35 minutes.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1Arrive in Fukuoka
DAY 2Fukuoka – Dazaifu – Hita
DAY 3Hita – Usa
DAY 4Usa – Kunisaki
DAY 5Kunisaki – Beppu
DAY 6Departure

* Request the full itinerary via the contact form below.
kyushu-map

Highlights

  • Kyushu National Museum
  • Visit shrines & one of Japan’s oldest wooden temples
  • Climb to Oishitoge Pass and descent into Usa
  • Mount Futago
  • Kitsuki Castle
  • Japan’s most famous hot spring resort
  • Cycling along beaches
  • Ryokan with onsen and ocean views

Inclusions

  • Cycling jersey
  • Water bottle
  • Support vehicle
  • Guide(s)
  • Meals (as indicated)
  • Accommodation
  • Snacks and drinks

Guides Eric and Joe were helpful, informative, fun, & professional. The group was well organized, so rides through spectacular scenery were fun & challenging. We ate a wonderful selection of local Japanese foods, all well presented. An Onsen at the end of the ride in each location was quite a bonus and a genuine Japanese cultural experience!

โ€“ Susan M

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