Samurai – Kyushu – The Enchanting South

Our Kyushu cycling tour is an unforgettable journey through Japan’s southernmost main island — a land of dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Beginning with the Shimanami Kaido, you’ll ride across a chain of islands linked by breathtaking bridges over the Seto Inland Sea, before continuing through Shikoku and on to Kyushu itself. From there, the adventure unfolds across a tapestry of volcanic peaks, lush valleys, and timeless onsen towns. Ride into the heart of Mount Aso’s vast caldera, explore the serene charm of Yufuin and Kurokawa Onsen, and end your journey in Kumamoto, home to one of Japan’s most iconic castles and deep samurai heritage.

Along the way, you’ll experience the essence of southern Japan — soothing hot springs, exquisite regional cuisine, and landscapes that shift from coastal serenity to mountain grandeur. Highlights include the mystical Takachiho Gorge, the steaming hells of Beppu, and winding roads through the Oboke and Koboke Gorges, where nature still reigns supreme. This 13-day adventure blends scenic cycling with cultural discovery, offering the perfect balance of challenge, comfort, and immersion in the beauty and traditions of Kyushu.

This 2.5-cup espresso-graded tour is the natural next step from our beloved Shikoku tour. We’ve been looking south for some time, and the stars have finally aligned to take us beyond Shikoku to the remarkably diverse island of Kyushu. Geothermically active and culturally rich, Kyushu offers an incredible blend of soaring volcanic landscapes, soothing onsens, and authentic Japanese hospitality — the perfect destination for riders seeking adventure, variety, and discovery in equal measure.

Highlights

• Shimanami Kaido: Ride Japan’s most iconic cycling route, crossing a chain of islands via breathtaking bridges over the Seto Inland Sea.
• Dogo Onsen: Unwind in one of Japan’s oldest and most celebrated hot springs, steeped in legend and literary history.
• Mount Aso: Pedal through the heart of Kyushu’s volcanic wonderland, circling one of the world’s largest active calderas.
• Kurokawa Onsen: Soak in riverside baths surrounded by forested hills in one of Japan’s most picturesque onsen villages.
• Kumamoto: Conclude your journey in the vibrant city of Kumamoto, home to an imposing samurai castle and rich warrior heritage.
• Oboke and Koboke Gorges: Follow the Yoshino River through dramatic canyons carved over millennia — a cyclist’s dream of winding roads and wild scenery.
• Takachiho Gorge: Discover the mythic landscapes of Takachiho, where sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls meet Japan’s ancient Shinto legends.
• Yufuin: Ride into the artistic hot spring town of Yufuin, surrounded by rice fields and overlooked by the twin peaks of Mount Yufu.
• Beppu: Experience the otherworldly steam vents and bubbling springs of Beppu, a geothermal wonderland unique to Kyushu.
• Local Cuisine & Culture: Savour regional specialties from Shikoku’s udon noodles to Kyushu’s tonkotsu ramen, and enjoy the warm hospitality that defines southern Japan.