Best Cycling Routes in Kyushu

The cycling scene in Kyushu is such that it immerses and deeply engages every sense. On two wheels, the landscapes here are absolutely magical with serene coastlines, traditional fishing villages, and majestic slopes of active volcanoes like Aso. Even better, these routes allow you to indulge in the region’s onsen offerings, patronize volcanic panoramas, soak in deep traditions, and enjoy a spectacularly unique terrain diversity.

 

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Seibu Rindo Forest Path (Photo Credit: K.P.V.B)

 

Seibu Rindo Trail, Yakushima

The 20 km Seibu Rindo forest path stretches for approximately 20 km along a narrow coastal road on Yakushima (western side), with around 15 km of it enveloped in nature’s green right on the island’s UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. As you cycle along, the path occasionally opens up to views of the East China Sea, flowing streams, and waterfalls (including the iconic 88m-high Ōko-no-taki at the southern end of the trail).

 

The enchanting “green tunnel” effect on this path makes it particularly spectacular. From the start of the forest section, dense broadleaf trees form a canopy tunnel, making the path significantly quieter and cooler. This deeply immersive setting is perfect for shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing), or just pedaling silently in the healing calm.

 

 

Mt.Kujusan seen from the Yamanami Highway Tourist road in Kyushu (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

 

Yamanami Highway Tourist Road

Often part of longer cycling tours, the Yamanami Highway route between Yafuin and Aso, Kumamoto spans 50-80 km and stands out for connecting hot spring towns like Beppu and Yufuin to Aso’s surreal volcano landscape. Pause occasionally to view the volcanic vistas from high lookouts and some of the hot springs along or near the route. Kurokawa Onsen (a short detour from the highway) is particularly famous for its outdoor rotenburo baths, where you can just soak and enjoy views of the surrounding forest valleys and the rushing Tanohara River between stages of the tour. Following a revitalizing soak, cycle up to the route’s high point at Makinoto Pass. This is the highest paved road in Kyushu at 1,33 meters, and from the Observation deck, you can see distant valleys, highland meadows, and high peaks, including the iconic Aso 5 peaks on clearer days.

 

 

Mt Futago (Photo Credit: komc)

 

Coast-to-Coast Traverse from Fukuoka to Beppu, Northern Kyushu

From Fukuoka, this 200-300 km road winds along quiet backroads abundant with rice paddies and serene rural landscapes. Along the way, discover ancient shrines and Buddhist temples, forested hills around Mount Futago, and stop in charming towns like Hita and Kitsuki to see their exceptionally well-preserved Edo period atmosphere and tiny samurai residences.

 

For most of the route, you will navigate moderate rolling farmlands to challenging climbs with panoramic volcanic views to reward every stride. Then culminate in Beppu’s steaming “Hells” where seven vivid, otherworldly hot springs await viewing, with an option to soak in the soothing onsens.

 

 

Sakurajima (Photo Credit: komc)

 

Sakurajima Circumnavigation

While it’s generally impossible to cycle close to the Sakurajima crater due to volcanic activities, looping around the peninsula offers plenty of opportunities to view its plumes and landscapes from a safe distance.

 

The route itself is about 36 kilometers, with varying long to flat sections and gentle rolling hills that reveal ash-dusted pavements, ocean views, and stop areas like the Yunohira lookout (the highest viewpoint in Sakurajima at 373 meters), where you can stand approximately 3 km from the active steaming crater. The expansive lava fields from the massive 1914 Taishō eruption are another highlight on the trail, and are connected to the volcanic foot baths by a 3km long promenade. Enjoy a soothing soak here to ease tired muscles, and as the sun sets, watch as Sakurajima transforms into a dramatic silhouette shifting between deep oranges, purples, and reds.

 

 

Takachiho Gorge (Photo Credit: komc)

 

Takachiho Gorge and Gokase River Route

Beginning in Nobeoka, a coastal city in the northern part of Miyazaki prefecture, cycle along the clear, winding Gokase River on this approximately 60km route, gradually transitioning from open valleys to dramatic mountain gorges. This route hugs the river closely with occasional stone cliffs, rice terraces, forested mountains, and waterfalls such as the iconic Manai Falls in Takachiho Gorge. Interestingly, Takachiho is closely associated with Japan’s creation myths, particularly the legend of the sun goddess Amaterasu hiding in a cave (Amano-Iwato nearby), which plunged the world into darkness. As you approach this mysterious town, the road narrows to create an ethereal atmosphere that feels distinctly secluded. This path also features roadside shrines tucked into rock faces with quiet viewpoints where you can pause from cycling and just absorb the serene river vistas. You’ll also find sacred cedar groves and ancient Shinto shrines like Takachiho Shrine as you go, making the journey feel more spiritual.

 

 

Amakusa Islands (Photo Credit: komc)

 

Amakusa Islands Bridge Hopping

With a resident population of around 200, the water around the Amakusa islands is one of the few places in Japan where wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins live year-round. The archipelago connects to Kyushu’s mainland by the scenic Amakusa Gokyo (Five Bridges) and features a low-traffic coastal road (approximately 100–140 km across the main islands), lined with sandy beaches, rocky coves, small villages, and wide-open ocean views.

 

Pedal along the main islands linked by bridges, or opt for extended routes or detours to outer areas, which often include short, scenic ferry crossings, allowing you to rest, enjoy the views, and spot dolphins in the wild.

 

 

Mt. Yufu (Photo Credit: komc)

 

Beppu to Yufuin Onsen Route

The Beppu to Yufuin Onsen Route often follows low-traffic country lanes, creating a peaceful ride that is close to nature and enriched by constant geothermal activities. Typically 23 to 31 km with 350 to 980 of elevation gain, sights of steaming hot springs, terraced landscapes, and framing views of Mt. Yufu peaks(Higashi-mine and Nishi-mine) adorn the trail.

 

Pedal along the countryside to explore some of its ancient temples and rural shrines; or, early in the ride from Beppu, take the scenic detour along the main road (where the Beppu Ropeway’s lower station is located) to access the road leading towards Mount Tsurumi, for sweeping views over Beppu Bay. The route culminates in Yufuin, where you will find boutique-lined streets, galleries, cozy cafes, and the magical Lake Kinrin, inviting extended exploration and the opportunity to soak in its rejuvenating onsen.

 

 

Omura Bay (Photo Credit: komc)

 

Nagasaki Coastal and Omura Bay Paths

A 46 km coastal roadway forms the southern Omura Bay route, connecting Morizino Park in Nagasaki City to Togitsu Town and closely hugging the eastern shoreline of the bay. Cycle along, just meters from the water, and take in relaxing sights of floating oyster rafts, quiet fishing inlets, and lake-like waters.

 

The terrain here carries a calm and unhurried vibe, which sets it apart from the full loop around Omura Bay, with gentle, continuous rolling hills and long, gradual climbs that reward you with sweeping panoramas. While cycling, keep an eye out for low-flying planes overhead from nearby Nagasaki Airport and also expect to see historic landmarks such as the Dozaki ruins and the Omura Park (a designated national natural monument and home to the rare Omurazakura, a multi-petaled cherry variety found almost nowhere else in Japan).

 

 

Sakura on the riverbed of the Chikugo River (Photo Credit: komc)

 

Chikugo River Cycling Road

This approximately 27-kilometer paved cycling path follows the Chikugo River, the longest in Kyushu, through flat terrain with very minimal shift in elevation. Even when extended into connected routes, the total gain in elevation sticks to roughly 130 meters, making it the perfect choice for relaxed cruising and beginners. But more fascinating is the fact that this path is largely separated from vehicle traffic and runs directly along the riverbank, passing floodplains, levees, and irrigation channels essential to nearby farmlands.

 

Mount Minoyama and the Mino Mountain range can also be seen from this route, with orchards lining sections of the river valley. You can also connect this path to longer 77-kilometer Kurume–Ukiha loop routes that run deeper into agricultural areas and are especially scenic in the late afternoon when the sun sets over the valley.

 

 

Sakurai Futamigaura (Photo Credit: komc)

 

Itoshima Peninsula Coastal Loop

The approximately 80 km route starts near Chikuzen-Maebaru Station, and weaves through peaceful farmlands and quiet coastal roads, overwhelmed by stunning ocean views. Key highlights along this path include the iconic Sakurai Futamigaura (Couple Stone), a pair of sacred rocks joined by a gigantic shimenawa rope and framed by a white torii gate. This landmark is distinguished for its sunsets and provides an ideal spot for photography or simply pausing to take in the extensive scenery laid out by the Genkai Sea.

 

The route continues westward, passing beaches and popular cafes such as Thalia Coffee Roasters and Hinode (a seaside taco spot) in the Nogita area. Stop here to rest and also order a meal to refuel with the ocean views. Further along, you’ll reach Keya Beach and the nearby Totoro Forest" (Keya no Ohto). From there, a rewarding climb brings you to Mt. Tateishi for panoramic views, before looping back toward the start.

 

 

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