Kunisaki Peninsula “ 1,000 years road” Cycling

An adventure into Japan's origins, geography and lifestyle since ancient times

The Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita Prefecture lies on the northeastern coast of Kyushu. To the north, the peninsula faces the Suo-nada part of the Seto Inland Sea. To the east, it borders the Bungo Channel, a strait that separates Kyushu from Shikoku and connects the Seto Inland Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

Embark on a cycling adventure through this breathtaking land to immerse yourself in the spirit of Japan. Experience the rich, unchanged natural beauty, and connect with warm-hearted locals who cherish their traditional way of life. Experience first-hand the history, spanning more than a thousand years, where you can sense the origins of Japan, and take home with you memories of landscapes and traditions that hark back to the country's beginnings.

Ganho geological formations are craggy peaks and deep valleys formed by ancient volcanic activity, these striking rock formations shape the rugged beauty of the land. The unique Rokugo-Manzan mountain faith flourished in this region, blending Shinto, Buddhism, and nature worship. Glimpse Japan’s agricultural past, where rice paddies still reflect the practices of ancient times, as well as Edo Period castle towns, architecture and streets that preserve the elegance and history of Japan’s feudal period. Beppu, Japan’s most abundant hot spring region offers toji, traditional therapeutic bathing that has been practiced for centuries.

Organized by

Toyonokuni Millenium Heritage Tourism Zone

This course combines cycling, trekking, and sightseeing.
We have planned a 2-night, 3-day guided tour with local cycling guides and trail guides.

Since this is a model route, we will propose an itinerary upon consultation.
Please contact us.

Tour Availabe Days: year-round
Booking Deadline：10 days prior
*For more urgent bookings, please contact us.
Meeting Place: JR Usa Station
Tour Fee: Price Per Person (incl. tax)
330,000yen
The tour includes;
Accommodation (2 nights)
1. Meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
2. English-speaking guide fee (3 days)
3. Bicycle rental (e-bikes, etc.)
4. Private car (jumbo taxi for 3 days)
Note: Please purchase your own bicycle insurance.
Number of participants: 2 to 8 peple
Recommended for age 16 years and over
Height 154 cm or taller recommended (to fit e-bikes)
*Must be able to ride safely on public roads.
Reservation: e-mail：jikuhaku@millennium-roman.jp
Booking Deadline：10 days prior

Apply
Tour features: Day1：JR Usa Station (Meet your English guide) -Usa Jingu Shrine (Visit / Lunch) -Cycling around Yabakei -Guest House Suehiroya

◆Visit Usa Jingu, the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines in Japan. Learn about Japan's spiritual culture and the origin of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism.
◆Cycle along the defunct Yabakei Railway, rendered obsolete by the popularity of automobiles, but revived by the locals so that these 2-wheeled silent travelers can cycle through its tunnels, roll over its bridges, glide through the Yabakei Gorge and brush past its whispering forests.

Day2：Guest House Suehiroya - Futago-ji Temple - Futago Kawaraza (Lunch) - Kunisaki Peninsula Minemichi Long Trail - Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa

◆The Kunisaki Peninsula has long been a center of mountain worship. Approximately 1,300 years ago, this region became the birthplace of a unique faith where entire mountains were revered as objects of worship. Over time, this belief system flourished as the Rokugo-Manzan culture, a fusion of Shinto, Buddhism and nature worship. Ascetic monks undertook rigorous training known as mine-iri, traversing the rugged mountains in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

Day3：Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa- Cycle to a castle town of Hiji by the sea - Lunch in the castle town - Stroll around castle town of Kitsuki - JR Kitsuki Station (Disband)

◆Visit Kitsuki Castle that overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, and have lunch in the quaint seaside castle town. Enjoy Kitsuki's photogenic slopes and beautiful samurai residences, reminiscent of Japanese architecture of the Edo-period.
Duration: 2 nights, 3 days