Guided
expert led adventures
6 days
380 km
~63 km/day
moderate
Fukuoka
ends Beppu
4–14
participants
Casual Inns (3-4★)
Apr – May, Oct – Nov
Discover the hidden treasures of Kyushu on this immersive cycling journey through Japan's southwestern island. Pedal from Fukuoka's vibrant streets to the legendary onsen town of Beppu, traversing coastal roads with sweeping sea views, dramatic gorges carved into ancient rock, and peaceful countryside dotted with traditional villages. Each evening, unwind in natural hot springs—a quintessential Japanese experience. From the striking formations of Yabakei Gorge to the spiritual serenity of Usa Jingu Shrine, this tour blends cultural encounters with diverse landscapes. With comfortable accommodations, expertly guided routes, and the perfect balance of challenge and relaxation, this adventure offers an authentic taste of Kyushu's unique charm.
Highlights
Experience the stunning contrast of Kyushu's landscapes—from expansive ocean vistas along Hibikinada and Suonada coastlines to the dramatic rock formations and forested valleys of Yabakei Gorge.
Unwind each evening in natural hot springs, culminating in Beppu, Japan's legendary onsen capital. These thermal baths offer the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of cycling.
Discover Japan's spiritual heritage with a visit to Usa Jingu Shrine, explore charming traditional towns like Hita, and experience rural life in fishing villages and countryside hamlets along the route.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fukuoka | APA Hotel & Resort Hakata-eki Higashi | D | - | - |
| 02 | Wakamatsu | Kamenoi Hotel Genkainada | B, D | 65 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| 03 | Iizuka | Nogami President Hotel (4-Star) | B, D | 70 km / 43 mi | cycling |
| 04 | Hita | Caffel Hinano-sato (4-Star) | B, D | 70 km / 43 mi | cycling |
| 05 | Nakatsu | Hotel Route Inn Nakatsu Ekimae | B, D | 50 km / 31 mi | cycling |
| 06 | Kunisaki | Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa (5-Star) | B, D | 60 km / 37 mi | cycling |
| 07 | Beppu | Nogamihonkan Ryokan | B | 65 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| 08 | Departure | - | B | - | - |
Meals: B = Breakfast · L = Lunch · D = Dinner
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives.
Your journey begins in Fukuoka, the vibrant gateway to Kyushu. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel near Hakata Station, ideally located in the heart of the city. If time allows, step out to explore—perhaps wander through the lively streets of Canal City, visit the historic Kushida Shrine, or simply soak in the energy of Hakata's old town.
Meals: D
Accommodation: APA Hotel & Resort Hakata-eki Higashi
The day begins with bike fitting and a short orientation, ensuring everything is perfectly set for the journey ahead. Soon after, you roll out of Fukuoka, leaving behind the city's rhythm as the road gently leads you toward the coast. As urban landscapes fade, the scenery opens to expansive sea views, salty breezes, and quiet coastal roads. The ride offers a refreshing transition into Kyushu's natural beauty, with the ocean never too far from sight. By late afternoon, you arrive in Wakamatsu, where a soothing soak in an onsen awaits—an ideal way to relax your muscles after the first day on the bike.
Meals: B, D
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
Accommodation: Kamenoi Hotel Genkainada
Today's ride continues along the stunning Hibikinada and Suonada coastlines. The rhythm of the waves accompanies you as you pass through charming fishing villages and quiet stretches of countryside. The route offers a balance of coastal beauty and rural simplicity, with glimpses into everyday life in Kyushu. It's a day to settle into the flow of the journey—steady pedaling, open views, and the calm that comes with being on the road. You arrive in Iizuka by evening, where you can unwind and reflect on another rewarding day of riding.
Meals: B, D
Cycling Distance: 70 km / 43 mi
Accommodation: Nogami President Hotel (4-Star)
Leaving the coast behind, the landscape transforms dramatically as you head inland toward Yabakei Gorge. The route winds through forested valleys and striking rock formations, offering one of the most scenic rides of the tour. The quiet roads, shaded by trees and framed by rugged cliffs, create a sense of immersion in nature. Each turn reveals a new perspective—rivers, stone bridges, and the changing textures of Kyushu's interior. Arriving in Hita, a charming town known for its traditional atmosphere, you can unwind in an onsen and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
Meals: B, D
Cycling Distance: 70 km / 43 mi
Accommodation: Caffel Hinano-sato (4-Star)
Today's ride is gentler, following serene river valleys and peaceful countryside roads. The pace slows as you pass through rural landscapes dotted with farms, small villages, and open fields. It's a day to appreciate the quieter side of Japan—simple, authentic, and deeply connected to nature. By afternoon, you reach Nakatsu, a historic town with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely evening.
Meals: B, D
Cycling Distance: 50 km / 31 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Route Inn Nakatsu Ekimae
The day begins with a cultural highlight—a visit to Usa Jingu Shrine, one of Japan's most important and historic Shinto sites. Walking through its peaceful grounds offers a moment of reflection before continuing the ride. From here, the journey leads toward the Kunisaki Peninsula, where the landscape blends spiritual heritage with natural beauty. Quiet roads wind through the countryside and along coastal stretches, revealing a region rich in history and tradition. Your accommodation tonight offers another opportunity to relax in an onsen, surrounded by the calm of the peninsula.
Meals: B, D
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa (5-Star)
Your final ride takes you along the scenic roads of the Kunisaki Peninsula, with rolling terrain and expansive coastal views guiding the way. The sense of completion grows as you approach Beppu, Japan's renowned onsen capital. Arriving in Beppu feels like a celebration—steam rising from the earth, a vibrant atmosphere, and the promise of well-earned relaxation. Tonight, indulge in one of the region's famous hot springs, reflecting on the journey that has taken you from city streets to coastal roads, mountain valleys, and beyond.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
Accommodation: Nogamihonkan Ryokan
Your journey concludes in Beppu, but the experience lingers. Spend the morning exploring the city's geothermal wonders—the famous 'Hells of Beppu'—or simply enjoy one last soak in the onsen. As you prepare for departure, you leave with more than just memories of cycling—this journey has been a blend of landscapes, culture, and quiet moments on the road that define Kyushu's unique charm.
Meals: B
Each accommodation has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.
Ideally located just four minutes from Hakata Station, this modern hotel offers a relaxing retreat with a large public bath featuring indoor, open-air and hot-pot baths. Guests can enjoy a Japanese-Western breakfast buffet, seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and convenient access to Fukuoka’s transport network.
Set on the Genkainada coast, this scenic hotel offers panoramic ocean views, relaxing hot springs with an open-air bath, and comfortable Japanese-Western rooms. Enjoy freshly prepared Kyushu cuisine, local seafood, and an all-inclusive stay designed for complete relaxation after a day of cycling.
Located in the heart of Iizuka, Nogami President Hotel offers comfortable rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, diverse dining options, and convenient access to Shin-Iizuka Station, just a five-minute walk away. Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the on-site Gold’s Gym during their stay.
Set along the scenic Mikuma River, this charming hot-spring hotel blends traditional Japanese hospitality with a contemporary café-style experience. Enjoy natural onsen baths, river views, comfortable rooms, local cuisine, and unique experiences including a café boat cruise, making it an ideal retreat after a day of cycling.
Located just three minutes from Nakatsu Station, this comfortable hotel offers convenient access to the city and surrounding attractions. Guests can relax in the spacious radium artificial hot-spring bath, enjoy a complimentary Japanese-Western buffet breakfast, and benefit from free Wi-Fi, parking, and coin laundry facilities.
Set on the waterfront overlooking Beppu Bay, this luxurious 5-star resort offers natural hot-spring baths, including an open-air onsen with sea views, a sauna, seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary lounge, and elegant dining featuring fresh local seafood
Lodging
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
Trip Leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
Bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
Airport Pickup
Enjoy a hassle-free group airport pickup to start your journey. Available only on the tour start date.
Airport Drop
Enjoy a hassle-free group airport drop to finish your journey. Available only on the tour end date.
Meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water during activity.
Entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases due to height or availability constraints, we may provide an equivalent alternative.
Speciallized Allez Comp or similar
road
Included in your trip price
Specialized Vado 4.0 or similar
ebike
Available at a surcharge
Fukuoka
Beppu
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
Arrival
Your tour begins in Fukuoka, which is served by Fukuoka Airport (FUK). You can take a taxi from the airport to your hotel, which typically takes around 15–20 minutes. By public transport, a convenient option is to take the Fukuoka City Subway from Fukuoka Airport Station to Hakata Station, which takes approximately 5 minutes; if arriving at the International Terminal, take the free shuttle bus to the Domestic Terminal first, as the subway station is connected to the Domestic Terminal. From Hakata Station, your hotel is a short walk or taxi ride away.
Departure
Your tour ends in Beppu, which is served by Fukuoka Airport (FUK). You can take a taxi from your hotel to Fukuoka Airport, which takes around 3 hours. By public transport, a convenient option is to take the JR Sonic Limited Express from Beppu Station to Hakata Station, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours, then continue by subway from Hakata Station to Fukuoka Airport in around 5 minutes. From the airport station, the Domestic Terminal is directly accessible; international passengers can take the free shuttle bus to the International Terminal.
Kyushu is a year-round destination, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for cycling. Temperatures are generally mild, rainfall is more manageable, and the landscapes are especially beautiful during these seasons. In Fukuoka, average temperatures range from around 11°C in March to 20°C in May, while October and November average around 20°C and 14°C respectively.
March to May is one of the best times to ride, with mild temperatures, fresh green landscapes and pleasant cycling conditions. April and May are particularly appealing, although occasional rain showers are possible.
Summer is hot, humid and considerably wetter. June and July coincide with Kyushu's rainy season, with Fukuoka receiving its highest average rainfall of the year. July and August can be particularly hot, with average temperatures around 27–28°C, making longer rides more demanding.
September to November is another excellent cycling season. September can still be warm and humid, while October and November bring cooler temperatures, lower rainfall and comfortable riding conditions. Autumn colours also add to the scenic appeal of the countryside and mountain landscapes.
Winter is cooler but generally suitable for cycling for riders comfortable with colder conditions. Fukuoka's average temperatures range from about 7–9°C, with relatively low rainfall. Temperatures can be colder in the inland and mountainous areas around the route, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
Overall, March to May and October to November are the most recommended months for cycling Kyushu, offering the best balance of comfortable temperatures, manageable rainfall and scenic landscapes.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Good
April
Best
May
Best
June
Mixed
July
Offseason
August
Offseason
September
Mixed
October
Best
November
Best
December
Good
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Most visitors to Japan can enter visa-free for tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days, depending on nationality. Citizens of many countries including the US, Canada, UK, EU nations, Australia, and New Zealand can enter without a visa. Please check with your local Japanese embassy or consulate for the most current visa requirements based on your nationality.
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance, including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses, and personal liability, travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact through our reservation form. If you cannot provide proof, you'll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.
