Visit Oita

Surrounded by natural wonders such as the Kuju Mountain Range, Bungo Channel, Suo-nada Sea, and Iyo-nada Sea, the prefecture offers a wealth of scenic beauty. Whether you’re looking for challenging hill climbs or long-distance rides, intermediate courses featuring unique cobblestone paths, routes designed for sightseeing, or beginner-friendly courses perfect for families, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to explore these diverse cycling options!

[Saiki Onyujima Island Loop Course]

Distance: Approx. 17km

Located in Saiki Bay, facing the Bungo Channel, Onyujima Island offers the beginner-friendly Saiki Onyujima Island Loop Course. This gourd-shaped island features a 17km coastal route with gentle slopes, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and mountains in all directions. Accessing the island is easy, with the Daihachi Onyujima ferry taking about 7 minutes from departure at Saiki Port until arriving at Ishima Port, operating 15 times daily. Some ferries allow passengers to bring bicycles onboard, or you can rent bikes at the Onyujima Island Shokusai-kan. Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and the serene atmosphere of island life as you pedal around Onyujima Island!

[Maple Yabakei Course]

Distance: Approx. 36 km

The Maple Yabakei Course repurposes the abandoned Yabakei Railway line, connecting Nakatsu to Morizane Onsen. Since its establishment as a cycling route in 1982, it has become a favorite among cycling enthusiasts. Highlights of the course include tourist spots such as the 116-meter-long Yabakei Bridge and the picturesque Ao no Domon rock formation and tunnel, reminiscent of Chinese landscape paintings. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of rest stops such as roadside stations offering local delicacies and relaxing hot springs that are perfect for a break during your ride. At the Yabakei Cycling Terminal, you can rent bicycles and enjoy facilities like accommodations and showers. With 22km of the route dedicated to bicycle-only lanes, this course is perfect for beginners seeking a scenic and enjoyable cycling experience.

[Usa & Bungotakada Route]

Distance: Approx. 29.5 km

Start your journey by gathering information at the Usa City Tourist Association before heading out. This route takes you through scenic and cultural highlights, including Usa Shrine with its striking red buildings, a local history museum, and the nostalgic streets of the Showa Town. The then route culminates at Matama Beach, renowned for its stunning sunsets. Plan your arrival for dusk to enjoy breathtaking views of the setting sun. With mostly flat terrain, this course is beginner-friendly and perfect for a leisurely cycling experience.

These cycling routes traverse the Kunisaki Peninsula, located in northeastern Oita Prefecture. The Tour de Kunisaki was a popular cycling event that was held 40 times since its inception in 1982 (though it is no longer being conducted).

[Tour de Kunisaki A Course] Distance: 257km

The A Course allows you to ride along the coastline while enjoying incredible views of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan’s largest inland sea. A highlight of this route is the Orange Road, a wide agricultural road with minimal traffic, offering serene, pastoral landscapes.

[Tour de Kunisaki B Course] Distance: 100km

The B Course cuts through the heart of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Cyclists will pass picturesque terraced rice fields reminiscent of Japan’s traditional rural landscapes, ascend to the route’s highest point at Hashirimizu Pass (428m), and finally descend towards the coastal area.

[Tour de Yunohira Course]

Long course disance: Approx. 70 km

Short course distance: Approx. 29 km

Starting at the Yunohira Onsen Tourist Information Center, this course offers a thrilling ride along a 500-meter stretch of cobblestone slopes – a highlight for cycling enthusiasts. These cobblestone paths, brimming with nostalgic charm, were crafted approximately 300 years ago, and the Kuju Plateau offer picturesque landscapes. While the route features numerous ascents and descents, the variety of breathtaking scenery along the way is its greatest allure.

The long course takes you on a 70km round trip from Yufuin Onsen to the Kuju Plateau, showcasing a variety of scenic terrains. However, for those seeking a lighter challenge, the short course offers a 29km ride, turning back at Asono, where deep underground spring water flows. Between these two routes, cyclists can tailor the experience to their skill level.

[SPA RIDE Course]

Distance: Approx. 81 km

This scenic course takes you on a full circuit through the renowned tourist destinations of Yufuin, Beppu, and Oita. While the elevation gain is 998 meters, making the climbs manageable, the long distance of 81 kilometers makes it a challenging route more suited for advanced cyclists. Along the way, you will enjoy dynamic views of landmarks like Mt. Yufu and Beppu Bay. The coastal sections offer stunning, expansive vistas best experienced from the saddle of a bike.

The Yamanami Highway, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Roads, connects Oita and Kumamoto prefectures and offers breathtaking scenery along the way. Why not explore this iconic route with a rental bike? Electric pedal-assist bikes are available, making it accessible even for those without strong cycling experience. Guided tours are also offered to enrich your journey with insights and local knowledge. With its high altitude, the highway’s weather can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out. For detailed information on operating hours and rental fees, please visit the official website.

To ensure an enjoyable cycling experience, make sure to prepare your gear and essentials in advance.

[Essential Items Checklist]

-Helmet

-Sunglasses

-Gloves

-Personal identification

-Front and tail lights

-Tire repair kit

Additionally, don’t forget to bring water for hydration, snacks for energy, and rain gear. Wear breathable sportswear and pack your items compactly for convenience.

[Cycling Etiquette]

When riding in groups, always cycle in a single file and follow traffic rules, just like other vehicles. Oita Prefecture offers various cyclist-friendly facilities, including rest spots equipped with air pumps and tool rentals, make sure to utilize these resources to enhance your cycling journey.

What did you think of our recommended cycling courses? Add cycling to your Oita sightseeing itinerary and experience the region from a whole new perspective. Make use of additional tourism information to make your cycling journey even more memorable and enjoyable. Have a fantastic trip on two wheels!