Kyushu Onsen to Onsen

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Meet in Fukuoka

   You arrive in Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu and one of the most populous in Japan. For centuries, it has played a key role in East Asian maritime trade—it's even closer to Seoul than to Tokyo! Your hotel is conveniently located near Hakata Station, just a short train ride from the airport. In the evening, we’ll meet you there for a trip briefing and a welcome dinner.
   
   

   • NEST Hotel Hakata Ekimae
   • Dinner
2. Day 2Fukuoka - Dazaifu - Hita

   After breakfast, you leave the vibrant city of Fukuoka and head to nearby Dazaifu. Before hopping on your bike, you'll visit Dazaifu Tenmangū, a well-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of learning, surrounded by ancient torii gates and blooming plum trees. Then it’s time to start your first day of cycling—an easy ride to get your legs moving as you follow quiet, flat country roads toward the Chikugo River, a vital waterway in the region. You’ll ride east along the river for about 20 km before turning inland for a scenic climb through a valley dotted with forested hills and rice fields. A breezy descent leads you into Hita, a city famous for its hot springs and preserved Edo-period merchant houses. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore the historic Mameda Machi Street before we meet again for dinner.
   
   

   • 46 miles
   • 118.1 ft
     1,725.7 ft
     1,607.6 ft
   • Hinano Sato Sanyokan
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

3. Day 3Hita - Usa

   This morning, you’ll start with a flat 10 km warm-up ride out of Hita before taking on the climb to Fushiki Pass. The winding, narrow road cuts through dense forest and once formed part of the historic Kaido Highway, a key trade route during the Edo period. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a long, breezy descent to the Yamakuni River, which you’ll follow for about 25 km. From there, you’ll veer south along the quieter Yakata River, leading to your second climb of the day—up Sakura Pass. It’s a short ascent followed by a fun downhill and a flat ride into the town of Usa. Just before reaching your hotel, you’ll pass the striking Kure Bridge, once used by imperial envoys visiting the area. In the afternoon, take time to explore Usa-jingū, a grand Shinto shrine that’s over 1,200 years old and the head shrine for more than 40,000 others dedicated to the warrior god Hachiman across Japan.
   
   

   • 44.1 miles
   • -239.5 ft
     3,061 ft
     3,300.5 ft
   • Hotel AZ Oita Ajimu
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

4. Day 4Usa - Kunisaki

   Today, you’ll ride from west to east across the scenic Kunisaki Peninsula, eventually reaching the sea. At the heart of the peninsula stands Mount Futago, an ancient stratovolcano that shapes the region’s rugged terrain. You’ll begin with an easy 15 km ride through the quiet countryside around Usa before starting the climb into the highlands. The route takes you along peaceful mountain roads with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys as you ascend two mountain passes over the next 15 km. Along the way, you’ll pass a number of rustic temples, including the remarkable Fuki-ji, known for its ancient wooden pagoda—one of the oldest in Japan. After reaching the second pass, you’ll enjoy a downhill ride with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Once back at sea level, you’ll complete the day’s journey in the coastal town of Kunisaki, where you’ll spend the night.
   
   

   • 29.2 miles
   • -6.6 ft
     2,578.7 ft
     2,585.3 ft
   • Villa Kunisaki
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

5. Day 5Kunisaki - Beppu

   Your final ride takes you along a rolling inland route heading south to Beppu, one of Japan’s most iconic onsen towns. Along the way, you'll cross several small streams flowing from Mount Futago, and at around the 22 km mark, you’ll stop in the charming historic town of Kitsuki. Known for its well-preserved samurai-era architecture, Kitsuki features traditional wooden homes, samurai residences, and quaint stone-paved streets. The highlight here is Kitsuki Castle, often called the smallest castle in Japan.
   
   From there, you'll ride the final stretch to Beppu, taking the main road for the last 10 km to ensure you arrive with plenty of time to relax and enjoy a well-earned soak. Beppu produces more hot spring water than any other resort in the country and offers a wide variety of baths—hot water, mud, sand, and steam. You can even visit the famous "Hells of Beppu," dramatic geothermal pools meant for viewing, not bathing. Choose your preferred onsen experience, and in the evening, you’ll gather one last time for a celebratory farewell dinner.
   
   

   • 31.1 miles
   • 3.3 ft
     1,630.6 ft
     1,627.3 ft
   • Nishitetsu Resort Inn Beppu
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Japanese style comfort

     Rest in modern comfort along with amenities unique only to Japan.

   • 

     Japanese style comfort

     Rest in modern comfort along with amenities unique only to Japan.

   • 

     Japanese style comfort

     Rest in modern comfort along with amenities unique only to Japan.

   • 

     Elevation Profile

6. Day 6Beppu Departure

   You are welcome to stay at the hotel until it is time to check-out. Feel free to extend your stay in Beppu or head to the airport or the train station for your onward travel.
   

   • Breakfast