Ride through unspoiled landscapes: the Hokusatsu Route

Akune Station has been refurbished by Eiji Mitooka, designer of the cruise train Seven Stars in Kyushu. Within the warm, wood-lined station building are a cafeteria, reading corner, café and souvenir stands. The presence of a cycle rack makes stopping here a breeze.

Kuronoseto has one of Japan's three great rapid tides. Nothing can beat the excitement of crossing the Kuronoseto Bridge and looking straight down at the whirlpools. Across the bridge is the start of the Nagashima loop. Do not miss Uzushio Park for the lookout point and the Kuronoseto Dandan Ichiba roadside station. 

Crossing the Kuronoseto Ohashi Bridge, a short ride brings you to Agarihama Beach and the Shiomi Terraced Fields. The stunning view of the Nagashima backdrop, blue sea and the enchanting green of the terraces will have you reaching for the camera. The Amakusa islands can also be seen from here.

Izumi is Japan's top crane wintering habitat. From mid-October to March every year, over 10,000 cranes migrate here from Siberia. In November 2021, it was listed as a Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Izumi City Crane Observation Center is a great spot to get a close-up view of the birds, as well as being an excellent place to learn about their biology and behaviors through displays and video. Why not take a ride amid the calls of the cranes while they are here?

A regional speciality to enjoy in Satsuma, a place famous as the earliest place to harvest bamboo shoots in Japan. The match of fresh, fragrant bamboo shoots and locally-raised beef is a delight. Look forward to some fortifying sustenance once you are over the vertiginous Shibi Pass.

The roadside station at the entrance to Ichihino Onsen, the "most famous hot spring on earth." Take the weight off and soak your feet in a free hot spring called "Shimazu no Tonosama Yu." In the cafeteria you can also try "Segodon-bui" with pork, Saigo Takamori's favorite food, and miso, which Saigo was good at making.