• Where to ride? Recommended cycle routes-0

Where to ride? Recommended cycle routes

The cycle routes of Kagoshima are full of variety. Here you can enjoy not just stunning seaside rides but cycle around UNESCO World Heritage islands, or island-hop across bridges - cycle touring experiences available only here. Pick a route to suit the season and your travel buddies, then do not just ride, enjoy some tourist treasures and gourmet eats as well. So where will your next bike adventure take you?   

Minamisatsuma area itinerary

The Nansatsu route takes you through the townscape where you can smell the history of the samurai family and the gorgeous culture of the Satsuma clan!
A route that starts and ends at “Cycling Terminal Ring Ring”. Minamisatsuma City, Hioki City, Kagoshima City, Ibusuki City, Minamikyushu City, and Makurazaki City, where you can enjoy the unique scenery one after another. The beauty of the East China Sea, where the sun sets behind the rias-shaped coastline, as well as the beauty of Kinko Bay, where Sakurajima and Mt. Kaimon rise, are exceptional. It is an area full of charm, such as samurai residences, Satsuma-yaki kilns, shochu breweries, and dried bonito factories.

Kitasatsuma area itinerary

Ride through unspoiled landscapes: the Hokusatsu Route
Hokusatsu is located near the boundary with Kumamoto Prefecture and is a region to enjoy nostalgic satoyama landscape and scenic hot springs. Along the coast road are white sand beaches, where the orange sun setting over the East China Sea is tonic for the soul. Look forward to a gourmet experience too, as the seafood and mountain produce here are second to none.

Historic tales abound: the Koshikishima Route
This route takes you around the three islands of Koshikishima, administratively part of the city of Ichikikushikino. Experience the thrill of cycling as you breeze across the bridges between islands. Beyond the plunging cliffs with their 80 million-year-old geological layers, this is a place steeped in history. Walk through the Japan Heritage-listed "fumoto," or towns where the Satsuma samurai lived, either Sato Fumoto in the north of the islands or Teuchi Fumoto in the south. Also visit the Satsuma Students Museum to discover the young men who contributed to the modernization of Japan.

Enjoy the scenery along the river that flows abundantly from the Kirishima Mountains! Sendai River Basin Route
This route starts from JR.Yoshimatsu Station and runs along the Sendai River toward the high-speed ferry terminal (Sendai Port). You can enjoy spring water ponds everywhere, the dynamic Sogi Falls called the Niagara of the East, the fireflies of summer tradition, and along the river to the estuary that leads to the East China Sea. The scenery of rice fields supported by the abundant water of the Kirishima mountain range and tea plantations that produce high-quality tea spreads endlessly.

Kirishima・Aira area itinerary

Warm your body and soul with beautiful famous peaks and healing hot springs!
A route that goes around in a figure 8 with Kagoshima Airport as a base. Colored by myths and legends, the famous peaks of the Kirishima mountain range, where you can feel the breath of the volcano right before your eyes, the clear streams show a mysterious expression in each season, and their natural beauty is even moving. In addition, along with Aira, which is located in the center of Kagoshima and has a townscape that blends cultural and historic sites, this is a route where you can enjoy the bright green mountains, sparkling Kinko Bay, and hot springs.

Osumi area itinerary

Enjoy Dynamic Nature and Rich Food! Osumi Route
A magnificent route that makes a round trip in a figure of eight with Tarumizu Port as a base. The Osumi Peninsula is blessed with an abundance of nature and is an area where primary industries such as agriculture, fishery, and livestock are thriving. In addition to hands-on experiences and learning content that make use of local resources, fresh fish from nearby seas and gourmet food unique to the production area of Kuroge Wagyu beef are available. It is an area rich in nature where the word "dynamic" fits well with the vast plains against the backdrop of the lush green Takakuma mountain range.

Inner Kinko Bay area itinerary

Inner Kinko Bay Route: Vocano and Caldera

This route is located in the inner part of Kinko Bay and around Sakurajima. Since it runs through four cities (Tarumizu, Kirishima, Aira, and Kagoshima), Kinko Bay and Sakurajima can be viewed from various angles. It also allows cyclists to visit various sightseeing spots along the way.

Kumage area itinerary

Space up close: the Tanegashima Route
The Tanegashima Route takes you into an area with close associations with space, through subtropical landscapes surrounded by fields of sugar cane along a hugely enjoyable island road with beautiful ocean views. While on the island, do not miss other activities to make the most of the stunning environment such as surfing and yoga.

Breathe deep amid the soothing wilds: the Yakushima Route
Yakushima now has a high profile worldwide for its pristine natural environment. You can feel the life force of the minus ion-rich virgin forest, and be surprised by an encounter with native deer or macaques. A unique experience awaits you here. 

Amami Oshima Island itinerary

Ride through gorgeous forests: the Amami Oshima Route
Threading between mountains and the sea, this stunning road must be on every cyclist's bucket list. This is a route that will immerse you in the culture and nature of Amami Oshima from native mangrove forests to white sand beaches.

Kikaijima Course, an island where mysterious giant banyan trees and butterflies dance
The Pacific side, where you can see giant banyan trees and coral stone walls, is a course where you can enjoy a comfortable cycling experience because of its many flat areas. In the central part of the island, where the earth is rising the second fastest in the world, the Sugar Road, which stretches gently into the sky through the sugar cane fields, will excite your mood. In addition, the view of marine terraces and the ocean seen from Hyakunodai will surely fascinate you.
 

A simple, refreshing island: the Tokunoshima Route
This gently undulating route is the same as that used for the Tokunoshima triathlon. Sights include the dynamic Mushiroze rocks and beautiful sea views. In the evening, you may encounter a fighting bull taking a walk. 
 

An island of flowers and limestone caverns: the Okinoerabujima Route
Okinoerabujima is some 60 km around, so it can be circled in a single day's riding. The coastal road is fairly flat, so you can enjoy the sea breeze in your hair. With 300-odd caves large and small on the island, you really should put on your explorer hat and take a caving tour. 
(Photos: Okinoerabujima Tourism Association)

Yoron Island course that heals you on the white sandy beach
Surrounded by coral reefs with a circumference of 23 km, Yoron Island is an attractive course where you can see all the sea. Cycling along the Oganeku Beach and other cream-colored sandy beaches here and there is wonderful.You can also enjoy visiting limestone caves, folk museums, and cafes, even though they are small in scale.

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