Kyushu & Yakushima island 11 days 2021
Tour map

Introduction
Kyushu is the third largest island of Japan and most southwesterly of its four main islands. Theisland is mountainous, and Japan's most active volcano, Mt Aso at 1,591 metres (5,220 ft), ison Kyushu. There are many other signs of tectonic activity, including numerous areas of hotsprings. We cycle across Kyushu and ferry to Yakushima island. Yakushima is Japan's wettest
place and it is covered in dense forest noted especially for old growth Cryptomeria trees known
as Sugi in Japan and magnificent Rhododendrons. Yakushima's unique remnant of awarm-temperate ancient forest is a natural World Heritage Site since 1993. In the Wilderness
core area (12.19 square kilometres (3,010 acres)) of the World Heritage Site, no records ofpast tree cutting can be traced.
Itinerary in summery
ITINERARY (11days/10nights)
Day1

Meeting at Yufuin

RyokanTOD

Day2

Cycle 54km (total ascent 840m) Around Yufuin

RyokanTOB

Day3Cycle 76km (t.a.1386m) Yufuin-Aso

RyokanTOB,DDay4

Cycle 77-92km (t.a.1000-1251m) Aso-Kumamoto

HotelTSOBDay5Cycle 101km (t.a. 924m) Kumamoto-Amakusa

RyokanTOB,D

Day6

Cycle 84-110km (t.a.800-977m)

RyokanTO

B,DAmakusa-Hioki (train90min)
Day7

Cycle 78km (t.a.853m) Hioki-Makurazaki

Hotel

TSO

B

Day8

Cycle 62km (t.a.651m) Makurazaki-Ibusuki

Hotel

TSO

B,D

Day9

Free day in Yakushima (Ferry80min) Ibusuki-Yakushima

Hotel

TSO

B

Hotel

TSO

B,D

IslandDay10

Cycle 100km (t.a.1444m) around Yakushima Island

Day11

Van to airport

B

Ryokan: Traditional Japanese inn.
T room with toilet only TS room with toilet & shower C communal facilityO onsen spa

B breakfast D dinnerTour price per person#of people

service

priceincludes4 + clients

1van, 1guide

JPY 440,000

See below

Single supplement JPY 37,000

Includes•10 nights’ accommodation on twin share basis•

10 breakfasts and 6 evening meals•

Rental Hybrid bike or Road bike•

Other equipment comes with bike
Front bag for hybrid bike

Helmet on request(8 litter volume)

Seat post bag for road bike
(6 litter volume)

Gloves on request

Spare tube, tyre levers, multi tool, pump, and flat patches are in the bag.
All the bikes are equipped with front and rear lights, and cycle computers.
•All transport detailed in the below itinerary•

Snacks and refreshments•

English speaking guide(s)•Spare parts and mechanic services•

Support vehicle with seats and bike rack

Does not include•

Lunches (It cost 500-1000yen for each lunch)•Single room supplement

Recommended season•

April – May, Oct – Sep

JanFebMar

AprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov

Dec

Highest in Yufuin (℃)

79121817252930

26

2116

10

Lowest in Yufuin (℃)-3-216111620201416

94

Highest in Yakushima (℃)

14

15

18

21

24

27

31

31

2925

21

17

Lowest in Yakushima (℃)

9

911

14

17

20

24

24

23

19

15

11

Average temp. in a month

What we offer as our services•

We have support vehicle to follow cyclists to back up water, snacks, and other necessary
things for the ride. If one of you wants to stop riding at some point of the day, he or she
will be welcome to have seat in our support vehicle.

•Our guides are all cyclists, we know what you need during your ride. We are trained to bea bike mechanic and cycling leader. We also completed 40 hours wilderness first aidtraining.

•In case of heavy rain, strong wind or other fierce weather conditions for cycling, we may
change plan and give you other activities option like hiking, sightseeing, and so on.

•We guide in English basically; our guides are all very knowledgeable in the region andJapanese culture.

Itinerary details
Day 1

YufuinWe meet at Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) at 18:00pm in one of the most popular Onsen
town in Japan, Yufuin. You can take direct bus from Fukuoka airport to Yufuin around 90min., itdeparts every 90min. Located in a green valley beneath the spectacular Mount Yufu, a shortwalk from the town centre is a mix of paddy fields, traditional housing and hot spring lake, witha few temples. Japanese cuisine and Onsen (hot spring spa) will welcome you after your longtravel. We stay in 2 places, find instruction for your accommodation in final detail from us.
Accommodation - (3 stars quality)
Ryokan / Private toilet / Onsen Spa / meal (D)Day 2Yufuin

For the first day of riding, we cycle up towards Mt. Yufu to overlook magnificent view of Yufuin
basin. Then carry on to small country road which is winding through quiet mountains aroundYufuin. Coming back to town, we visit Japanese green tea cafe that serves top quality green tea
with traditional manners. All afternoon is free for you to cruise around beautiful Yufuin basin
and walk through street with modern Japanese cafes and shops.
Cycling Distance - 55km / Altitude gain - 841m
Accommodation - (3 stars quality)
Ryokan / Private toilet / Onsen Spa / meal (B)Day 3Yufuin-Aso

This is hilly but rewarding day. We cycle into narrow winding old road to first mountain passthen onto “Yamanami highway” which is also one of the 100 best scenic roads in Japan. From
the road, we can see active volcano with its steam. After overcoming second mountain pass on
the edge of caldera of Mt.Aso, free wheel to quiet old Onsen town in caldera of Mt.Aso. We have
option to visit Aso shrine where local farmers pray for their harvest to god of mountain.
Tonight’s accommodation has natural outdoor Onsen, and traditional Japanese cuisine.
Cycling Distance - 76km / Altitude gain - 1386m
Accommodation - (3 stars quality)
Hotel / Private toilet / Wifi / Onsen Spa / Laundry / meal (B,D)

Day 4

Aso-Kumamoto

Leaving our hotel, we cycle up on beautiful road to mountain pass by Mt.Aso. This is a quite hill
climb ride, but worth it as you are surrounded by beautiful caldera mountain ranges andbreathe taking view of Mt. Aso. After pass, we cycle around Mt. Aso with amazing view. You canfinish cycling just outside of Kumamoto city or cycle all the way to our hotel in city center.
Tonight’s dinner is free of your choices, our guide will recommend some good local restaurants.
Cycling Distance – 77-92km / Altitude gain – 1000-1251m
Accommodation - (3 stars quality)
Hotel / Private bath / Wifi / Onsen Spa / Laundry / meal (B)Day 5

Kumamoto-Amakusa

Taking quiet riverside track to get out of Kumamoto city, we cycle into Amakusa islands. One of
the best Soy source factories is interesting stop on the way, we can taste organic Miso and Soy
source if it is available. After enjoying scenic Amakusa 5 bridges, we ride with the view of
Yatsushiro inland sea. Amakusa is famous for its Snapper farming, we are passing throughsmall fisherman's villages on bike. Fresh seafood from the local port is a real treat for the night.
Cycling Distance –100km / Altitude gain –924m
Accommodation - (3 stars quality)
Ryokan / Private toilet / Onsen Spa / meal (B,D)

Day 6

Amakusa-Hioki

We enjoy next Amakusa island ride with crossing bridge made just for walkers and bikers.
Riding along the coast with a view of beautifully calm inland sea brings you to the end of theroad, then you will enjoy comfortable half hour ferry ride to the next island. Get back on yoursaddle and keep riding on the island to finish ride at train station. We transfer to hotel sitting justby the beach, and we taste modern Japanese style dinner at restaurant on site.
Cycling Distance – 84-110km / Altitude gain – 800-977m
Accommodation - (3 stars quality)
Hotel / Private toilet / Onsen Spa / meal (B,D)

Day 7 Hioki-Makurazaki
Getting out of Hioki, we ride into cycling path which spread along the coast for 25km. Relax andcruise on the cycling path with nice sea breeze on the sand dune. After 50km flat ride, one
mountain pass will give you good energy consumption and appetite for today’s dinner. We finish
at Makurazaki town where famous Shōchū “Satsuma-Shiranami” is originally from. Shōchū is adistilled beverage native to Japan, and the one distilled from sweet potato is a local specialty
around this area. We visit the 100 year’s old brewery and of course get tasting of several kindsof excellent Shōchū.
Cycling Distance - 78km / Altitude gain - 853m
Accommodation - (3 stars quality)
Hotel / Private bath / Wifi / Onsen Spa / Laundry / meal (B)Day 8 Makurazaki-Ibusuki
From Makrazaki, we cycle up to a hill where vast green tea farms are laid out. Fresh scents fromtee leaves will give you refresh feeling all through the farm ride. The road around beautiful cone
shape Mt. Kaimon brings you a nice quiet ride with ocean view. We have a break at natural sandOnsen on the beach. Put your whole body in sand warmed up naturally by geothermal activity
and relax with hearing sound of waves, this is an unforgettable moment on this trip.
Cycling Distance - 62km / Altitude gain - 651m
Accommodation - (3 stars quality)
Hotel / Private bath / Wifi / Onsen Spa / Laundry / meal (B,D)

Day 9 Ibusuki-Yakushima Island
Taking 80 minutes jet ferry from Ibusuki leads us to the final destination, Yakushima Island.
This island had been registered as UNESCO world heritage for a first time in Japan. As one of thewettest places in Japan, thick Yakusugi forest and deep valley with crystal clear water flowing
through invite you to gorgeous hiking trip through the forest. This day is a free day, but half dayhiking in Yakusugi forest is highly recommended.
Accommodation - (3 stars quality)
Hotel / Private bath / Wifi / Onsen Spa / Laundry / meal (B)Day 10 Yakushima Island
Cycle around the island is a nice finish of this trip. We visit local citrus juice factory, farmer’s
market, so we can have tastes of this island. Having a break at natural Onsen on the rocky
beach is a nice option. When we reach to west part of the island where sanctuary for wild animal
is, we have many chances to meet wild monkeys and dears. We have a break on beautiful whitesand beach and finish riding at Hotel with Onsen.
Cycling Distance - 100km / Altitude gain - 1444m
Accommodation - (3 stars quality)
Hotel / Private bath / Wifi / Onsen Spa / Laundry / meal (B,D)

Day 11 Departure
Time to say good by, we transfer you to the airport or ferry port.
Direction to go back to Fukuoka, Kansai, and Narita airport*Take ferry & train
Ferry: Yakushima 10:45 - Kagoshima port 12:35 (10min taxi to Kagoshima-chuo station)

Train: Kagoshima-chuo station 13:42 - Hakata 15:07, Hakata - Fukuoka airport 6min.
*Take flight
JAC3672 Yakushima 14:10 (KUM) – Fukuoka (FUK) 15:10
MM158 Fukuoka 17:40 (FUK) – Kansai (KIX) 18:45
GK510 Fukuoka 18:30 (FUK)– Narita (NRT) 20:15

About accommodation
We choose Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) as much as possible to support local tourism andeconomy. Ryokan is traditional Japanese style inns often run by family and in many cases it hasOnsen (natural hot springs) on site. You will sleep on a futon on the tatami floor in ryokan. It’s
definitely the best choice if you want to experience authentic Japanese accommodation.
However, there are a few things to remember before staying there.

Room in Ryokan•YukataOnsen hot spring

Washing space

Traditional Japanese room does not have bed, instead, it has Futon mat on "Tatami"
straw weaving floor to sleep on. The photo is how typical Ryokan room looks like.

•Most of the accommodation provide "Yukata" traditional night robe, you can wear it tohot spring and restaurants on site. You don't have to carry your night clothing as much
if you enjoy Yukata.

•Most of Ryokan provide nice public Onsen hot spring to share, then some of the rooms
do not have their own shower and bath. Public onsen has washing place where you canwash yourself.

•Some of Ryokans in remote area do not have toilet in each room. They have public toilet
on site.

What to bring□Passport You need to show passport when you check in accommodations.
□Travel insurance detail Medical cost is expensive in Japan. You are strongly recommended
to have comprehensive travel insurance.
□Cash in Yen Credit card does not work in small restaurants and shops in Japan. Lunch costs

1000-1500yen, dinner 2000-3000yen. ATM in post office can work for international card.
□Helmet It is compulsory to wear helmet on our tour. Rental on request.
□Gloves Protect your hands.
□Cycling clothing Bring appropriate clothing for cycling.
□Rain jacket It rains in Japan.
□Warmers It can be cold in the mountains.
□Casual clothing to go out to restaurants at night.
Equipment requiredYour bike will come with a front pannier bag for your camera, wallet, jumper etc. Although wehave comfortable bike seat and helmet, we recommend you bring your own gear that you areused to at home.