Sept 24-29, 2024
Japan Ride
Kyushu — Onsen to Onsen
About the Ride
Kyushu, JAPAN
Sept 24 – 29, 2024
Fukuoka to Beppu, Japan
Explore the temples and hot springs (onsen) of Kyushu, Japan’s undiscovered southern island on two wheels. Cycling from west to east across forested green hills, we’ll visit quiet villages to experience local food and fascinating Buddhist traditions.
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Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
The forested slopes of Kyushu’s Kunisaki peninsula feature samurai castles, Buddhist temples, and an iconic volcanic landscape. Many overlook this remote corner of Kyushu, but those who make the effort will discover some of the most undisturbed pawā spotto (spiritual places) in all of Japan.
We meet in the bustling city of Fukuoka and quickly head out with a ride along the Chikugo River to an Edo-era town. After climbing up our only significant hill of the day, we descend to the town of Usa and visit a Shinto shrine dating back to 708. Then ride around the conical 731-m high Mt. Futago volcano that has 28 ravines extending from its center. Cycling around the perimeter allows us to avoid climbing so we can explore the beaches, ports and hidden temples in the forest. This area is also very rural and known for producing scallions, leeks, tomatoes, and prized kabosu limes.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Your Ride Guide will include full details, Itinerary subject to change
Each day will have the option for bonus miles for those who want more cycling!
Day 1
Arrival
We meet in Fukuoka, the most populous city on Kyushu island and Japan’s sixth-largest city. Our hotel is very easy to find as it is near the Hakata train station, which is a 6-minute train ride from the airport. We meet you at the hotel for a welcome dinner of traditional food and trip briefing in the evening.
Day 2
Bike 65km (40 Miles); +218 m
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Kyushu National Museum and learn about the history of the area. Then it’s time to get on the bikes and ride by the Tenmangu Shrine and Komyozen-ji, a Zen temple built during the Kamakura period and famous for its stone garden. Then we’ll enjoy a leisurely ride along the Chikugo River, which we’ll cross over many times today. A flat and smooth ride will take us to the hot spring resort and Edo-era merchant town of Hita. We explore the merchant pavilions of Mameda Town, once the Crown of the Edo Shogunate before we gather for dinner.
Day 3
Bike 62 km (39 Miles); +381 m
Today, we change terrain and have a bit of a climb, a 390-m ascent over 10 km, a nice gradual grade to the top of Oishitoge Pass (475 m). But what goes up, must come down, and we enjoy a terrific downhill to the town of Usa, home to a famous Shinto shrine. The sprawling, wooded, and water-crossed Usa-jingu shrine dates back some 1,200 years and is the chief shrine among some 40,000 in Japan dedicated to the warrior-god Hachiman. The unique Kurehashi Bridge with its thatched roof is particularly picturesque, so be sure to have your camera handy.
Day 4
Bike 60 km. (37 Miles); +228 m
We begin our circumnavigation of Mount Futago, a 750-m tall volcano, which juts out into the Seto Inland Sea. The peninsula is dotted with temples, including many small and rustic ones. Our first stop will be the revered 11th-century Tendai Temple of Fuki-ji in Bungo-takada, the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu and one of the oldest wooden temples in Japan. Inside the main hall are colorful murals portraying various themes of the Buddha, indicating the fervent Buddhist worship among the believers at this temple. We then backtrack for a few kilometers and soon find ourselves near the sea, passing beaches, ports, and numerous other shrines on our way to the town of Kunisaki. Enjoy the sea views from the onsen at our hotel tonight.
Day 5
Bike 53 km (33 Miles); +323 m
On our way to Beppu, we’ll ride inland to avoid the highway, crossing the many streams coming down from Mt. Futago. As we cycle through the town of Kitsuki, we’ll see the well-preserved samurai districts and also visit Kitsuki Castle, said to be the smallest castle in Japan. Originally built in 1394, Kitsuki Castle was lost during the Meiji Period but was reconstructed in 1970 and now houses a museum. We end our riding in Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, producing more hot spring water than any other resorts in the country. It also has a range of baths to enjoy — ordinary hot water baths, mud baths, sand baths, and steam baths. In addition, the Hells of Beppu are several spectacular hot springs to view, but not to bathe in. Have a hot soak before we have our last dinner together.
Day 6
Say our goodbyes!
Our tour ends after breakfast. The closest airport is Oita Airport, or you can return by train to Fukuoka to visit other parts of Japan. Or you can choose to extend your trip in Beppu.
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FAQs and More Info
Arriving and Departing Information
Please arrive in Fukuoka, Japan on Day 1 at the Hakata Green Hotel by 4 pm (near the Hakata train station (a 6-minute train ride from the airport).
The event ends in Beppu, Japan after breakfast. The closest airport is Oita Airport or you can return by train to Fukuoka, or you can choose to extend your trip in Beppu.
More specific information will be included in your Ride Guide which you’ll receive after you register.
Accommodations, Single Supplements, and Meals
This is an all-hotel trip. A single supplement may be available if you prefer your own room and there is availability at the hotels (please inquire after you register). If you sign up as a solo traveler, we will do our best to pair you with a roommate of the same gender. If we cannot find a roommate, then you will be charged a single supplement fee of $350 for the trip.
All meals and snacks are included once we arrive in Japan (excluding alcohol and additional beverages).
If you would like to book pre- or post-trip accommodations at our event hotels, please contact us.
Is my U.S. medical insurance valid while traveling outside the U.S.? Should I get travel insurance?
Travel/supplemental medical insurance on international Climate Ride trips is required. Many domestic health insurance companies do not provide coverage outside of the United States, and before leaving for the event, travelers should speak with their healthcare providers to determine if they will be covered. Several private insurance companies offer short-term travel/medical insurance. Check out Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, or other comparable companies.
Remember, travel insurance can only cover expenses you have paid for (flights, additional hotels, etc.). It cannot cover your fundraising. Be sure to read the fine print on the travel insurance that you buy.
What is included?
Included:
- English speaking guides
- Support vehicles
- A group transfer on departure day
- 5-night accommodation in double/twin shared rooms
- Meals
- All entrance fees
- Drinks & snacks while cycling
As well, you will have the support of our terrific friends and guides in Japan and your Climate Ride representative, Caeli Quinn.
Not Included:
- Visa fees. You will need to obtain a visa before departure
- Hybrid bike and helmet, available for rent for $250. Road Bike rental $350. E-bike rental $425 (limited supply – email immediately to reserve).
- Arrival transfer to hotel
- Meals other than mentioned in the Ride Guide
- Additional drinks or alcoholic beverages during meals
- Tips for guide, driver, boat crew & hotel porters
- Single supplement ($425, if needed)
- Travel/medical Insurance to cover your travel to/from Japan, your pre or post-ride hotel in Japan (if needed), medical incidents not covered by your domestic medical insurance, and other incidentals.
Fundraising Beneficiaries – Climate Ride
This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work. Your fundraising on this event will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride including our community scholarships for young climate leaders. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. Because of this, you cannot select a beneficiary for this event. All donations are tax-deductible.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 To Be Raised By: | 6/10/2024 |
| $2,250 To Be Raised By: | 7/22/2024 |
| Transfer | 8/13/2024 |
| $4,500 To Be Raised By: | 8/22/2024 |
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
