Kyushu Motorcycle Tour

The tour begins at Rental819 Fukuoka Airport. Ride south to the historic Yūtoku Inari Shrine, known for its towering hillside architecture. From there, take the coastal road past the iconic Watermelon Bus Stop and along the Unzen Tara Sea Line for expansive ocean views. The afternoon ascent leads through the volcanic peaks of the Shimabara Peninsula to the Fugendake Parking Lot and the stone-walled terraced fields of Minami Kushiyama Tanabatake. After a coastal stretch known for dolphin watching, the day concludes at the Shirahama Beach Hotel.

Total Distance: ~230 km.

The day begins with a short ferry crossing from Oniike Port to the Amakusa islands. The route follows the rugged coastline to the historic Tomioka Castle and the serene Church Park, reflecting the region’s unique Christian heritage. A highlight of the afternoon is crossing the architectural Ushibuka Haiya Bridge before taking a second ferry from Ushibuka Port to Kuranomoto. The final stretch takes you through the dramatic Cape Nagasakihana Lighthouse Park and along the Agarihama Coast for a scenic entry into the city. The day concludes in central Kagoshima, right in the shadow of the Sakurajima volcano.

Total Distance: ~200 km.

The day begins at the historic Sengan-en Garden, offering a classic view of Sakurajima across the bay. After a short ferry ride to the volcano itself, the route follows the Arimura Lava Observation Deck and the famous Kurokami Torii, a shrine gate buried in ash from the 1914 eruption. From the coast, the ride heads north into the Kirishima mountains to the sacred Takachiho-gawara at the base of Mt. Nakadake. The afternoon features high-elevation technical riding, including the impressive Hitoyoshi Loop Bridge, a masterpiece of mountain engineering. The day concludes at the massive Tsūjun Bridge, Japan’s largest stone aqueduct.

Total Distance: ~256 km.

Starting from the historic Tsūjun Bridge, the ride enters the heart of the Miyazaki mountains to the iconic Takachiho Gorge, where towering basalt cliffs overlook the Gokase River. After a stop at the Amaterasu no Kakure Terrace, the route crosses into Oita Prefecture to visit the “Niagara of Japan,” Harajiri Falls. The afternoon is dedicated to high-elevation riding, passing the Sagiritai Lookout for panoramic views of the Yufuin basin. A must-see for riders is the Iwashita Collection, a world-class vintage motorcycle museum. The final leg climbs through the dense forests of Mt. Hikosan, concluding a day of technical curves and dramatic waterfalls.

Total Distance: ~250 km.

The journey continues south to the secluded Onta Pottery Village, where the sound of water-powered hammers has echoed for centuries. After a stroll through the “Little Edo” streets of Mamedamachi in Hita, the route crosses the Amagase Bridge and climbs toward the high-altitude meadows of the Guernsey Farm. The afternoon is pure riding bliss, hitting the technical Hakoishi Pass and the world-famous Daikanbō Lookout for a 360-degree view of the “Sleeping Buddha” mountain range. A stop at ASO Kenny’s Road (named after MotoGP legend Kenny Roberts) is a rite of passage for any motorcyclist in Japan. The day ends with a well-earned soak at the Asonoyu hot springs. Total Distance: ~228 km.

The final day begins with extra time to explore the volcanic heart of Aso. After a morning ride through the rolling grasslands and panoramic ridgelines of the outer caldera, the route heads north toward the Chikushi mountains. The afternoon is a steady descent through scenic rural valleys as you approach the coastline. The tour concludes back at Rental819 Fukuoka Airport for a late afternoon bike drop-off, followed by a final night in the vibrant Tenjin or Nakasu districts of Fukuoka.