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Tour of Kyushu 2025

  • Day 14 - The Epilogue

      31 May 2025
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    自分を信じて、仲間を信じて。" (Jibun o shinjite, nakama o shinjite.) "Believe in yourself, believe in your friends. This quote highlights the importance of self-confidence and trust in others. It encourages a sense of community and mutual support.

    And just like that, the team that worked so hard together for the past 13 days, navigating around over 1000 km from Nagasaki to Fukuoka, found itself at a Fork in the Road. Tadao, the pocket rocket, left early to return to work in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan, a tiny island where he trains constantly for triathlons. Trent, our Aussie spinner, departed to join some old classmates in Queenstown before heading back to Singapore. Eden, our Van Man, was going to meet up with his wife in Sidney before returning to Queensland. Erick, Gadget Guy, jumped on the bullet train heading to Tokyo after a long evening of drinking with his old friend Yoshi. Simon H., The GOAT (Yellow Jersey winner), had another day in Fukuoka before returning to Sydney to rejoin his cycling club on Sunday morning. Joel, Team Captain and leader, is off to Okinawa for some scuba diving Meg, Queen of the Mountain and Simon B. are headed to Vietnam for a little R&R. Linda is headed to the States to see some college friends (the Fab Five) as well as a visit back to the family farm, and I’m heading back to New Zealand.

    To continue reading click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-14-the-epilogue

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  • Day 13 - Nakatsu to Fukuoka

      30 May 2025
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    Distance: 83 km Elevation 660 m Ride Time 6.6 hours

    It’s hard to believe, but we made it to Day 13! Our final leg of this incredible journey through Kyushu. One last climb out of Japan’s lush countryside stood between us and Fukuoka, the vibrant capital of northern Kyushu, known for its rich history, buzzing food scene, and warm hearted locals.

    Our hotel didn’t serve breakfast until 8:00 a.m, but with Eden needing to catch a flight later in the day, we had to get moving early. Quick on his feet, JD called an audible, and we rerouted to a Starbucks in Nakanoshimamachi Hita, about 15 kilometers away.

    The morning ride kicked off with a climb and a tunnel near the summit, an intense combination in the thick of morning traffic. A bit unnerving, to say the least! We regrouped, found some quieter side roads, and were soon surrounded by the peaceful charm of the Onta region, home of Ontayaki pottery, with its distinctive geometric patterns and centuries old craft tradition.

    To continue reading click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-13-nakatatsu-to-fukuoka

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  • Day 12 - Beppu to Nakatsu

      29 May 2025
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    Distance: 71.9 km Ride Time: 3 hrs 33 min Elevation Gain: 1039 m

    After a memorable night in Beppu, complete with our own private dining room and a few too many farewell drinks for Trent, we hit the road to Nakatsu. The GPS offered us three routes, and after some quick deliberation, we opted for the shorter path with more elevation and less traffic. Naturally, we missed a turn early on, rerouted, and started again, classic us.

    Soon we found ourselves grinding up a tough 5 km ascent, with gradients pushing 15% at times. A solid 400 meters of elevation later, we crested the hill and were rewarded with quiet, scenic backroads. As we caught our breath and soaked in the view, Simon B. slung his backpack onto Matt’s shoulders with a grin and remarked, “Here’s a little bonus weight for the next time you pick the route with the most elevation!” The group burst out laughing, classic trail banter at its finest.

    We regrouped at a 7-Eleven (our other support stop besides Lawsons), grabbed some snacks and coffee, and braced ourselves for the second climb of the day. This one was a gentler 5–9% incline, winding through forested hills with rocky outcrops and a soundtrack of birdsong which was absolutely stunning.

    To continue reading click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-12-beppu-to-nakatsu

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  • Day 11 - Yufuin to Beppu

      28 May 2025
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    Distance: 33.8 km  Ride Time: 1 hr 44 min  Elevation Gain: 444 m

    Today was meant to be a recovery ride after three tough days of climbs, but like a classic Duncan yo-yo, what goes down must come back up. Our now familiar routine continues: descend blissfully into a town in the evening, then tackle the climb back out the following morning. Spoiler alert: tomorrow will be no different!

    We decided to take it easy and start a little later today. The real reason? A croissant craving. We were holding out for the local French bakery, which didn’t open until 9:00 a.m. On our way there, we passed a peaceful temple, which Joël pointed out with a bit of cultural insight: on New Year’s Eve, temple bells ring 108 times in a Buddhist ritual called joya no kane, each chime representing the cleansing of a worldly passion. The final bell strikes as the new year begins, offering hope for a less burdened year ahead.

    We arrived at the bakery just before opening and joined the growing queue. Once inside, it was all smiles, warm pastries, and strong coffee. The vibe was so relaxed that we stayed for a second round. It was hard to leave the cozy café behind.

    To continue reading click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-11-yufuin-to-beppu

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  • Day 10 - Aso to Yufuim

      27 May 2025
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    Distance: 70.5 km Elevation: 1260 m Ride Time: 4 hours 33 mins

    Some of us barely slept last night, minds racing in anticipation of today’s epic ride. We couldn’t stop thinking about that thrilling 10 km descent into Aso the day before, because what goes down must inevitably come back up!

    The day kicked off with a breathtaking 10 km ride through the heart of the Aso UNESCO Global Geopark, weaving through rice paddies and golden wheat fields in the wide volcanic basin. Then came the real test: a grueling 14 km climb with grades reaching up to 17% that brought us back onto the ridge of the caldera, famously known as Milk Road. The views from the top were nothing short of spectacular, with the caldera sprawling below us.

    As we continued along rolling hills, we entered Aso-Kuju National Park (阿蘇くじゅう国立公園)—home to the towering peaks of Mount Aso, Mount Yufu, and the Kuju Mountains, the highest in Kyushu. Established in 1934, it’s one of Japan’s oldest national parks and a dream for cyclists, hikers, and geology lovers. Taking in the sweeping volcanic landscapes around us felt like riding through the Earth’s living core.

    To continue reading please click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-10-aso-to-yufuim

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  • Day 9 - Takachiho to Aso

      26 May 2025
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    Distance: 86.6 km Ride time: 4 hours 58 minutes Elevation: 1562 m

    We began our morning the Japanese way, with a traditional breakfast of grilled fish, tofu, rice, seaweed, a raw egg, and seasonal vegetables. As we sipped tea/coffee and reviewed our route, we prepared for a day filled with climbing, cool mist, and unforgettable scenery.

    Our journey kicked off with a steady climb right out of Takachiho, tracing a gentle 3–5% grade past lush forests, a dramatic gorge, and several Shinto shrines (jinja, 神社) sacred spaces where spirits (kami) are enshrined. These sites reminded us of Japan’s deep reverence for nature and ancestry.

    Seventeen kilometers in, we spotted two tires at the roadside, one wrapped in snow chains. Matt and Linda, being from the U.S., quickly recognised the sign: we were about to hit a mountain pass. And sure enough, at 30 km we found ourselves climbing through the senbonsakura “a thousand cherry trees” blanketed in mist and light rain. The air was cold, and our toes were beginning to go numb.

    To continue reading click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-9-takachiho-to-aso

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  • Day 8 - Hyuga to Takachiho

      25 May 2025
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    Distance: 83 km  Ride Time: 3 hrs 55 mins  Elevation Gain: 1114 m

    We gathered bright and early at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast, the TV humming in the background in fast-paced Japanese. While most of us couldn’t understand a word, Joel, Erik, Trent, and Simon H were oddly transfixed and for good reason. The forecast? Over 180 mm (that’s more than 7 inches!) of rain, high winds, lightning, and mudslide warnings. Not exactly prime cycling weather.

    Faced with nature’s obstacles, we took a vote: shuttle or cycle? The majority leaned toward hopping in a van to our next stop, Takachiho. But not all were ready to throw in the towel. Matt, ever the adventurer, pushed for pedalling on and eventually, he, Simon H, and Linda saddled up to brave the storm. Joel and Eric quickly mapped out an alternate route to avoid closures, and the determined trio set off.

    To continue reading please click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-8-hyuga-to-takachiko

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  • Day 7 - Kunitomo to Hyuda

      24 May 2025
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    Distance: 73.6 km Ride Time: 3.48 hours Elevation Gain: 636 m

    Today felt like something out of The Amazing Race! With map apps proving less than reliable, we split into three teams and relied on a combination of Komoot, Google Maps, Apple Maps, and live location sharing via WhatsApp to navigate. Team 1 — Joel, Trent, Eric, and Simon H — had a knack for deciphering clues and forging ahead. Linda and Matt (Team 3) reconnected with them throughout the day, while Meg and Simon B formed Team 2 and navigated primarily via Kamoot.

    Navigating through stretches of busy road, we stuck to back lanes or sidewalks where possible. Our journey began along narrow laneways shaded by tall bamboo and bordered by moss-covered retaining walls, a truly picturesque start. The region is deeply agricultural, and we passed through quiet villages nestled in lush valleys. Along the way, we saw fields with all sorts of produce. Team 2 experienced a more remote path with kumara (sweet potatoes), yams, aubergine, capsicum, leeks, kiwifruit, grapes, plums, loquats, lettuce (both red and green), cabbages, cucumbers, pumpkin and, of course, rice. They were fairly certain they even spotted a mango tree. A peaceful garden stop gave us a chance to enjoy the now, traditional egg sandwich beside koi-filled ponds.

    To continue reading click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-7-kunitomi-to-hyuda

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  • Day 6 - Kirishima to Kunitomi

      23 May 2025
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    Distance: 72.7 km Elevation Gain: 985 m Ride Time: 4.25 hours

    This morning greeted us with a spectacular rainbow as the fog began to lift, an uplifting sight after yesterday’s grueling ride through relentless rain and mist. Over breakfast, we shared laughs and reflections, especially when Simon B joked that during the final hour yesterday, he would have happily traded his net worth for a lift in the support van!

    Before we hit the road, we caught a breathtaking view of Mt. Sakurajima volcano billowing in the distance. It was such a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop. Unlike the previous day, the skies were clear, spirits were high, and we all relished the long, sweeping downhill ride into the valley below.

    A quick stop at the ever-reliable Lawson convenience store gave us the chance to refuel and sample new varieties of Japanese chocolates (a highlight for many of us!).

    To continue reading please click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-6-kirishima-to-kunitomi

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  • Day 5 - Ibusuki to Kirishima

      22 May 2025
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    Distance: 123.8 km | Elevation: 1021 m | In the saddle: 7 hours 16 minutes

    We were up again around 4:00 am, roused by the pounding rain and the familiar tension of decision day. What should we do, ride or regroup? Matt, ever the committed domestique, had already made up his mind. Like a true mailman, he was channeling the motto: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Meg and Linda were still weighing their options and would need to wait until breakfast to see who was suiting up.

    At breakfast, it became clear: the peloton would split. Some arrived in shorts and T-shirts, an obvious tell. Five of us would saddle up and brave the deluge and the lingering ash from Mount Sakurajima’s eruption on May 15–16, while the others sought alternative transportation to Kirishima.

    To continue reading click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-5-ibusuki-to-kirishima

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  • Day 4 - Minamisatsuma to Ibusuki

      21 May 2025
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    Distance: 67 km Ride Time: 3 hours 34 minutes Elevation Gain: 690 meters

    We began our fourth day on the road with a traditional Japanese breakfast and a warm send-off from the owners and their children, along with a group photo, which made for a rather heartfelt farewell.

    We started out the day with a last detour to the Chiran Peace Museum in Kagoshima. This airbase site commemorates the memory of over 1,000 young pilots who served as Special Attack (Kamikaze) pilots during World War II. The museum stands as a solemn reminder of the devastating human cost of war and the value of peace.

    From Chiran, we cycled through lush, rolling hills blanketed in green tea fields, some of the most scenic stretches we have encountered. Kyushu, often regarded as the tea capital of Japan, gave us a newfound appreciation for the art and culture of green tea, which we have grown to love more with each passing day.

    To continue reading click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-4-minimasatuma-to-ibusuki

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  • Day 3 - Akuneto to Minamisatsuma

      20 May 2025
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    Distance: 87.2 km | Elevation Gain: 885 m | Saddle Time: 4 hrs 42 mins

    We began Day 3 with a traditional Japanese breakfast, accompanied by unexpectedly excellent coffee. Setting out from Akune, we made our way toward Minamisatsuma, choosing scenic back roads over busy main highways wherever possible.

    About 25 km in, we paused for a carb-caffeine and water recharge before continuing along quiet, winding The camaraderie among our fellow riders is growing stronger by the day. We’re especially thankful that four members of our group are fluent in Japanese, which has been a tremendous help.

    One memorable moment from today was encountering a group of elderly locals playing ground golf, a uniquely Japanese sport tailored for simplicity and low physical impact. Played with one club and ball per person, it resembles croquet, though the objective is to sink the ball into a hole. Watching them laugh and cheer each other on was a heartwarming reminder of the importance of community and joy at every age.

    To continue reading click here

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-3-akuneto-to-minamisatsuma

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  • Day 2 - Amakusa to Akune

      19 May 2025
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    Distance: 87 km | Elevation: 873 m | Saddle Time: 4.26 hrs

    We started our day bright and early at 4:12 AM perhaps not ideal, but it gave us time to catch up on emails, social media, and news before tending to laundry and preparing for an essential part of Japanese culture: the onsen. We reminded ourselves that we need to appreciate Japanese culture even if we don’t agree or understand, and we’re here to understand.

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    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-2-amakusa-akune

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  • Day 1 - Nagasaki  to Amakusa

      18 May 2025

    (92.8 km | 900 m climbing | 5.15 hrs in the saddle)

    After a night of rattling windows and rain hammering the hotel façade, dawn finally pried us from a restless sleep. We began our 13-day bikepacking adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Kyushu (九州), Japan’s southern peninsula. This cycling tour offers a chance to immerse ourselves in Japan's stunning scenery and cultural richness.

    Central to this journey is the concept of “Ichi go Ichi e” (一期一会) — a beautiful Japanese philosophy that reminds us to Treasure every moment as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each encounter, each sight, and each shared memory is unique.

    This ride started with a steep descent on extremely wet surfaces in the dense fog.  Setting out from Nagasaki, the ride begins with an 200m climb through a series of safely navigable tunnels on the Himi Pass west of the city. After clearing the tunnels and descending Highway 34, the route breaks to the right onto the 251 over Yagamio Bridge as it crosses the Hachiro River. Once through Toishimachi, a series of rolling hills brings you to beautiful views overlooking Tachibana Bay and Mt. Unzen.

    To continue reading click here:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/day-1-nagasaki-to-amakusa

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  • Arrival in Japan

      17 May 2025
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    Arrival in Tokyo: A Seamless Start to Our Japanese Journey

    After landing at Tokyo Airport around 6:30 PM, we quickly navigated customs, complete with a temperature check and made our way to a service counter to ship our bikes ahead to Nagasaki, where the core of our journey will begin in four days. With logistics handled, we hopped onto Tokyo’s famously efficient train and subway system for a smooth hour-long ride into the city. A short walk later, we arrived at our hotel and checked into our cozy 10-square-metre room. By 10:00 PM, we were fast asleep, ready for the adventure ahead.

    Day 1: Pedaling Through Tokyo’s Cultural Backstreets

    Our first full day began with a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring rice, pickled vegetables, fish, and a soft-boiled egg, a curious but satisfying mix. We met up with friends Meg and Simon, then took the subway to meet Andy, our guide for the Tokyo Westside Cycling and Food Tour.

    To read more please go to:

    https://taraiticharitabletrust.com/follow-our-journey/arrival-in-japan-2025

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