
Oita Onsen Foodie Tour
Oita Prefecture in Kyushu is a historically and culturally unique gem. Enjoy an invigorating cycling course, plenty of sightseeing, and delicious local foods.
9 days / 8 nights
2026 Tours
Spring
(Sold out)
Fall
Oct1-Nov30
(Available)
Difficulty
Level 2 out of 3
Daily Distance:
50-70km(Ave)
Daily Elevation:
600-850m(Ave)
Accommodations
Premium Ryokan with Futon bed
Western-style business hotel
Nakatsu | Usa |
Yabakei | Beppu | Kunisaki Peninsula | Himeshima |
Fukuoka
about the trip
Join us on a journey through the hidden charms of Kyushu, Japan’s westernmost prefecture.
Offering unparalleled outdoor explorations and onsen hot-spring experiences, Oita Prefecture in Kyushu is a historically and culturally unique gem. Dive into Oita’s fascinating culinary culture and revel in the fresh seafood and harvests from nearby fields and mountains. The colorful panorama of Oita’s beautiful mountains and picturesque countryside is best viewed from a bicycle.
Did you know that Oita Prefecture contains the largest number of hot-spring water sources in Japan? In Beppu, you’ll experience the charm and diversity of onsen, including its healing minerals.
The second half of the tour emphasizes cycling across the Kunisaki Peninsula. Highlights include a visit to the Rokugou-manzan, a series of temple complexes founded more than 1,300 years ago. This spiritual site is where the cultures of Shintoism and Buddhism were established and evolved to the present day. We’ll stay at a priest’s quarters near Fukidera Temple, the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu, and experience zazen (Buddhist meditation). We’ll also travel by ferry boat to Himejima, a small island with a population of 2,000. There, we’ll take in the serene outdoors, a vibrant culture, and island cuisine in the only village in Oita Prefecture. Upon concluding our cycling, we’ll take a charter bus to Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu. Miles apart literally and figuratively from the countryside we’ve spent our time in, we’ll now take in a more urbanized side of Japan.
You’ll experience a kaleidoscope of Japanese history and culture from ancient times to the present. We’ll venture into undisturbed scenes of striking natural beauty, pass through exquisitely red torii gates, and take relaxing baths in hot springs. Our itinerary is unforgettable, guaranteed to make the best of your time.

trip highlights

Excellent bike tour of Kyushu. I would highly recommend this as local guides knew where to stop and where to eat and were extremely professional! Everday there were so many wonderful adventures and memories. The numerous, variations made it all so wonderful.

Keri
Stay at traditional ryokans (inns) steeped in history and experience Japanese omotenashi hospitality.
Visit the famous Mt. Takasaki Nature Zoo, where 1,500 monkeys live in a natural mountain habitat.
Visit Oita’s famous hot springs, and bathe in some of the onsen favored by locals.
Dine on the best of local cuisine fresh from the sea, rivers, mountains, and fields.
Take a ferry to Himejima, a legendary island with a population of 2,000.
Visit Usa and Yabakei with our bilingual guide for sightseeing accompanied by historical context and local details.
Cycle across the original landscapes of rural Japan, riding along the coastal and mountain roads of the Kunisaki Peninsula.
Meet local farmers, learn how they harvest their crops, and immerse yourself in a farm-to-table experience.
Navigate the intricacies of Japanese social interactions, mingle with locals, and engage in meaningful ways to experience Japanese culture.
Finish your stay with some free time in Fukuoka, Kyushu's largest city.
food highlights
Cycling level and suitability
•Level 2: A slightly more challenging course that many cyclists would consider the ideal cycling experience. Light to moderate cycling (four to six hours per day, or 40 to 80 km) with sightseeing, local snacks, and activities, of course.
Support vehicle (SAG van): A support vehicle will accompany all Taste of Japan Bike Tours. Each van is equipped with mechanic’s tools for fixing equipment, and will carry your suitcase, additional baggage, and hydration tanks. If any cyclists are unable to continue the tour, the van will transport them to the various stops.
For non-cycling companions: For groups with many non-cyclists, a separate vehicle can be arranged for an additional fee. A dedicated driver will accompany the non-cycling guests in a private vehicle, and we can make arrangements to satisfy the wishes of the non-cycling participants for sightseeing, shopping, and other activities.
total cycling distance
about 230km
distance/day
about 57km
climbing/day
about 777m
itinerary
Kita Kyushu Airport
(KKJ)
Transit from Tokyo Haneda Airport
Fukuoka Airport
(FUK)
Transit to Tokyo Haneda Airport
Say Hello
Excellent hotel near Nakatsu Station, Oita Prefecture
See “Before the Tour” for guidance
Say Goodbye
Excellent hotel
Tenjin, Fukuoka
See “After the Tour” for guidance
Book Your Trip