Miyako, Usa, Yufin, Kuju, Aso

Routendetails

## Route Overview

This is a scenic route from @photo[Shin-Toyotsu Station](11435848) in Fukuoka Prefecture to Aso Station in Kumamoto Prefecture. It takes in a bit of eveything; costal plain, river valleys, forest roads, three decent climbs (if you don't like climbing, this isn't the route for you), highlands, and ends at the foot of the largest active volcano in Japan. The route mainly follows quiet country roads, but there are a couple of sections on main roads (there are mixed-use paths next to the road on most of these sections).

It is possible to ride the route year round, although there may be snow in the highland areas from December to March, and the area can be affected by typhoons from July to October. It's also worth taking extra care in the hills for a few days after heavy rain due to debris and landslides. In my opinion, the best times of year to do the ride would be May or June, just after rice planting in the valleys, and when the highlands have just turned green, or mid to late November, when the leaves are changing and the suzuki grass is at its golden best.

Anyone of average fitness should be okay with this route. None of the climbs are outlandlishly steep - just make sure you've got plenty of water - especially in the summer. If you're on a bike-packing trip, there are a number of campsites in Yufuin, Kuju, and Aso, and if you're using the route as part of a Kyushu trip, there is plenty of accomodation in Yufuin, Kuju, and Aso.

## Route Details

The route starts at @photo[Shin-Toyotsu Station](11435848) on the Heisei-Chikuho Railway. There's free parking at the station, and it's also an easy ride from Kitakyushu airport ([route here](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36993388)).

The first part of the route follows backroads through the countryide of @photo[Miyako](11435843), @photo[Chikujo](11435846), @photo[Buzen](11435844), and Koge. The route runs broadly parellel to National Route 10 across the @photo[coastal plain](11435847) with the sea on your left and the the Hiko-san Range on your right. There's a short section on Route 10 as you cross the Yamakuni River, but there are shared-use paths on both sides of the bridge if you don't fancy using the road. The route is back onto backroads through Nakatsu,followed by another short section on Route 10 as you approach Usa. Again there are shared-use paths on both sides of the road.

@photo[Turning off](11435749) Route 10, the route starts going inland following @photo[highway service roads](11435851) through Usa until you reach Route 387. Route 387 is a relatively busy road, but it's quite narrow. There is a (narrow) shared-use path next to the road, and expect impatient drivers and close passes if you choose to ride on the road. The road follows the Yakkan River towards Innai-machi. This area boasts the @photo[highest number of stone bridges](11435750) in Japan, and the river cuts through some pituresque gorges. 
At Torii Bridge you turn off 387 and follow a backroad along the Tsubasa River. There are some @photo[great views of the river](11435751) as you climb into the hills and over into Ajimu. In Ajimu, you follow Route 500 and then turn onto Route 50. The road follows the Fukami River through a tight gorge and then into farmland before climbing up to Yufuin.

The @photo[climb to Yufuin](11435752) in the first of the three main climbs on the ride. The climb is about 13km @ 5%. The first 7km averages about 2% and takes you through a narrowing valley of rice fields and farming hamlets. The second part of the climb (6km @ 7%) comes at the head of the valley: the road ramps up through a rice terrace and into the forest, taking you up to the edge of the Hiju Highlands. At the top of the climb there's a big Self-Defense Force base and firing range, so don't be surpirse to come across military convoys.

There's a rolling plateau at the top of the climb then an enjoyable descent on a quiet, wide road down into Yufuin. Towards the bottom of the climb you'll get @photo[a good view](11435754) out over the Yufuin basin and Mt. Yufu. Yufuin is a hot spring resort, so if you've got time, it's well worth making time for a bath, and having a wander around town. If you're running low on food or drink, stock up in Yufuin as there aren't really any more shops until you get into Aso. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in the town if you fancy a break. 
There are more @photo[good views of Mt Yufu](11435755) on the way out of town, and after crossing Route 11, you're on a steep, narrow forest road up to the Yamanami Highway. The forest road was damaged in floods a few years ago, and they're still doing repairs in places, so watch out for trucks etc (they won't be expecting you!). Once you hit the Yamanami Highway, the climb continues for another 1.5km, then it rolls through the forest and down to the foot of the Kuju Mountains.

You get your first view of the mountains from the @photo[Asahidai parking area](11435756), then it's then a short hop over the @photo[Kanda Highland Plateau](11435757) to the foot of the climb to the Makinoto Pass on the shoulder of the Kuju mountains. At the base of the climb there are the Chojabaru Wetlands to explore if you have time.

The @photo[climb to the pass](11435759) is the last major climb of the route. There's a @photo[parking area](11435761) with hiking trails up to the peaks of the Kuju Mountains, and there's also a small restaurant if you're in need of refreshments. The descent from the pass is tremendous - the road is wide, and while there are quite a few bends, they're not too technical and the road is well surfaced and wide. There are @photo[great views over to Mt Aso from the observation deck](11435760) about halfway down.

At the bottom, stay on Route 11 through the @photo[rolling grassland](11435763) of the senomoto highlands. This area is area is one of the few areas of @photo[extensive grassland](11435764) in Kyushu and is home to large dairy herds. It's worth stopping at the @photo[Shirayama Viewpoint](11435767) for the views out over the Aso Caldera.

The route stays on Route 11 down into the caldera and then across the rice fields to Mayaji Town. Turn right onto Route 57 and that will take you through town to Aso Station.

From Aso Station, there are trains to Oita and Kumamoto, or if you fancy more riding, there are loads of great riding around Aso, Mainami Aso, and Minami-Oguni.

# More resources

Here are some links for things to see and do along the route

[Stone Bridges of Innai](http://oitaisan.com/english/heritage/stone-bridge-of-innai/)

[Yufuin](https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/707/)

[Yamanami Highway](https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/guide/kuju/recommend/10.html)

[Kuju mountains](https://www.visit-kyushu.com/en/see-and-do/kyushu-hiking-adventures/kuju-kyushu-aso-trekking/)

[Cycling Oita (Japanese)](https://www.cycling-oita.jp/)

[Aso-Kuju National Park](https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/aso/guide/view.html)

[Mt Aso](https://www.aso-denku.jp/en/)

[Aso Project (Cafes etc - Japanese)](https://oceanwhaleinblue.wixsite.com/asoproject)

[Road closure information (Japanese)](https://www.jartic.or.jp/)

# Important Reminders

If you plan on taking your bike on the train, you will need to completely cover your bike. Most people use a [rinko bag](https://www.google.com/search?q=rinko+bag&rlz=1C1CHBD_jaJP885JP885&oq=rinko+bag&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512l2j0i22i30l7.1715j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8).

While you're never that far from civilisation on this route, most of the route is fairly rural, so make sure you've got all you need to keep your bike running.

Deer and wild boar are common in the hills. Take care on descents.

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