A 2-Day, 1-Night Cycling Trip to Fully Enjoy Nakatsu, Yabakei, and Usa
- PICKUP
When people think of cycling, they often imagine a day trip—riding out and returning within the same day.
Within a limited amount of time, you enjoy the scenery and feel the wind as you ride. This light and flexible style is certainly one of the charms of cycling.
On the other hand, if you start your ride from a place where you stay overnight, you can enjoy a slightly different travel experience.
You can ride without being pressed for time. Along the way, you may stop to chat with locals, and even after finishing your ride, the lingering feeling of the journey continues. You also have the chance to spend time interacting with your accommodation hosts and local residents, gradually feeling closer to the community.
In this article, we introduce a 2-day, 1-night cycling trip based at the inn Suehiroya in Nakatsu City.
It offers a deeper way to enjoy cycling—different from a simple day trip. Here, we present a short getaway that serves as the gateway to that experience.
Introducing Your Base for the Stay | “Suehiroya,” an Inn Where Cyclists Gather
The base for this trip, Suehiroya, has long been known as a “cyclist-friendly inn.” By hosting cycle tours and organizing talk events for cyclists, it has become a welcoming hub in Nakatsu where cyclists gather, stay, and connect with one another.
Inside the guesthouse, bicycles can be brought indoors, and the facilities are well equipped for cyclists. Cycle racks, tools, air pumps, and a washer–dryer are all available, providing everything riders might need during their stay.
Above all, the two owners who run the inn are themselves passionate cyclists. Their deep understanding of cycling—and the close, friendly atmosphere they create—has attracted many riders over the years.
In addition to domestic travelers, many overseas visitors—particularly from Europe and North America—also choose to stay here for longer periods, making it a popular base for those who wish to take their time and fully enjoy their journey.
During your stay, the owners will suggest activities tailored to each traveler, such as a relaxed local ride known as “Yurupota” (a leisurely cycling trip) or a stroll around town.
Day 1 | Arrival at Suehiroya and a Ride from Nakatsu to the Usa Area
Leave your luggage at the inn and get ready for cycling with a light load. One of the pleasures of traveling with an accommodation base is being able to start your ride calmly, without feeling rushed.
Leave your luggage at the inn and get ready for cycling with a light load. One of the pleasures of traveling with an accommodation base is being able to start your ride calmly, without feeling rushed.
In the afternoon, enjoy a cycling route that stretches from Nakatsu to the Usa area.
Usa Jingū, located along the cycling route, is a recommended stop.
The shrine grounds are spacious, and a quiet atmosphere flows through the area surrounded by trees.
While resting your body after the ride, you can take time to experience the history and character of this place.
Being able to pause for moments like this during a cycling journey is one of the unique charms of this area.
For those who want to explore more deeply, it is also possible to consult with local guides about arranging a cycling tour.
Oita Cycle Tour Ring – Mr. Fujino
Mr. Fujino provides cycling tours throughout Oita Prefecture and can flexibly design routes and riding styles according to the participants’ level and goals.
By riding together with a guide, you can enjoy a more meaningful cycling experience while learning about the local history and the stories behind the roads you travel.
For inquiries about guided tours, please visit the official website of Oita Cycle Tour Ring.
Cycle Journey – Mr. Nozaki
Mr. Nozaki offers cycling tours based in Usa City. Through fully customized tours tailored to each participant’s level and preferences, he introduces the hidden charms of Usa.
He also provides body care using essential oils, offering support for post-ride recovery.
For guide inquiries, please contact him through the Cycle Journey Instagram account.
After finishing your ride in the Usa area, return to the inn.
Taking a shower, relaxing, and spending time talking about the route you rode and the places you visited is one of the true pleasures of this journey.
Day 2 | Nakatsu Town Walk Tour and Cycling in Yabakei
Start the morning by leaving the inn for a walking tour of Nakatsu.
Your guide will be Mr. Watanabe (or Jason) from Suehiroya.
As you stroll around the neighborhood near the guesthouse, they will share stories about the area’s history, how the town developed, and the rhythms of everyday life here. Exploring the town slowly on foot allows you to notice details that you might miss when passing through by bicycle.
You may even find that your impressions of the places you rode through the day before begin to change. Walking naturally brings you closer to the character of the community.
After the walking tour, enjoy cultural experiences at Suehiroya. Activities such as a tea experience or a Japanese traditional dance (Nihon Buyo) experience allow you to relax and immerse yourself in Japanese culture during your stay.
In the afternoon, head out for cycling in the Yabakei area.
Recommended route: https://www.cycling-oita.jp/roadmap/140/
The scenic route runs along a valley and includes gentle climbs and descents, offering a satisfying ride that is perfect for the second half of a two-day cycling trip. With a rhythm different from the previous day, it offers another way to enjoy cycling in this region.
For those who would like a more in-depth ride, a guided tour with Mr. Matsunaga from Yabakei Cycling Tours is also recommended.
Riding with a guide who knows the terrain and routes well allows you to experience the charm of Yabakei more deeply through cycling.
For guide inquiries, please visit the Yabakei Cycling Tours Instagram account.
In Closing
Nakatsu, Usa, and Yabakei bring together historic towns, everyday local life, and rich natural landscapes—all within a compact area where cycling routes are easily accessible. Because of this close proximity, it is possible to enjoy a relaxed yet fulfilling cycling experience over just two days and one night. Using Nakatsu as your base, you can ride through Usa and Yabakei while experiencing the unique character of each area. The ability to explore these different landscapes within a short journey is what makes this model course so appealing.
A Message from Suehiroya
Thank you for reading this article.
Suehiroya is a guesthouse created by renovating a 130-year-old miso storehouse. Today it serves as a hub that connects people and the local community through cycling.
We hope to be a place where travelers can relax while experiencing the nature, history, and warmth of the people of Nakatsu and Yabakei.
The encounters and discoveries that arise while cycling and feeling the wind along the way will surely enrich your journey.
We hope you will stop by and visit us someday. We look forward to meeting you.
If you would like to ride this model course
・Cyclist-friendly accommodation: Suehiroya
・Nakatsu / Usa area guide: Oita Cycle Tour Ring
・Nakatsu / Usa area guide: Cycle Journey
・Yabakei area guide: Yabakei Cycling Tours
・Model course planning (tour arrangements available): Tsunagaru Co., Ltd.