A Cycling Journey Through Saiki with Guide Ms. Fujiwara
- PICKUP
Introducing the Saiki Area
A refreshing island ride with the sea breeze on your face.
Once thriving as a castle town of the Saiki Domain, Saiki City is known as a true treasure trove of food blessed by both mountains and sea. A local saying goes, “The lord of Saiki prospers by the sea, and the blessings of the coast are sustained by the mountains.”
Fresh seafood landed at Saiki Bay and Tsurumi Fishing Port is one of the area’s major attractions, accounting for about 70% of Oita Prefecture’s total catch, with as many as 350 different fish species. Warm connections with local fishermen are another charm unique to this port town.
Introducing the Guide and Route
Guide Profile (Yoko Fujiwara)
While working for the Saiki Tourism and Town Development Organization, Ms. Fujiwara is also active as a cycling guide. To create engaging tours, she frequently visits libraries and conducts in-depth research on Saiki’s history.
As many stories of Saiki are not recorded in official history, she focuses on more “imaginative theories,” weaving in background stories not taught in schools, delighting participants with her lively and insightful talks.
About This Route
Route: Ōnyūjima Leisure Cycling Course
Duration: Approx. 3 hours (including meals)
The tour starts at Saiki Station, followed by a ferry ride to Ōnyūjima Island. The compact island, with a circumference of about 17 km, allows cyclists to enjoy a full loop along the coastline, stopping to savor local specialties and attractions along the way.
Riding along the coast, you’ll enjoy views of the sunlit sea, while the island’s interior offers lush forests and rich natural scenery unique to island life. Tours can also include hands-on experiences such as traditional dyeing.
After returning to the mainland by ferry, the tour concludes, but we also introduce relaxing spots perfect for visiting afterward.
Stopover Spot
Saiki City Tourist Information Center – A central hub for cycling in Saiki City, with a wide selection of rental bicycles available –
Let’s set off on a cycling tour together with guide Fujiwara!
Phone: +81-972-23-3400
Address: 2-6-37 Ekimae, Saiki City
Hours: 9:00–18:00 (Rental bikes available until 17:30)
Closed: Year-end & New Year holidays
Website: https://www.saiki-cycle.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saiki_tourism/
Located next to Saiki Station, the Saiki City Tourist Information Center (also known as the “Saiki Ring Terminal”) houses one of the largest bicycle fleets in the prefecture.
It offers 30 e-bikes (electric-assist bicycles), as well as cross bikes, city cycles, and children’s bikes—45 bicycles in total.
Following the 2005 municipal merger that made Saiki the largest city in Kyushu by area, the city has actively promoted cycle tourism to make its diverse regional attractions more accessible.
As a result, Saiki has developed a reputation as a cyclist-friendly city, with community-wide efforts in infrastructure and environment building. It also serves as a venue for races and events such as the annual “Tour de Saiki.”
Throughout the city, you’ll find plenty of cyclist-friendly facilities—including bike stands, air pumps, and tools—making it easy and safe even for beginners to enjoy cycling.
Saiki Umi no Ichiba ○ (Maru) “Freshness No.1” – All the freshest seafood Saiki has to offer, in one place! –
A hugely popular spot bustling daily with both locals and visitors.
Phone: +81-120-413-780
Address: 3-21 Kuzuko, Saiki City, Oita Prefecture
Hours: 9:30–18:00
Closed: January 1
Website: https://uminoichiba.jp/uminoichiba/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saiki_uminoichiba_maru/
At “Freshness No.1,” locally caught fish from Saiki Bay and Tsurumi Fishing Port—along with seafood from across Oita Prefecture—are served as sashimi, sushi, and prepared dishes.
Because skilled staff purchase directly from wholesalers, every item is guaranteed to be delicious.
Their signature Saiki bluefin tuna is purchased whole, allowing them to offer everything from lean cuts and medium fatty tuna to premium toro and rare parts.
Sushi by the Piece Corner
Fresh, generously sized toppings are a delight!
This always-popular corner features over 20 varieties of sushi at all times, including Saiki bluefin tuna and seasonal fish. Choosing what to eat is part of the fun.
This time, enjoy a luxurious breakfast before cycling. The toppings are not only fresh but impressively large—one bite and you’ll understand why Saiki’s seafood is so highly praised.
Open from 9:30 a.m., it’s perfect for a slightly late “sushi morning.”
Ōnyūjima Ferry Terminal – Island cycling begins with a boat journey –
From the ferry connecting Saiki Port and Ōnyūjima, you can enjoy views of the islands floating in Saiki Bay.
Phone: +81-972-23-2880
Address: 18-2 Kuzuko, Saiki City, Oita Prefecture
Operating Hours:
From Saiki: First ferry 7:15 / Last ferry 18:15
From Ōnyūjima: First ferry 7:00 / Last ferry 18:00
Website: https://www.visit-saiki.jp/spots/detail/1afde1a3-7f73-411f-99f9-e13869090859
About a five-minute bike ride from Saiki Station brings you to the Ōnyūjima Ferry Terminal at Saiki Port, where you’ll board the ferry bound for Ōnyūjima.
While many visitors use the ferry to explore the island by car or bicycle, for local residents it is an essential part of daily life—for commuting, shopping, and even transporting delivery trucks and postal workers.
The crossing takes just about seven minutes, and you’ll arrive before you know it.
During the short ride, step out onto the deck to feel the sea breeze and let your excitement build for the cycling journey ahead. Don’t miss the scenery unique to this area: islands floating on calm blue waters and the intricately indented ria coastline. The simple act of taking a ferry adds a special, out-of-the-ordinary touch that heightens the travel experience.
Note: Bringing a bicycle on board requires an additional special baggage fee of 200 yen.
Funakakushi — A mysterious experience that feels like walking on the sea —
A photo taken on the “Path Over the Sea.” A soothing spot where a gentle breeze carries the scent of the ocean.
Address: Saiki Bay, Saiki City, Oita Prefecture
“Funakakushi” literally means a place to hide boats. Historically, it refers to inlets or caves used to conceal vessels from enemy forces during times of conflict. Ōnyūjima also has such a site, and after it ceased being used as a hiding place, it was once utilized for yellowtail aquaculture.
Passing through a quiet forest, the view suddenly opens up to reveal a small inlet welcomed by gentle waves. Looking into the water, you may spot various fish depending on the season and time of day.
The breakwater separating the inlet from the open sea is known as the “Path Over the Sea.” Walking along it gives the uncanny sensation of parting the water as you go. From the shore, you can even take photos that make it look as though you’re walking on the sea itself.
Bicycles are not allowed inside the area; please park at the entrance and explore on foot.
Kamo Shrine — A small shrine embraced by sea and mountains —
Spend a quiet moment reflecting on history at this serene island shrine.
Address: 260 Takamatsuura, Saiki City, Oita Prefecture
Ōnyūjima is home to nine small shrines scattered among its settlements. Kamo Shrine, located in the Takamatsu district, is one of them and has long supported the spiritual life of the local community. It is still carefully preserved today as a guardian deity of the island.
Be sure to look up at the ceiling paintings inside the worship hall. They depict motifs connected to Saiki, marine life, and creatures believed to bring good fortune. Their vivid colors and bold style are captivating.
It is widely believed that the shrine enshrines a divided spirit of Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya Shrine) in Kyoto. However, due to the lack of old records, many mysteries remain—such as whom exactly is enshrined and why the ceiling paintings were created. These unanswered questions are part of the shrine’s unique charm and story.
Umi no Ie Ajimo — A relaxing stop on your island journey, where Saiki’s local flavors await —
One of the joys here is chatting with the friendly local mothers who greet you with warm smiles.
Address: 860-2 Katagamiura, Saiki City
Hours: 11:00–15:00
Closed: Monday to Friday
Located right in front of Shirahama Beach, known for its shallow shoreline, Umi no Ie Ajimo is run by local mothers from Ōnyūjima. They serve comforting, handmade dishes such as yakisoba, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. Open the door and you’ll be welcomed with cheerful hospitality that quickly makes even first-time visitors feel at home.
A must-try dish is the yakisoba made with Saiki’s proud brand oyster, the Ōnyūjima Oyster. Packed with juicy oysters known for their delicate flavor, it’s a luxurious treat you can enjoy casually—something only visitors to the island can experience.
Other local specialties include juice and steamed buns made from the rare yamamomo (Japanese bayberry), harvested only for a few days each year.
With advance reservations, cycling tours can also include experiences such as yamamomo botanical dyeing, adding another layer of island culture to your journey.
At the Shirahama Beach right in front of you, you may encounter starfish, rays, shrimp, and other marine creatures.
Arajirōdai Observation Terrace — A breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Saiki Bay that truly lets you feel “this is island travel”—
A beautiful 360-degree panoramic view. With mountains stretching out behind you, this is a place where you can feel the richness of both sea and mountains.
Address: 298-2 Arajirōura, Saiki City, Oita Prefecture
Located on the eastern side of Ōnyūjima Island, this scenic spot offers views of the Tsurumi Peninsula, the easternmost point of Kyushu. It is also known as one of the first places in Japan to see the sunrise. From the observation terrace, you can admire the distinctive ria coastline terrain.
From early morning until evening, sunlight bathes the area, reflecting off the gently swaying waves and making the sea surface sparkle. The rhythmic movement of the water is said to have a calming effect, making this a place you’ll want to gaze at forever—it’s one of my personal favorites. As it’s still relatively unknown even on Ōnyūjima, there are few tourists, allowing you to enjoy peaceful, uninterrupted moments.
You may also see fishing boats coming and going, or cruise ships anchored in the bay.
Although this spot perfectly encapsulates the charm of island scenery, the area beneath the observation deck is actually a wastewater treatment facility, with the third floor opened to the public as a terrace. Clean restrooms are available, making it a convenient rest stop during cycling tours.
Yayoi no Yu — Relax in the bath after your cycling tour —
This bathing facility uses groundwater rather than hot springs, but its mild, neutral water makes it enjoyable for everyone—from children to seniors.
Phone: 0972-46-5841
Address: 898-1 Kamikogura, Yayoi, Saiki City, Oita Prefecture
Hours: 10:00–21:00 (last entry 20:20)
Closed: Second Tuesday of each month
URL: https://www.michinoeki-yayoi.com/
After returning the rental bicycles, the tour comes to an end. To soothe the pleasant fatigue of the journey and savor the day’s afterglow, we headed by car to Yayoi no Yu in the Yayoi area of Saiki City.
It’s a popular bathing facility frequented by local regulars and visitors from afar on weekends.
There are two types of baths: a Western-style bath filled with sunlight through large glass windows, and a calming Japanese-style bath—both equipped with open-air baths. With löyly saunas, jacuzzis, and more, it feels like a bath-themed park. Relax and unwind as you reflect on your cycling adventure.
On the same premises, you’ll also find Michi-no-Eki Yayoi selling fresh local produce and specialty souvenirs, the Banjo Osakana-kan Aquarium recreating the Banjo River, the local cuisine restaurant “Kūchikuri,” and Café Rin, popular for pancakes and crêpes—plenty to enjoy all in one place.
After the Guided Tour
Island cycling with the constant sea breeze was incredibly refreshing, with ocean and mountains unfolding no matter where we rode. The flat routes make it suitable even for beginners and children. With cycle stands and air pumps installed throughout the city, we truly felt Saiki’s reputation as a “cyclist-friendly town.”
Message from Guide Fujiwara
Saiki City is the largest city in Kyushu by land area. This time, we focused on a route highlighting the charm of the sea, but Saiki also offers mountains, rivers, and historic castle towns. We can also suggest courses that incorporate hands-on experiences—so please join one of our guided tours.
Contact Information
TEL: 0972-23-3400 (Saiki City Tourism Association)
URL: https://www.saiki-cycle.net/
Also on Instagram!
Scenes from Saiki tours are shared through short videos on Instagram.
Be sure to check them out to experience the atmosphere of the tour!