A Cycling Journey Through Hiji with Guide Mr. Fujino
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Introduction to the Hiji Area
A healing cycling trip to enjoy slow, unhurried moments
The Hiji–Kunisaki area is blessed with a rare landscape where the sea and mountains lie close together. A serene coastline overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and mountainous areas dotted with historic temples and shrines are compactly arranged, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of scenery depending on the location.
The harmonious blend of long-standing culture and nature creates landscapes unique to this region, offering a deep sense of peace and relaxation to those who visit.
Introduction to the Guide (Local Guide) and the Route
Guide Profile (Mr. Masahiro Fujino)
They operate “Oita Cycle Tour Ring,” which offers cycling tours and rental bicycles in Hiji Town. Based in Hiji, the company provides guided tours that explore various areas across Oita Prefecture, including the Kunisaki Peninsula and Beppu, aiming to showcase local attractions while helping participants discover the joy of cycling.
From major sightseeing spots to hidden local gems, they also accept orders for fully customized, tailor-made tours.
About This Route
Route: Hiji “Sparkling Sea” Course
Distance / Time: 30 km / approx. 4–6 hours (including meal time)
This refreshing route lets you ride along roads overlooking the beautiful sea, enjoying the ocean breeze as you go. While visiting atmospheric castle towns and shrines to experience the history of Hiji Town, the course also includes stops at carefully selected gourmet spots and cafés. With its relaxed pace, it’s suitable even for beginners or those who aren’t confident in their physical stamina.
Feel free to take detours whenever a view or place catches your eye—enjoy a kind of journey that’s a little different from traveling on foot or by car.
Places to Visit
Oita Cycle Tour Ring ~Offering cycling tours where exhilarating rides and new encounters await~
They cater to a wide range of cyclists, from local residents to visitors from other prefectures and overseas.
Phone: 0977-72-0044
Address: 1F, 3889-3 Hiji Town, Hayami District, Oita Prefecture
Hours: 9:00–19:00
Closed: Mondays *(May be closed on other days when guiding cycling tours)
URL: https://oitacycletour-ring.com/
Located about a 5-minute bike ride from Yōkoku Station in the center of Hiji Town—where supermarkets and restaurants are concentrated—Oita Cycle Tour Ring offers rentals ranging from easy-to-ride e-bikes (electric bicycles) for beginners to full-fledged road bikes.
I’m Fujino, your guide—someone who fell in love with road biking as a hobby and discovered the exhilaration of traveling by bicycle. In addition to tours that let you fully enjoy Hiji Town’s sea, mountains, and history, I also propose cycling plans across Oita Prefecture, including the neighboring Kunisaki Peninsula. Those who want to try riding before getting into road biking seriously are also very welcome. Experience the thrill of riding while soaking in the region’s charm.
Hiji Town, featured this time, is a cyclist- and traveler-friendly town. Locals are quick to strike up conversations, so enjoy the warmth of these friendly encounters as well.
Yatsushima Shrine ~The oldest shrine in Hiji Town, where tranquility and history blend together~
Beyond the torii gate, a fantastical scene unfolds: a straight stone-paved approach lined with trees leading to the worship hall.
Phone: 0977-72-3168
Address: 5414 Toyooka, Hiji Town, Hayami District, Oita Prefecture
URL: https://hijinavi.com/spots/detail/18
This historic shrine is said to have been founded in 734 (the 6th year of the Tenpyō era). Set in a quiet, elevated location, it offers superb views over the town below and Beppu Bay beyond. Nearby is Uomi-zakura, one of the prefecture’s most famous cherry blossom spots.
As you pass through the first torii gate and walk along the stone path, the second torii comes into view. This stone torii is believed to have been donated by Ōtomo Sōrin. Look closely and you’ll notice there are no joints—it uses a “self-weight” construction style, standing solely by the perfect balance of the stone’s own weight.
During the Autumn Grand Festival held in October, Tsushima Kagura and Tsujima-gaku—designated Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Oita Prefecture—are dedicated and performed.
As you enter the shrine grounds, you are greeted by the charming “Ball-Balancing Komainu” guardian dogs.
After offering prayers at the worship hall, take time to explore the grounds thoroughly. Beside the hall are Men-gami-sama, believed to bring blessings related to the head and face, and Kagami-no-miya, a deity said to cure illnesses. Wrapped in a solemn atmosphere, reflect on the history and culture of Hiji Town.
Ninomaru-kan ~A base for sightseeing in Hiji Town — a historic spot where you can also shop for souvenirs~
The building includes a rest area, making it a perfect place to take a break during your journey.
Phone: 0977-72-4255
Address: 2612-1 Hiji Town, Hayami District, Oita Prefecture
Hours: 8:30–17:00
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
URL: https://hijinavi.com/spots/detail/55
Serving as a hub for sightseeing information and bicycle rentals, Ninomaru-kan also features a co-working space, a challenge space where food businesses can operate on a rotating or limited-time basis, and events with food trucks. It’s a familiar and welcoming place for locals as well. Located in an area that retains the atmosphere of a castle town overlooking Beppu Bay, it’s an ideal starting point for exploring Hiji Town.
Inside, you’ll find a corner showcasing agricultural products and souvenirs mainly from Hiji Town and across Oita Prefecture. Since most tours stop here early on, you can always return later to purchase anything that caught your eye.
You’ll find locally made processed foods and unique souvenirs that truly represent Hiji Town.
Chidōkan ~A place to experience the “spirit of learning” nurtured in Hiji Town~
From the veranda, enjoy an exclusive panoramic view of Beppu Bay.
Phone: 0977-73-3156 (Hiji Town Board of Education, Social Education Division)
Address: 2594-4 Hiji Town, Hayami District, Oita Prefecture
Hours: 9:00–17:00
Closed: Mondays
(Open on public holidays; closed the following day), year-end and New Year holidays
URL: https://hijinavi.com/spots/detail/5
Cycling along the white-plastered walls and stone-paved road that continues from Ninomaru-kan, you’ll arrive at Chidōkan, quietly blending into the serene streetscape of the old castle town. Beyond the open sliding doors seen from the main gate, the beautiful Beppu Bay and surrounding mountains form a borrowed landscape, creating a one-of-a-kind space.
This photo was taken on the way to Chidōkan—an excellent photography spot where the castle-town scenery and Beppu Bay spread out before you.
Chidōkan was a domain school established in the second bailey of Hiji Castle by Toshimichi Kinoshita, the 15th lord of the Hiji Domain. It is said to have opened its doors not only to samurai children but also to the general public, making it an advanced educational institution for its time.
Relocated to its current site in 1951, the building underwent major restoration completed in 2015, beautifully restoring its original appearance. This two-story wooden structure is the only surviving domain school building in Oita Prefecture and is a valuable cultural asset—an essential place for understanding Hiji Town’s history.
Hiji Castle Ruins ~A castle site inside an elementary school!? Traces of history woven into everyday life~
The view from the castle keep base
From the tenshudai (castle keep base), you can enjoy a beautiful view stretching across Beppu Bay, with Mount Takasakiyama and Mount Tsurumidake clearly visible beyond the water.
Phone: 0977-73-3222 (Hiji Town Social Education Division, Cultural Properties Section)
Address: 2610-1 Hiji Town, Hayami District, Oita Prefecture
URL: https://hijinavi.com/spots/detail/1
Located along the coast of Hiji Town, the Hiji Castle Ruins once housed a castle of 30,000 koku in scale, featuring impressive stone walls and a triple-layered defensive layout. Today, Hiji Elementary School and Hiji Junior High School stand on either side of the ruins, while the remaining stone walls, moats, and castle keep base quietly convey the history of the site.
For local residents, this is a familiar everyday landscape—part of their walking routes and school commutes. In the morning, fishing boats can be seen heading out to sea; in the evening, the setting sun casts its glow upon the stone walls. Though it is a tourist site, the presence of daily life is what makes it so appealing. A park has also been developed below the ruins, and in spring, it becomes a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.
The stone walls are built using Nozura-zumi, a traditional technique that stacks natural stones with minimal processing.
In one corner of the schoolyard of Hiji Elementary School—built on the former site of the main bailey—stands the “Genroku Time Bell.” Originally installed to signal the time to the surrounding area, it is now known as the “Bell of Peace.” Even today, on weekday mornings at 8:00 a.m., students take turns ringing the bell, continuing a long-standing tradition.
The “Bell of Peace” stands quietly in the corner of the schoolyard, still bearing bullet marks from attacks during World War II.
Minds Hiji Main Branch ~A beloved Western-style restaurant loved by all generations~
A luxurious one-plate dish, the “Omurice Set,” lets you enjoy both hamburger steak and omurice together.
Lunch time is spent at Minds Hiji Main Branch, a renowned Western-style restaurant that gained nationwide fame after its hamburger steak was highly praised on popular TV variety shows. In addition to curry and omurice, its signature hamburger has become a must-try dish.
The restaurant is located in a quiet residential neighborhood.
Phone: 0977-73-2379
Address: 2701-1 Hiji Town, Hayami District, Oita Prefecture
Hours: 11:30–15:00 (Last order 14:00), 17:30–21:00 (Last order 20:00)
Closed: Tuesdays
URL: https://subsaku.com/minds-2/
Instagram: @minds_hiji
Loved by customers of all ages for its carefully selected ingredients and chef’s attention to cooking techniques, the restaurant also attracts many visitors from afar. At Minds, the hamburger steak is traditionally enjoyed with the restaurant’s original white wine sauce. With a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice, the sauce is truly one of a kind and pairs beautifully with the fluffy, juicy, and richly meaty hamburger.
There are also set menus combining hamburger steak with omurice or curry, perfect for those who want to indulge in a hearty plate. Takeout is available as well, making it a great option for enjoying a delicious outdoor lunch during a cycling trip when the weather is pleasant.
Gently shake the plate and it wobbles! The “Yureru Otomegokoro Pudding,” with its silky-smooth texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, is also very popular.
Manoa Café — A Hawaiian café that connects people like a rainbow —
A Hawaiian café that blends seamlessly into the tranquil surroundings. It’s an ideal place to take a break during a cycling tour, inside a space filled with the spirit of Hawaii.
Tel: 080-9102-2622
Address: 5673 Ōgami, Hiji-machi, Hayami-gun, Oita
Hours: 10:00–17:00 (Last order 16:30)
Closed: Fridays, 3rd Sunday of the month, and other irregular days (announced on Instagram)
Instagram: @manoacafe_hijimachi
Located near Ōgami Fishing Port on the northern coast of Beppu Bay, this café is run by an owner who felt the breeze and atmosphere of Hawaii in this very place. The café is named after Manoa Valley, a famous Hawaiian spot where rainbows are often seen. The interior is decorated with Hawaiian-inspired designs and goods. Dishes such as loco moco, garlic shrimp, and pancakes faithfully recreate the authentic flavors the owner experienced in Hawaii.
The local Hawaiian treat “Malasada” features a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior—like a delicious fried bread.
On guided tours, this café is often visited as a rest stop in the latter half of the route. With sweets like malasadas and Hawaiian scones, as well as colorful rainbow drinks, it’s the perfect place to soothe a pleasantly tired body. Gazing at the sea from inside feels just like being at a tropical resort. Enjoy a local Hawaiian experience in Hiji Town.
Kaiten Ōgami Training Base Memorial Park — A site that preserves the memory of war and conveys the value of peace —
The park features life-size models and the rear section of an actual torpedo.
The remains of the Kaiten Ōgami Training Base in Hiji Town were built during the final stage of the Pacific War to train pilots for the manned torpedo known as “Kaiten.” In 1945, the Ōgami Assault Unit was formed, and 285 members trained in Beppu Bay. However, the war ended before they were deployed in combat.
Today, the site has been developed into a memorial park, preserving remains such as torpedo shelters, Kaiten storage facilities, and warhead storage bunkers. Nearby stands Kaiten Shrine, where pilots and maintenance crew from across Japan are enshrined. A memorial service is held every April.
This is a precious place to learn about wartime history and reflect on the value of life.
While the theme may feel heavy for tourism, it is an essential place to understand the history of Hiji Town, which is why guided tours include it. We hope visitors can reflect on how today’s peaceful environment was shaped and rediscover the importance of everyday life.
After the Guided Tour
Surrounded by sea and mountains, Hiji Town offers a rich natural environment where visitors can enjoy refreshing sea breezes while experiencing local culture and history. The unique experience of witnessing the intersection of past and present is a special charm found only here.
Message from Guide Fujino
The appeal of cycling lies in the constantly changing scenery. It expands your range of movement and allows you to explore alleys and farm paths that spark a sense of adventure. Ride, walk, eat well, and enjoy “healthy tourism.”
Contact Information
TEL: 0977-72-0044
URL: https://oitacycletour-ring.com/
MAIL: info@oitacycletour-ring.com
We also share updates on Instagram!
Highlights from the Hiji Town tour are available in short videos on Instagram.
Be sure to check them out for an immersive look at the tour experience!