COURSE INTRODUCTION
COURSE 08 Around Kuju Touring Road Course
Feel the plateau's pleasant breeze while circling around the Kuju Mountains!
The mountains that spread out at the southern end of the Iida Kogen plataeu on the border of Oita and Kumamoto prefectures, with some peaks reaching 1,700 meters, are known as the Kuju Mountains. This course takes you around the Kuju mountains, letting you enjoy the changing expressions of the seasons as you cycle along the beautiful plateau. Relax your muscles at an onsen, or try some shaved ice to sate a dry throat. Some farms along the way serve delicious soft-serve ice cream—why not take a break on your cycling adventure?
View in Google MapsDATA
- Distance to Travel
- 68km
- Average Incline (Climbs)
- 4.9%
- Average Incline (Descents)
- 5.8%
- Elevation Gain (Climbs)
- 1,521m
- Elevation Gain (Descents)
- 1,552m
CYCLE MAP
Spot Information
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Cycle Stand
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Air Pump
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Tools
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Restroom
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Drink Supplies
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Information
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Kuju Winery
Located at the foot of Aso-Kuju, this winery is a must-visit for wine lovers. It produces and sells high-quality wines made from locally grown grapes. With vast vineyards set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Aso, visitors can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty. The on-site restaurant serves delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, making it a great spot for a lunch break.
Spot Information
- Address
- 3990-1 Hiraki, Oaza Kuju, Kujumachi, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
- Phone Number
- +81-974-76-1002
- Hours
- "Shop: 10:00 - 18:00 (Dec - Feb: 10:00 - 17:00) Restaurant: 11:00 - 17:00 (Dec - Feb: 11:00 - 16:00)"
- Regular Holiday
- Open all year
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TAO no Oka
This open-air theater serves as the base for DRUM TAO, a world-renowned Japanese drum performance group. The venue is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape of Aso, offering a breathtaking setting. Even on non-performance days, visitors can explore the area and enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Aso and the Kuju Mountain Range. It is a perfect rest stop for cyclists looking to take in the harmony of nature and culture.
Spot Information
- Address
- 7571-2 Itagi, Shirani, Kujumachi, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
- Phone Number
- Closed on Tue & Wed
- Hours
- 11:00 - 18:00
- Regular Holiday
- Closed on Tue & Wed
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Senomoto Rest House
Situated along the Yamanami Highway, this rest house is an oasis for cyclists, offering breathtaking views of Mount Aso and the Kuju Mountain Range. It is an ideal stop for a break, with a restaurant serving local specialties such as dago-jiru (dumpling soup) and akaushi-don (red beef rice bowl), perfect for refueling. The souvenir shop offers a variety of Kuju’s specialty products, making it a great place to pick up unique gifts.
Spot Information
- Address
- 5621-7 Manganji, Minamioguni-machi, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
- Phone Number
- (+81)-967-44-0011
- Hours
- 8:30 - 17:30
- Regular Holiday
- Open all year (Irregular holidays from Dec to Mar)
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Higotai Park
Higotai Park is known for its round, purple Higotai flowers, which bloom in the summer. Located at an altitude of approximately 900 meters, the cool climate makes it a comfortable destination for cycling. The sight of the vast fields covered in blooming Higotai from August to September is stunning, making it a popular photography spot. Visitors can also enjoy strolling along the walking paths and taking in the tranquil rural scenery. It is a perfect place to experience the beauty of nature.
Spot Information
- Address
- 771 Tajiri, Ubuyama Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
- Phone Number
- (+81)-967-25-2777
- Hours
- Open 24/7
- Regular Holiday
- Irregular holidays (Free entry in winter)
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Kachoushi
A charming café and yakiniku restaurant run by an owner who is also passionate about cycling. The café specializes in rhubarb, a Western vegetable rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C, which resembles Japanese butterbur (fuki) in appearance. The owner cultivates this rhubarb at an altitude of over 1,000 meters in Iida Kogen using a carbon cycle farming method, completely free of pesticides and fertilizers.The harvested rhubarb is processed into dried fruit, compote, frozen compote, and jam, then served as a topping for their soft-serve ice cream. The vibrant rhubarb’s tangy flavor perfectly complements the refined sweetness of the original soft-serve. Be sure to stop by for a rhubarb soft-serve ice cream, a one-of-a-kind treat, and the perfect refreshment during your cycling journey.
Spot Information
- Address
- 1726-40 Tano, Kokonoe Town, Kusu District, Oita Prefecture
- Phone Number
- (+81)-973-79-2229
- Hours
- 11:00AM～7:00PM
- Regular Holiday
- ※During winter (late December to late February), open only on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and from January 1st to 15th.
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