Overview
Leave the busy city traffic behind and journey through time along the forgotten pathways of Oita and Beppu. Riding our powerful e-bikes, you’ll effortlessly glide up the quiet, emerald backroads of Mount Takasakiyama - a historic highway in the region. Led by an expert English-speaking guide, you'll uncover ancient stone 'jizo' guardians and explore the mystical, 1,000-year-old Yusuhara Hachimangu Shrine, nestled deep in the mountain forest. After conquering the peaks, enjoy a thrilling descent to a spectacular, paradise seaside cycling track. Complete with breezy stops at a restored historic harbour district and a modern coastal oasis featuring a preserved vintage tram, this exclusive micro-group tour seamlessly bridges regional heritage with stunning ocean vistas, away from the standard tourist crowds.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Use of TB1E e-Bike is included along with a clean helmet, bicycle lock, and fully charged battery
What's Not Included
- Snacks
- Meals
- Bottled water
- Cycling wear such as shoes and gloves are excluded
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Step into a thousand years of sacred silence. Founded in the early Heian period (827 C.E.), Yusuhara Hachimangu stands as the historic 'Ichinomiya' (first-rank shrine) of the ancient Bungo Province. Revered for centuries by powerful samurai clans, this mystical mountain sanctuary remains beautifully untouched by modern commercialism. Visitors approach via a moss-covered stone staircase winding through a dense, primeval cedar and camphor forest. The absolute crown jewel of the grounds is a colossal, sacred camphor tree - a designated National Natural Monument estimated to be over 3,000 years old that has stood watch since long before the country of Japan was even formed.
Stop 2
A chic, revitalised waterfront park built directly on the grounds of Oita’s historic ferry terminal. Featuring sweeping wooden boardwalks, expansive harbour lawns, and panoramic ocean vistas across Beppu Bay, this stylish coastal district seamlessly bridges maritime history with modern leisure. The neighbourhood's standout highlight is its beautifully restored vintage warehouse district, which has been artfully converted into hip artisan cafes, independent design boutiques, and local music venues. It serves as an idyllic, breezy harbour rest stop for travellers exploring the scenic coastal paths between Beppu and Oita City.
Stop 3
A fascinating, deeply hidden cultural gem tucked away in the bamboo forests of Beppu's rural Akamatsu hillsides. Located on the quiet grounds of an abandoned, mystical early 20th-century temple site, this clearing features a collection of six rare, hand-sculpted cliff-carved stone Buddhas ('Magaibutsu'), created by travelling stonemasons.
Stop 4
A premier, modern coastal oasis positioned directly along the iconic Beppu-Oita seaside highway. Far more than a standard roadside rest stop, this vibrant community hub serves as a state-of-the-art sanctuary for cyclists and outdoor adventurers, boasting full bike maintenance bays, public shower facilities, and elevated viewing decks overlooking the ocean. Inside, history comes alive in a dedicated cultural area housing a beautifully preserved, walk-in vintage tram that once braved the region's cliff-side tracks decades ago. An exceptional stopover for regional foodies, featuring a buzzing market packed with fresh Beppu Bay seafood and local gourmet treats.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers who are not confident in riding or balancing a bicycle