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Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
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KYUSHU
Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island, is easiest to think of as an inverted triangle. It covers an area of about 37,000 square kilometres (14,000 square miles.) To use the traditional comparisons, it's nearly twice the size of Wales or 5% the size of Texas. So, it's not huge but it packs a lot in.
Being an area with plenty of tectonic action there are stunning mountains, active volcanoes and hot springs as well as lots of culturally and historically significant locations.
In the far northeast is the city of Kitakyushu, our starting and ending point. Kitakyushu is a major industrial city which, in recent years, has been the flagship city for many of the Japanese government's green innovations. It was originally the target of the second atomic bomb. Cloudy weather that day saved it and sealed Nagasaki's fate.
Moving down the east coast you find the hot spring city of Beppu, home to the seven hells. This is a lot nicer than it sounds. The hells are a group of hot springs with very distinctive colours derived from the rock through which the water flows.
Further south you have the sub-tropical regions of Miyazaki and Kagoshima. Miyazaki is home to the stunning Nichinan Coast. The city of Kagoshima, right at the south, sits in the shadow of the active volcano, Sakurajima.
In the centre of Kyushu sits another volcano, Mount Aso. This lies atop some stunning scenery and is the largest active volcano in Japan, last popping off in 2021. Nearby lies the beautiful hot spring town of Yufuin, with incredible views, lovely buildings and two superb vintage vehicle museums.
Nagasaki is situated in the northeast. Famous, of course, for being the site of the second atomic bombing but also unique in Japan as being the only place open to foreigners during the roughly 200 years Japan closed its doors and stayed at home.
All that and we haven't even mentioned Fukuoka, a city that has repeatedly won best city in Asia.
Kyushu has so much to offer we will struggle to scratch the surface in 8 days but we can guarantee and unforgettable adventure
Your Guide, the bikes and Some Sites
Your guide - Mark Gibson
Mark lived in Japan for 15 years. He speaks the language and is always delighted to share his love of his second home. He has a deep interest in the history and culture of Japan and will, no doubt, keep you informed and entertained as you explore the backroads, temples and other sites.
The Bikes
We will be exploring Kyushu on Honda CC110's. These are 4-speed, semi automatic (so no clutch lever) four-stroke. Very capable bikes and comfortable over long distances. They are fitted with USB ports to keep your electronics charged, a satnav bar to fix your phone to and we supply 65-litre dry bags so everything stays dry.
Hotel Garden - Yufuin
Yufuin is a small town sat in a basin high up in the mountains of the Kuju National Park. The whole town is lovely and, as well as being awash with natural hot springs, is home to the Yamashita Collection and the Retro Motor Museum, two extraordinary collections of vehicles and assorted paraphernalia.
Mount Sakurajima
Located just a few hundred metres across the bay from the city of Kagoshima, Mount Sakurajima is a beautiful, if slightly intimidating active volcano. The name means cherry blossom island, although I think you would agree that the plumes of volcanic ash spouting from its crater is possibly more noteworthy than the trees.
Hot Springs
No trip to Japan would be complete without a visit to one of the country's many hot springs, known as onsen. Here are some of the gents from our first tour enjoying a relaxing soak in one overlooking Nagasaki. (Don't worry - I don't usually bring a camera in with me.)
The Kanmon Strait
The Island of Kyushu is separated from the main island of Honshu by the Kanmon Strait. This strait is spanned by four tunnels and one huge bridge. Here is a CC110 under the bridge and in front of the shrine that sits beneath it on the Kyushu side.