Seventeen cities and towns in Okayama Prefecture introduce sub-routes
where you can get to know about the unique sightseeing spots and attractions of each region through cycling.
Why not try these in combination with one of the eight recommended routes in Okayama Prefecture?
Select town or city
01Former Shimotsui Railway Route (Sea Breeze Trail)
Route Length ／ 9km
-
Route attractions
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea and Seto Ohashi Bridge along this scenic route. Running along the former Shimotsui Dentetsu Railway tracks, you can feel the atmosphere of those days. With gentle slopes, this is a cycling route that anyone can enjoy.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum (Mukashi Shimotsui Kaisendonya)
- ●Gion Shrine
- ●Shimotsui Railway Former Kojima Station
- ●Shimotsui Railway Ruins of Shimotsui Station
- ●Shimotsui Railway Ruins of Mt. Washuzan Station
02Tsuyama Castle Kume Route
Route Length ／ 13km
-
Route attractions
- This route takes in many famous tourist spots, while enabling riders to enjoy the unique scenery of the castle town of Tsuyama and its four seasons. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the four seasons and imposing stone walls of the Tsuyama Castle remains, the streets and temples of the Josai district, and the 7 m high Gundam Mobile Suit figure at Roadside Station Kume-no-Sato.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Ruins of Tsuyama Castle
- ●Josai Historical Preservation District
- ●Roadside Station Kume-no-Sato
- ●Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum
- ●Ume-no-Sato Park
03Tsuyama History and Culture Circular Route
Route Length ／ 14km
-
Route attractions
- This is a flat route of about 14 km, meaning that it can be tackled with ease even by beginners. It lets riders experience the history and culture that is representative of Tsuyama City, such as the Joto and Josai Historical Preservation Districts and Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum, which are located around the remains of Tsuyama Castle. You can easily start from Tsuyama Station and the route is also ideal for taking your bikes on the train!
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Ruins of Tsuyama Castle
- ●Joto Historical Preservation District
- ●Josai Historical Preservation District
- ●Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum
- ●Green Hills Tsuyama
04Konoshima Circular Route
Route Length ／ 12km
-
Route attractions
- This route starts from the Horseshoe Crab Museum and up along Konoshima Bridge, following the shoreline around Konoshima. Here you can enjoy cycling in the soft sea breezes of the Seto Inland Sea.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Horseshoe Crab Museum and Dinosaur Park
- ●Konoshima 88 temple Pilgrimage
- ●Roadside Station Kasaoka Bay Farm
- ●Yamazakura Cherry Blossoms in Konoshima
- ●Coastline overlooking the archipelago's beauty
05Kasaoka Bay Reclaimed Land Route
Route Length ／ 6km
-
Route attractions
- This route connects Fukuyama City with the vast reclaimed land area of Kasaoka Bay. Roadside Station Kasaoka Bay Farm is where flowers bloom in the four seasons bathed in the bay’s sunlight, including canola flowers, poppies, sunflowers, and cosmos, creating a breathtaking panorama.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Roadside Station Kasaoka Bay Farm
- ●Kasaoka Sun Plaza
- ●JA Shiokaze Open-air Market
- ●Reclaimed Land in Kasaoka Bay
- ●Mizu-to-Midori-no Fureai Plaza
06Nature, History, and Cultural Exploration Route
Route Length ／ 20km
-
Route attractions
- This is a route for cyclists seeking to enjoy comfortable cycling while experiencing the beautiful nature and history of Ibara City and immersing themselves in culture and art. There is much to see at the city center Denchu Art Museum, which exhibits the works of Denchu Hirakushi, a master of modern sculpture.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Bisei Farmer's Market
- ●Bisei Takiyama Nature Park
- ●Ibara Embankment
- ●Mahoroba Historical Museum
- ●Denchu Art Museum
07Legend of the Shooting Stars of Hoshio Route
Route Length ／ 12km
-
Route attractions
- This route tours the three shrines around Hoshio, where legend says three shooting stars fell to earth in ancient times. You can take a leisurely ride through the calm streets of the Yokaichi district and enjoy the great views along the highland roads.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Bisei Farmer's Market
- ●Hoshio Shrine
- ●Takahoshi Shrine
- ●Myo Shrine
08Dreams Come True Route
Route Length ／ 13km
-
Route attractions
- Ibara City Hoshizora (Starry Sky) Park, which has been recognized as one of Japan’s three best stargazing locations, Bisei Astronomical Observatory, and Chusei-Yumegahara are all on this route. Not only does Ibara City Hoshizora Park offer the best starry sky views, during the day time visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Hoshizora Park
- ●Bisei Farmer's Market
- ●Chusei-Yumegahara
- ●Bisei Astronomical Observatory
09Try Everything! Ibara Full-Course Route
Route Length ／ 20km
-
Route attractions
- This is a route you can enjoy while experiencing nature and culture firsthand. There are many places to see in the city center, such as Ibara Denim Square Garden, which opened in 2020, and Ibara Embankment, where about 800 someiyoshino cherry trees bloom each spring. You can enjoy different views and scenes depending on the season, and can also relax at Denchu Park, taking in all of the charms that Ibara City has to offer.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Ibara Denim Square Garden
- ●Ibara Embankment
- ●Hanatori Otsuka Museum
- ●Hoshi-no-Sato Open-air Market
- ●Denchu Art Museum and Denchu Park
10History and Culture of Takahashi!
A Gentle Cycling Route
Route Length ／ 11km
-
Route attractions
- This course includes the historical townscape of Takahashi along the river, as well as the new library and Nariwa Museum. With few hills to climb, this is a course that enables riders to enjoy the old and new attractions of Takahashi and its natural environment.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Samurai's Residence
- ●Raikyu-ji Temple
- ●Takahashi Christ Church
- ●Takahashi City Library
- ●Takahashi City Nariwa Museum
11Takase-no-Sato Route
Route Length ／ 20km
-
Route attractions
- This is a route where you can enjoy the beautiful countryside, dams and lakeside scenery in a cool climate. The course features many climbs, so it is best suited for intermediate level cyclists and above. After working up a sweat, you can heal your tired body at the Shingo Onsen hot springs.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Green Museum Shingo Onsen
12Bizen♡ Route to Feel the Sea Breezes and Experience Japan’s Cultural Treasures
Route Length ／ 39km
-
Route attractions
- A cycling route where you can fully experience the nature and history of the Bizen region. Make your way across the Bizen♡Hinase Bridge with views over beautiful seaside villages lined with oyster rafts, and head for the former Shizutani School, a special historic site and a Japanese heritage site. Ride through the fishing town and wooded village areas before returning to Kashirajima Island.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Special Historical Site, Former Shizutani School
- ●Bizen♡Hinase Bridge
- ●Ruins of Kumazawa Banzan Residence
- ●Harbor View Hill Park
- ●Well-field Ruins
Setouchi City
13Uphill-Downhill Beauty of Ushimado and Maejima Island Route
Route Length ／ 19km
-
Route attractions
- This route lets riders immerse themselves in beautiful nature on a road with many uphill and downhill sections, passing through tourist spots such as Ushimado Olive Garden, traditional townscapes and Maejima Island (five minutes via ferry). Sample the best of Ushimado sightseeing while enjoying the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and the town.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Ushimado Olive Garden
- ●Maejima Viewing Platform
- ●Shiomachi Karakoto Street
- ●Ushimado Beach
- ●Ushimado Shrine
14Bizen Osafune Fukuoka Route
Route Length ／ 12km
-
Route attractions
- This route passes by Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, which showcases the swords of Osafune, a town famed for its sword making, and also the traditional townscape of Bizen Fukuoka, which was once a major commercial hub in the medieval period. Experience the history and traditions of the area as you are also soothed by the relaxing site of rice paddies, which are a must-see in Japan.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Bizen Fukuoka Historic District
- ●Tenno Shrine Touken Forest
- ●Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum
- ●Osafune Beautiful Forest
- ●Nagafune Beautiful Forest
15Dive into Nature! Sea and Rice Fields Route
Route Length ／ 34km
-
Route attractions
- This route ensures exhilarating rides through beautiful natural scenery, including Maejima Island (five minutes by ferry) in Ushimado, Kinkai Embankment, and the sight of rice paddies. Experience an extraordinary feeling of openness together with spectacular views, and also enjoy sampling the local food that only nature can provide.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Setouchi City Museum of Art
- ●Kinkai Embankment
- ●Ushimado Marine Culture Museum
- ●Yumeji Art Museum, Yumeji Birthplace Memorial Museum, and Shonensanso
- ●Remaining Stones from Osaka Castle Fortifications
16Full Setouchi City Round Trip Route
Route Length ／ 64km
-
Route attractions
- This circular route provides enjoyment of the culture, art, and beautiful nature of Setouchi City, including the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum located in Osafune, a sacred place for Japanese sword making, and Ushimado, where you can enjoy the beauty of the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Stop and be soothed by the relaxing scenery where time seems to slow down.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum
- ●Sabukaze Pottery Center
- ●Ushimado Yacht Harbor
- ●Bizen Fukuoka Historic District
- ●Ueterasan Yokei-ji Temple
17Akaiwa Cycling Route
Route Length ／ 50km
-
Route attractions
- This route covers all the main sights of Akaiwa City. There are gentle paths for beginners to enjoy the scenery, and hill climbs for intermediate to advanced riders. Since you can easily make a detour to the nearby Katatetsu Roman Kaidou Route, why not enjoy creating your own unique route?
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Ashio Shrine
- ●Kumayama English Garden
- ●Ryoguzan-kofun Burial Mound
- ●Yoshii Shiroyama Park
- ●Okayama Forest Park
18Asahi River Rinkuru Line
Route Length ／ 25km
-
Route attractions
- This is a course where you can enjoy the scenery of the Asahi River together with historical sightseeing spots. There are few ups and downs and many places to stop and rest, so even beginners can enjoy cycling to the fullest. Rental bicycles are available at JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Station and other locations.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Katsuyama Historical Preservation District
- ●Former Senkyojinjo Elementary School
- ●Kanba-no-taki Falls
- ●Daigo 1,000 Year-old Cherry Tree
- ●Kuse Tunnel Cherry Blossoms
19Yunogo Onsen & Kaita Tea Plantation Route
Route Length ／ 16km
-
Route attractions
- The route takes in key sights, starting at Yunogo Onsen, before stopping for a short break at a café run by a local group on the site of a wooden-built former elementary school, and then passing through the tea fields of Kaita, where tea has been produced since the Edo period (1603-1868).
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Yunogo Onsen,hot springs
- ●Aso Hokyointo Monument
- ●Former Kose Elementary School
- ●Kaita Tea Plantation
- ●Hayashino Shrine
- ●Kasaneiwa Rocks
20Hot Spring Ride through the Yunogo Onsen Route
Route Length ／ 100km
-
Route attractions
- This is a route that takes you around Mimasaka City while enjoying the rural scenery. You can also experience such historical sites as the birthplace of Musashi Miyamoto and the old Izumo High Road, before stopping at Yunogo hot springs to refresh your tired body.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Yunogo Onsen,hot springs
- ●Musashi-no-Sato (Birthplace of Musashi Miyamoto)
- ●Valentine Park Sakuto
- ●Okayama Farmer's Market North Village
- ●Izumo High Road Doishuku
21Enjoy the Seasons!
Maruyama Park to Yorishima Coast
Route Length ／ 13km
-
Route attractions
- This route brings the seasons of Asakuchi City to life. Enjoy the cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park and along the Satomi River in spring, the glasswort along the Yorishima coast in autumn, and the rich flavor of oysters at the Yorishima fishing port in winter. What is more, nothing feels better than the cooling sea breezes of summer along the coast.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Maruyama Park
- ●Cherry Blossom Trees along the Satomi River
- ●Yorishima Fishing Port
- ●Mitsuyama Sports Park
- ●Wild Glasswort Habitat
22Enjoy Seto Inland Sea Panoramas!
Mt. Yoshozan Circular Route
Route Length ／ 18km
-
Route attractions
- Starting at Maruyama Park this circular route also offers the challenge of a hill climb. Yoshozan General Park offers stunning views out over the Seto Inland Sea. Go a little further and you will find a world of astronomy awaits at the Okayama Observatory and the Okayama Astronomical Museum.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Maruyama Park
- ●Yoshozan General Park
- ●Okayama Astronomical Museum
- ●Kyoto University Okayama Observatory
- ●Okayama Astrophysical Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
23City of Astronomy Hill Climb Route
Route Length ／ 11km
-
Route attractions
- This is a route for enjoying an easy hill climb while experiencing the history and culture of Asakuchi City. After climbing up the mountain, you will be greeted by astronomical facilities such as an observatory and a museum. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Yoshozan General Park
- ●Okayama Astronomical Museum
- ●Kyoto University Okayama Observatory
- ●Okayama Astrophysical Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
- ●Kamogata Machiya Park
- ●Amakusa Park
24In the Footsteps of Greatness: Wake no Kiyomaro Route
Route Length ／ 13km
-
Route attractions
- Head east from Wake Station on the Katatetsu Roman Kaidou Road, and you will find the largest wisteria park in Japan, where a statue of Wake no Kiyomaro welcomes you, not to mention the many temples and shrines along the way. The poetry trail is a literary path named after a local writer, Shuko Chikamatsu. After a good soak at Wake Ugaidani Onsen, go full circle and return to your starting point at Wake Station.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Yuga Shrine
- ●Poetry Pathway
- ●Wake Shrine
- ●Fuji Park (Fuji Wisteria Park)
- ●Wake Ugaidani Onsen, hot spring
25In Search of Nature: Conservation Center Route
Route Length ／ 9km
-
Route attractions
- Heading west from the Katatetsu Roman Kaidou Road, you will come across the streets and old sites of Saeki as you reach you destination, the Nature Conservation Center. There are many little-known but delicious restaurants dotted round this area. It is a perfect way to relax after a long day in the saddle.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Saesuta Learning Center
- ●Honkyu-ji Temple
- ●Sato-no-Chaya Teahouse
- ●Okayama Pref. Nature Conservation Center
- ●Happy Horse Farm
26Explore the Historical Lodging Town of Yakage Route
Route Length ／ 6km
-
Route attractions
- This route runs along the embankments of the Oda River, offering broad views and a refreshing cycling experience. In the Yakage shopping street you will find tourist attractions such as the Yakage Honjin and Wakihonjin Daimyo-Designated Inn, souvenir shops, and accommodation facilities enabling you to enjoy the charms of Yakage.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Yakage Honjin and Wakihonjin Daimyo-Designated Inn
27Beauty of the Miyama River Route
Route Length ／ 7km
-
Route attractions
- The route runs gently downhill, so you can easily enjoy the scenery along the Miyama River. Not far from this route is Daitsu-ji Temple, which is home to the Sekijuen Garden designated as a scenic spot by Okayama Prefecture, enabling you to experience the rich nature of Yakage.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Daitsu-ji Temple
- ●Red Spider Lilies along the Miyama River
- ●Kamikozue District
28Utopia Hanashi-no-Sato Route
Route Length ／ 3km
-
Route attractions
- This is a route where you can enjoy the nostalgic scenery of terraced rice paddies spread out along the valley’s gentle slopes. At the arrival point, Kichijo-ji Temple, the Hall Crabapple Festival is held every year on the second Sunday of April, and you can experience the warm hospitality of the local people.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Kichijo-ji Temple (Hall Crabapple Festival)
29Koshiwata Okutsu Route
Route Length ／ 25km
-
Route attractions
- This route takes you along the Kagami River, past Furusato Village, and on to Okutsu Onsen Town, and along the way you can enjoy the magnificence of the natural environment on a steep forest road.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Yamada Bee Farm Headquarters
- ●Shinmachi Lodging Town
- ●Churi Falls
- ●Izumiyama Mountain Trail
- ●Okutsu Onsen, hot springs
- ●Roadside Station Okutsu Onsen
30Notoro Onsen Circular Route
Route Length ／ 15km
-
Route attractions
- This is a route that enables you to enjoy the great outdoors, starting from the campsite at Notoro Onsen, which is also the end point of the route and happens to be at the highest elevation in all of Okayama. Along the way you can enjoy climbs up Mt. Fueizan and Mt. Ozarayama.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Mizu-no-Sato Lake Okutsu
- ●Fuse Shrine
- ●Shiraka Valley
- ●Notoro Onsen, hot springs
- ●Notorobara Campground
- ●Mt. Fueizan and Mt. Ozarayama
31Forest Park and Ningyo Mountain Path Circular Route
Route Length ／ 30km
-
Route attractions
- With a view of the famed “nanairo-gashi” (seven-colored oak tree), this route takes you through timeless rural landscapes and forest groves, through the forest park to the Ningyo Mountain Path on the prefectural border, where you can fully enjoy the four seasons.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Seven-colored Oak Tree
- ●Karane Falls and Nikenya Falls
- ●Sengenenchi Park
- ●Okayama Pref. Forest Park
- ●Ningyo Mountain Path
- ●Utatane-no-Sato
- ●Iwai Falls
- ●Ombara Kogen Highlands
Nagi Town
32Vicarya Dig Experience Route
Route Length ／ 10km
-
Route attractions
- This route takes you around the southern part of Nagi Town while enjoying the magnificent nature of the highlands. At the Nagi Vicarya Museum, you can try your hand at digging for Vicarya, the fossil of an extinct species of snail. You never know, you may discover a new species!
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Nagi Town Athletic Park
- ●Nagi Vicarya Museum
- ●Matsugami Shrine
- ●Nagi MOCA
33Camp Nihonbara Circular Route
Route Length ／ 11km
-
Route attractions
- All the while gazing up at the 1,255-meter-high Mt. Nagi, this route takes you around the central part of Nagi Town, including the Nagi Town Museum of Contemporary Art (Nagi MOCA), Nagi Pond, and the Ground Self-Defense Force Base. The straight road offers stunning views of Mt. Nagi. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Nihonbara can be visited if you register in advance.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Nagi MOCA
- ●Nagi Town Symbol Road
- ●Nagi Pond
- ●JGSDF Camp Nihonbara
34Bodai-ji Temple Healthy Legs Route
Route Length ／ 14km
-
Route attractions
- You can feel close to 1,255-meter Mt. Nagi on this very challenging route, with continuous steep hills that run close to the trailhead. Along the way you can get off your bike and wander down the boardwalk, where you can see a stream and a refreshing waterfall, and be invigorated with negative ion energy. Depending on the season, you may be able to see beautiful scenery such as fresh green or autumn leaves.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Nagi MOCA
- ●Mt. Nagi Foothills Rest Station
- ●Jabuchi Falls
- ●900 Year-old Gingko Tree at Bodai-ji Temple
35Kibichuo Town Rice Field Scenic Route
Route Length ／ 14km
-
Route attractions
- This entire course is gentle and can be enjoyed by beginners. You can enjoy the contrast between the rice paddy scenery and the mountains along the entire route, with cultural assets such as the Soja Shrine, restaurants, and a wide selection of local agricultural products available at the roadside station.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Roadside Station Kayo
- ●Kawai Shrine
- ●Kamo Soja Shrine
- ●Yoshikawa History and Folklore Museum
36Kibichuo Town Enjo Circular Route
Route Length ／ 18km
-
Route attractions
- This route is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders as there are relatively steep ascents and descents. While enjoying the terraced rice paddies in the mountains and the scenery that changes with the seasons, you can also visit Enjo-ji Temple and other cultural assets, restaurants, and find wide selection of local agricultural products available at the roadside station.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Roadside Station Kamogawa Enjo
- ●Enjo-ji Temple
- ●Kamo Soja Shrine
- ●Yoshikawa History and Folklore Museum
37Circular Route Around OH!HEY!SO! Town
Route Length ／ 58km
-
Route attractions
- This course takes you around the town while feeling the refreshing breezes of Kibi Kogen Highlands. Both the natural environment and the condition of the roads are good, making it a good place for cycling. It’s a good idea to start from Kibi Plaza, a roadside station with a large parking lot, stores, and restrooms.
-
Tourist spots
-
- ●Roadside Station Kamogawa Enjo
- ●Roadside Station Kayo
- ●Kibi Plaza
- ●Komori Onsen, hot spring
- ●Yunose Onsen, hot spring
- ●Tourist-related inquiriesTourism Division, Industry and Labor Department, Okayama Prefecture TEL 086-226-7382
- ●Inquiries about the recommended cycling routesRoad Maintenance Division, Civil Engineering Department, Okayama Prefecture TEL 086-226-7472
©Hareiro Cycling Okayama, All Rights Reserved