Course Information

https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/feature/cycle-tourism/kinkowan

Start: Tarumizu Port

Goal: Kamoike Port

DATA
Total Distance: Approximately 114.6 km

SPOT INFORMATION

Image Source:https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/53043

Michi-no-Eki Tarumizu Hamabira

Located near the starting point of Tarumizu Port, [Michi-no-Eki Tarumizu Hamabira] is a roadside station with a stunning panoramic view of Kinkowan Bay. With Sakurajima and Mt. Kaimondake spreading out before you, you can take a break while enjoying the magnificent scenery typical of Kagoshima.

Inside, there's a direct sales area featuring fresh local produce and seafood, with a particular focus on Tarumizu's specialty seafood such as yellowtail and amberjack. At the restaurant, you can savor seafood bowls and set meals using fresh seafood, enjoying exquisite gourmet dishes made with local ingredients. The café space is also recommended for sweets and soft-serve ice cream made with Kagoshima-grown fruit! On the second floor, there's a café with a 180-degree ocean view of Kinkowan Bay and an observation deck.

First, prepare your bicycle and yourself here, and then set off on the Kinkowan Bay Inner Route!

<Spot Information>
Address: 2036-6 Hamahira, Tarumizu City
Phone Number: 0994-45-5727
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Closed: Open year-round *Restaurant only closed on Mondays
URL: https://tarumizuhamabira.jp/
◉Restrooms ◉ Information

Image Source: https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/guide/322

"Sakurajima" Yogan Nagisa Park Footbath

After entering Sakurajima from the Tarumizu direction and cycling about halfway around, you'll find the [Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park Footbath] at the foot of Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima Prefecture. This is one of Japan's largest footbaths, stretching approximately 100 meters in length, and you can soak your feet for free. The natural hot spring water, welling up from 1,000 meters underground, has a reddish-brown color. You can soothe your tired feet in the free-flowing hot spring while gazing at the magnificent view of Kinkowan Bay and Sakurajima.

The park also has well-maintained walking paths, allowing you to enjoy pottering or strolling while taking in the dynamic scenery of the lava fields. It's a healing spot that you'll definitely want to stop by during your ride.

If you don't have a towel, you can purchase an original towel at the nearby Sakurajima Visitor Center or the Kokumin Shukusha Rainbow Sakurajima (national lodging facility)

<Spot Information>
Address: 1722-3 Sakurajimayokoyama-cho, Kagoshima City
Phone Number: 099-298-5111 (Tourism Exchange Center)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM until sunset
Closed: Open year-round
URL:https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/11813

Image Source: https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/10531

Kurokami Buried Torii Gate

When you visit Sakurajima, one thing you must see is the [Kurokami Buried Torii Gate]. During the major eruption of Sakurajima in 1914 (Taisho 3), the 3-meter-tall torii gate was buried, leaving only the top portion (kasagi) visible.

It has been left in its current state to convey the threat of the eruption to future generations, and it stands today as a testament to the sheer power of nature.

The buried torii gate of Kurokami Shrine and the gateposts of the Nagano family residence were designated as prefectural natural monuments in 1958 (Showa 33). Beside it, an old akou tree (Ficus superba), which miraculously survived, stands quietly.

<Spot Information>
Address: Kurokami-cho, Kagoshima City (next to Kurokami Junior High School)
Phone Number: 099-298-5111 (Tourism Exchange Center)
Opening Hours: Always open
URL:https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/10531

Image Source: https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/13189

Michi-no-Eki Tarumizu Yuttarikan

From [Michi-no-Eki Tarumizu Yuttarikan] in Tarumizu City, Kinkowan Bay looks as calm as a lake. You can also see Sakurajima from this popular roadside station, which offers superb views and hot springs. In particular, the approximately 60-meter-long footbath is a perfect relaxation spot where you can soak while gazing at Kinkowan Bay and Sakurajima. The free-flowing natural hot spring footbath is free of charge, so take a break and soothe your tired legs from the ride.

Inside, there is a direct sales area with fresh seafood and agricultural products, where you can purchase Tarumizu's specialties such as yellowtail, "Buri Taisho" (a brand of yellowtail), and processed products of Kagoshima Kurobuta pork. Also, at the restaurant, you can enjoy seafood dishes and local cuisine using local ingredients, so if you're hungry, refuel here.

<Spot Information>
Address: 1038-1 Ushinetarumi, Tarumizu City
Phone Number: 0994-34-2237
Opening Hours: [Sales] 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, [Restaurant] 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Last Order 2:00 PM), [Takeout Corner] 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, [Hot Spring] 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Last Entry 7:30 PM), [Footbath] 12:00 PM - Sunset
Closed: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month (may change in case of holidays or events)
Fees: [Hot Spring] Adults (Junior High School Students and above) 350 yen, Elementary School Students 150 yen, Family Bath 1,200 yen (60 minutes, reservation required)
*Footbath is free
URL:https://mitinoeki-tarumizu.com/info/

Image Source: https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/10131

Kagoshima Jingu (Kagoshima Shrine)

Located in Kirishima City, [Kagoshima Jingu (Kagoshima Shrine)] is a shrine with a history of approximately 1400 years, and it is one of the oldest shrines in southern Kyushu. It is said to bring blessings for safe voyages, bountiful harvests, business prosperity, and marriage.

The precincts and surrounding area are designated as a national historic site as "Osumi Shohachimangu Shrine Precincts and Site of Priestly Residences."

Kagoshima Jingu, where history and culture come alive, is popular not only for sightseeing but also as a power spot for purifying the mind. Although it is located a little inland from the course, if you have time, please visit.

<Spot Information>
Address: 2496-1 Hayatocho-uchi, Kirishima City
Phone Number: 0995-42-0020 (Kagoshima Jingu Shrine Office)
Opening Hours: Worship 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Prayer Reception 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed: Open year-round
URL:https://kagoshima-jingu.jp/

Image Source: https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/10058

Shigetomi Coast

Along National Route 10, if you head towards the sea between Aira Station and Shigetomi Station, you'll find [Shigetomi Swimming Beach], which was also used as a filming location for the Taiga drama "Segodon." The terrain is derived from the Aira Caldera, and the entire area is designated as part of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park.

This swimming beach is attractive for its white sand and shallow water, and it is also known as a scenic spot overlooking Sakurajima in front. Especially at sunset, the sunset reflected in Kinkowan Bay and the silhouette of Sakurajima are breathtakingly beautiful. Depending on the tide level, an inverted Sakurajima may be reflected on the tidal flats, making it an excellent photo spot.

Also, nearby is the "Shigetomi Coast Nature Interaction Center Nagisa Museum," where you can learn about tidal flats and ecosystems.

<Spot Information>
Address: 7703-4 Hiramatsu, Aira City
Phone Number: 0995-66-3145 (Aira City Commerce and Tourism Division)
Opening Hours: Always open
URL:https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/10058

mage Source: https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/10526

Sengan-en Garden

Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, [Sengan-en Garden] was built in 1658 by Mitsuhisa Shimazu, the 19th lord, as a villa for the Shimazu family. You will be overwhelmed by the scale of the garden, which uses Sakurajima as a backdrop and Kinkowan Bay as a pond.

Historical buildings are scattered throughout the vast garden of approximately 50,000 square meters (12.3 acres), and beautiful flowers bloom throughout the year. Many tourists visit, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves season in fall. You can also experience Satsuma Kiriko glasswork and samurai culture, making it a place where you can deeply feel the history and culture of Kagoshima.
The Shoko Shuseikan Museum reopened in October 2024. The brightened interior allows visitors to see the over 150-year-old building up close.
It is located along National Route 10 on the course, so be sure to stop by and fully enjoy the charm of Kagoshima.

<Spot Information>
Address: 9700-1 Yoshino-cho, Kagoshima City
Phone Number: 099-247-1551
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: First Sunday of March
Admission Fee: [Sengan-en Garden, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Goten Palace]
General (15 years old and over, excluding junior high and high school students) 1,600 yen, Groups (20 people or more) 1,400 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students/High School Students 800 yen, Persons with disability certificates, Kagoshima City Senior Citizen's Pass holders 800 yen
URL:https://www.senganen.jp/

◉ Air Pump ◉ Restrooms ◉ Information

Notes

• Access to the starting point: From JR Kokubu Station, take the Hayashida Bus or Sanshu Bus towards Tarumizu Port (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
• Parking near the starting point: Tarumizu Port Ferry Terminal / Free
• Bicycle rental shops near the starting point: None
• Tourist information centers near the course:
  • Sakurajima Tourist Information Center (Sakurajima Concierge Center) TEL: 099-293-4333
    https://www.kagoshima-yokanavi.jp/spot/10050
  • Kirishima City Tourist Information Center TEL: 0995-57-1588
    https://www.city-kirishima.jp/kirikan/shisetsu/kanko-leisure/007.html
  • Aira City Tourist Information Center TEL: 0995-67-6052 *Closed on Mondays
    https://www.kagobura.net/shop/shop.shtml?s=2729
  • Kagoshima-Chuo Station General Tourist Information Center TEL: 099-253-2500
    https://www.kagoshima-yokanavi.jp/spot/10187

  ■ How to Enjoy Your Trip

• Health and Safety: Make sure you have the physical stamina to endure long rides and follow all safety guidelines.
• Equipment Preparation: Wear clothing and shoes suitable for cycling, and bring sunscreen and rain gear as needed.
• Respect for Culture: When experiencing local life or participating in activities, respect the local culture and customs.
• Environmental Protection: Please value the natural environment and do not leave any trash during your trip.
• Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected accidents or medical needs.

By following these basic precautions, you can enjoy cycling in Kyushu with greater peace of mind.