Course
Nagasaki Prefecture Omura Bay ZEKKEI (Southern Omura Bay Area Cycling Route)
NAGASAKI
Course Information
https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/bicycleuse/good-cycle-japan/model_route/pdf/25.pdf
Start: Morizono Park
Goal: Ebisuzaki
DATA
Distance: Approx. 46km
Image source: https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/guide/100774
The starting point is Morizono Park, located near Nagasaki Airport. It's a fantastic viewpoint where you can enjoy close-up views of airplanes landing and taking off from the airport, visible from the park's lawn or the beach in front of the park.
Furthermore, the beach in front of the park is nicknamed "Glass Beach" (Garasu no Sunahama), a spot that has gained popularity on social media. The beach is covered with colorful sand made from recycled waste glass. On sunny days, it sparkles brilliantly under the sunlight, making it a hugely popular photogenic spot. (Although the glass fragments have been tumbled smooth, please refrain from walking barefoot for safety reasons.)
Additionally, the park houses a statue commemorating the "Tensho Embassy" (Tensho Ken-o Shonen Shisetsu), Japan's first official delegation sent to Rome, making it a place where you can also get a sense of Nagasaki's history.
After enjoying the magical scenery created by the airplanes, the sea, and the glittering glass sand, let's begin our ride!
<Spot Information>
Address: 148 Morizono-machi, Omura City
Phone: 0957-53-4111 (Omura City Tourism Promotion Division)
Hours: Open 24 hours
URL: https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/guide/100774
Image source: https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/guide/322
Located in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Omura Park is a historic park situated on the site of Kushima Castle ruins, the former residence of the lords of the Omura domain. Kushima Castle was built in 1599 (the 4th year of the Keicho era) by Omura Yoshiaki, the first lord of the Omura domain, and flourished as the Omura clan's residence for approximately 270 years until the end of the Edo period (Bakumatsu). Even today, the beautiful stone walls from that era remain, making it a spot where visitors can feel the history.
The park is recognized as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan" and the "Top 100 Historical Parks in Japan," and is one of the prefecture's premier locations for flower viewing. In spring, approximately 2,000 cherry trees burst into bloom. Particularly famous is the "Omura Zakura" cherry blossom, a nationally designated Natural Monument, renowned as a rare variety with flowers typically having over 60 petals, sometimes reaching up to 200.
From late May to early June, around 300,000 Japanese irises (hanashobu) adorn the park, with approximately 171 beautiful varieties in full bloom, making it one of the largest iris gardens in Kyushu. During this time, the "Hanashobu Festival" (Iris Festival) is held, featuring performances of local traditional arts and various other events.
Omura Park brims with seasonal charm, from cherry blossoms in spring to irises and hydrangeas in early summer, while also offering a connection to history. Be sure to stop by for a break during your ride.
<Spot Information>
Address: 1-43 Kushima, Omura City
Phone: 0957-53-4111 (Omura City Tourism Promotion Division)
Hours: Open 24 hours
URL:https://www.city.omura.nagasaki.jp/kankou/kanko/omuranohana/ohanami/omurakoen.html
Image source: https://nagasakicycle.pref.nagasaki.jp/omura/
Located along National Route 207 in the Okusa area of Tarami Town, Isahaya City, the Furuko Cherry Blossom Trees become a photogenic and scenic spot in spring, adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers (nanohana). Along the road stand 71 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, forming an arch that resembles a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
Running parallel to this route is the non-electrified local JR Nagasaki Main Line (via Nagayo), which lacks overhead pantographs. The evocative scenery created by the cherry blossoms, rapeseed flowers, and the passing train is depicted in a song by Masaharu Fukuyama, a singer-songwriter originally from Nagasaki Prefecture, making this location a "sacred place" for his fans.
<Spot Information>
Address: Along National Route 207, Tarami Town, Isahaya City
Phone: 0957-22-8325 (Isahaya Tourism and Products Convention Association)
Hours: Open 24 hours
URL: https://www.city.isahaya.nagasaki.jp/site/colorful/11254.html
Image source: https://nagasakicycle.pref.nagasaki.jp/omura/
Taking a short detour from the cycling course to the tip of the peninsula brings you to Dousakibana , a cape jutting out into Omura Bay. This area features a ria coast overlooking the calm inner waters of Omura Bay, where the contrast between the rugged, rocky shoreline and the blue sea creates a beautiful landscape.
Across the water, you can see Nagasaki Airport and watch airplanes taking off and landing. Additionally, the nearby "Dousaki Ruins" (堂崎遺跡), where Paleolithic knife-shaped stone tools have been unearthed, offers insight into the deep history of this land.
<Spot Information>
Address: Oka-go, Nagayo Town, Nishisonogi District
Phone: 095-801-5835 (Nagayo Town Civil Engineering Management Division, Management Section)
Hours: Open 24 hours
URL: https://webtown.nagayo.jp/kiji003742/index.html
Image source: https://nagasakicycle.pref.nagasaki.jp/omura/
Shioisaki Park features a campground offering panoramic views of Omura Bay and spots perfect for tide pool exploring (iso asobi), creating a relaxing space where you can spend time leisurely while gazing at the calm sea.
Within the park is the "Shioisaki Community Center", equipped with an exhibition hall and training rooms. Shower facilities are available for a fee (100 yen). (Outdoor freshwater showers and foot washing stations are available free of charge.)
Advance reservations are required for camping and facility use.
<Spot Information>
Address: 2541-1 Oka-go, Nagayo Town, Nishisonogi District
Phone: 095-801-5835 (Nagayo Town Civil Engineering Management Division, Management Section)
Hours: Open 24 hours
URL: https://webtown.nagayo.jp/kiji0034336/index.htm
⚫︎ Access to the Starting Point:Approx. 9 minutes by bus or approx. 25 minutes on foot from Nagasaki Airport
Approx. 20 minutes by bus from JR Omura Station
⚫︎ Parking near the Starting Point: Available (Morizono Park Parking Lot)
⚫︎ Rental Cycle Shop near the Starting Point: Hanachari TEL: 0957-52-3605
Rental Fee: 300 yen (within 2 hours) + Extension Fee (200 yen per hour)
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed: Wednesdays, Obon holidays, Year-end/New Year holidays
URL: https://www.e-oomura.jp/hanachari
⚫︎ Tourist Information Centers near the Course:
Omura Station Tourist Information Center TEL: 0957-54-1061
URL:https://www.city.omura.nagasaki.jp/kouhou/shise/shokai/shisetsu/koen/20.html
Isahaya Station Tourist Information & PR Corner TEL: 0957-20-9229
URL: https://isahaya-gourmet.com/shop/other/6145/
■ How to Enjoy Your Trip
By following these basic precautions, you can enjoy cycling in Kyushu with greater peace of mind.