Aso Cycling Guide Course

ROUTE1　Aso Five Peaks Loop

Starting from Michi no Eki Aso and Aso Station, the route includes two main areas: the Panorama Line right near the start and the Hakoishi Pass from Takamori. Highlights include the Kusasenri Observatory on the Panorama Line, Nakadake Crater (if volcanic restrictions allow), the Minami Aso Panorama Line Observatory along the descent, the station buildings of the Minami Aso Railway, Tsukimawari Park along Route 265, and the Machikoga Pasture Observatory, which is a quiet and popular spot among cyclists located to the right from Hakoishi Pass.

65.7 km

ROUTE2　Aso North Outer Rim

Starting from Michi no Eki Aso and Aso Station, you will climb up to Shoranzan from the rural area and then head out to the Milk Road. This uphill path is somewhat rough, but as it passes through pastures, you can enjoy the typical scenery of Aso. The Milk Road continues with moderate ups and downs, passing by the following spots: Asobo Kitchen car (accessible only on weekends), Daikanbo (with vending machines and restrooms), the Skyline Observatory, the North Mountain Observatory at the intersection with traffic signals, the Hakoishi Pass Observatory (with vending machines and restrooms), and the Kuradake Radio Relay Station. After this point, a downhill stretch of nearly 10% continues, offering distant views of the Aso Five Peaks from various angles, even when volcanic activity is high. From the four-way intersection without traffic signals, descend to the Double pass and head down into Aso Valley. Finally, the route leads to the straight agricultural road known as “8-meter road,” where you can give it your all and finish the ride.

57.8 km

ROUTE3　Aso Valley

This is a relatively flat route with not much uphill sections, making it ideal for beginners. It’s a recommended course for exploring the water sources around Aso Shrine, running along the foothills of the outer rim mountains, and enjoying the cafes and sweets in Uchinomaki Onsen twon. Along the route, you’ll also find scenic spots such as Sensuikyo, the steep slope of Sorafune Pier, and a hill climb up shoranzan.

42.1 km

ROUTE4　Southern Valley

If you plan to visit the Kamishikimi Shrine along Route 265, it is recommended to bring cleat covers as there are stairs. The station buildings of the Minami Aso Railway are also unique local spots worth stopping by.

49.5 km

ROUTE5　Ubuyama route

The route is just under 25km with little amounts of traffic, making it easy and ride, but with quite a few ups and downs. Recommended stops include the terraced rice fields, two water sources, and the Ubuyama Suigyoen (a fish farm) for lunch.

24.4 km

ROUTE6　Oguni route

Starting from Senomoto, you’ll ride along the Grassland road for a while before reaching the charming Kurokawa Onsen. After passing the steam rising from the hot springs and the relaxing atmosphere of the local baths, you’ll face a challenging uphill on Farm road. Once you reach this point, it’s just one more push uphill to the gravel road before reaching “BEAR” for lunch. If that’s too much, you can stop by the small bakery “Sorairo no Tane” in the forest or “Dank.” The return journey from Kurokawa Onsen to Senomoto involves a rigorous uphill ride, marking the grand finale of the route.

57.1 km

Aso one route（R1+R2）

The “Aso one route” connects the Aso Five Peaks Loop, which ascends the Aso Panorama Line, with the Aso North Outer Rim Route, which runs along the Milk Road.

120 km

Kikuchi Gorge optional route

Aso is known for its volcanic landscapes and exposed rocky mountains, grasslands, and coniferous forests. While areas with autumn foliage are rare, extending your ride to Kikuchi Gorge allows you to enjoy the usual Aso ride along with cycling through a forest teaming with Autumn foliage.
The course includes a 12.3 km downhill from the North Mountain Observatory on Milk Road, covered by broadleaf trees, to Kikuchi Gorge, followed by an easy-to-ride paved road with a centerline on the Kikuchi Jinrikishin road. Along the forest road, you’ll find “Shiki no Sato Asahi,” a comfortable aid point run by the long-established mountain goods store “Sherpa,” which is cyclist-friendly. From Shiki no Sato Asahi to Milk Road, there is the challenging 6.9 km uphill climb with an average gradient of 7.5% on Kuradake Forest road, followed by a wide, scenic grassland road. After reaching Milk Road and descending, you’ll enjoy a thrilling downhill to Aso Valley via the Double pass, and the final stretch is a straight run on the agricultural road back home.

78.9 km

Nishihara optional route（Kumamoto Airport to Southern Valley）

There are three main routes: the Double pass route on the North Outer Rim, the National Route 57 passing through Tateno, and the Tawarayama pass. While all of these routes have a fair amount of traffic, the one highlighted here is the Tawarayama pass, which offers spectacular scenery. This route connects Kumamoto Airport with Michi no Eki Asobou no Sato Kugino. From Aso Station or Michi no Eki Aso to Michi no Eki Asobou no Sato Kugino, there are several options: heading east via the Hakoishi Pass, Hinono Pass, Aso Panorama Line, or taking the unique non-pass route near the Minami Aso Village area around the Shin Aso Ohashi Bridge.

24.3 km

From Beppu to Aso（via Yamanami Highway）

This route starts at the Kyushu Transverse road entrance intersection in Beppu City, follows National Route 500 to Prefectural Route 11, then connects to the Milk Road in Aso City, and finally ends at Michi no Eki Aso via Route 212.

103 km