Unzen-Amakusa National Park, AMAKUSA, offers endless stretches of sea and sky. The islands connected by the Amakusa Five Bridges, the spectacular coastline with its rows of strangely shaped rocks and boulders, and the quiet roads—everything a cyclist could want is here. The exhilarating feeling of riding with the sea breeze, the breathtaking scenery that fills your entire field of vision, and encounters with the vibrant way of life in the region—Amakusa is a place where “riding itself becomes a journey.”
Kumamoto Prefecture is working towards designating the Amakusa region as the first National Cycle Route in Kyushu. The route will be named “Ama-ichi”.
“Amaichi” comes from “Ama” of the Amakusa region, and “ichi” represents “circling Amakusa” and “the Amakusa region working together as one.” The idea is that people will “discover the best place in the Amakusa region while cycling around.”
In December 2025, the “Amakusa Grand Fondo 2025” (organized by the VISIT Amakusa Project Executive Committee), a pre-event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the designation of Amakusa in Unzen-Amakusa National Park, was held.
Approximately 300 cyclists from within and outside Kumamoto Prefecture enjoyed the “Amakusa Ride” on three routes: a 140km course around Shimoshima Island and an 80km course around the island, both starting and ending at Tomioka Port in Reihoku Town, and an 80km course around Kamishima Island, starting at Himeido Regional Development Center in Kamiamakusa City. Along the courses, there were aid stations where locals offered snacks and treats, and the stations were filled with cyclists enjoying the interaction.
We encourage everyone to experience the highlights of Amakusa in Unzen-Amakusa National Park by bicycle.
