Not just for cycling fans, the kickoff of Tour de Kyushu 2025 in Sasebo is set to be a fun, international, family-friendly festival. On Friday, October 10, the streets of this vibrant port city will echo with cheering crowds and the whir of racing bikes as world-class athletes launch the tour with a thrilling criterium race. And the best part? It all happens right outside JR Sasebo Station and the waterfront Gobangai shopping complex. Step off the train, and you’re instantly in the middle of the action.
A Festival for Everyone
From morning to evening, the Sasebo Fan Zone will transform the station area into a lively street festival. Expect food stalls, live stage performances, cycling-themed activities, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Workshop: Paint Your Own Mikawachi Ware Plate
A highlight of the fan zone is the chance to try Mikawachi ware, a celebrated local craft with more than 400 years of history. Guided by artisans from Kasen Kiln, participants will paint a traditional round plate. Each session is easy and enjoyable — you’ll be given a simple pattern to follow, making it suitable for both children and adults.
• Date & Time: Friday, October 10, 10:00 – 17:00
• Duration: About 1 hour per session
• Cost: Free
• Capacity: 7 sessions, 6 participants each (42 spots total)
• Time slots: 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00
When you’re finished, your plate will be taken back to the kiln, carefully fired, and then shipped anywhere within Japan at no cost — a unique, hands-on souvenir you created yourself.
👉 Advance signup is required. Use the form below to reserve your spot — spaces are limited!
What Makes a Criterium Special
Unlike long road stages, a criterium packs the action into a short city loop. In Sasebo, riders will speed around a 1.5 km course 30 times, covering 45 km in total. For spectators, that means non-stop thrills: the peloton surges past every few minutes, corners are tight, sprints are fierce, and the sounds of gears and wheels blend with the cheers of the crowd. It’s cycling at its most intense — and the most exciting way to experience the sport for the first time.
Part of a Bigger Race
The Sasebo Criterium is Stage 1 of Tour de Kyushu 2025, a UCI Asia Tour 2.1 race that brings together 18 international teams and more than 100 elite riders. After Sasebo, the tour continues across Kyushu: through Fukuoka’s historic countryside, over the dramatic volcanic slopes of Aso in Kumamoto, and along the spectacular coastlines of Miyazaki and Oita.
Make a Day of It
Sasebo is an easy two-hour train ride from Fukuoka, making it the perfect day trip. And the venue couldn’t be more convenient — the race and fan zone unfold right outside JR Sasebo Station. Step off the train and you’re already in the middle of the action.
While you’re here, take time to explore: cruise the 99 Islands, bite into a famous Sasebo Burger, or visit Huis Ten Bosch, the Dutch-inspired theme park just outside the city.
Event Details
• Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
• Race Start: 13:00
• Fan Zone Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
• Location: Around JR Sasebo Station & Sasebo Gobangai
• Official website: https://tourdekyushu.asia/stage/nagasaki/
Tour de Kyushu 2025 Schedule
Oct. 10 (Fri.) start at 13:00
• Course Area: Sasebo City
• Distance: 45 km (1.5km×30 LAPS)
• https://tourdekyushu.asia/stage/nagasaki/
Oct. 11 (Sat.) start at 11:00 start
• Course Area: Chikugo Prefectural Wide Area Park → Chikugo City → Yame City → former Kuroki Station on the old Yabe Line.
• Distance: 120.43km (19.97km＋16.74km×6 LAPS)
• https://tourdekyushu.asia/stage/fukuoka/
Oct. 12 (Sun.) start at 9:00
• Course Area: Senomoto Rest House → Minami Ogini-machi → Ubuyama Village → Aso City → Takamori-machi
• Distance: 114.85km (54.13km＋30.36km×2 LAPS)
• https://tourdekyushu.asia/stage/kumamoto/
Oct. 13 (Mon., hol.) start at 10:00
• Course Area: Nobeoka City Hall → Nobeoka City → Nippo Coast → Saiki City → Saiki Shiroyama Sakura Hall
• Distance: 119.25km (95.57km＋11.84km×2 LAPS)
• https://tourdekyushu.asia/stage/miyazaki-oita/
Whether you’re a cycling fan, a family looking for a fun day out, or simply curious about experiencing a world-class sporting event up close, the Sasebo Criterium is not to be missed. It’s the perfect kickoff to Tour de Kyushu 2025 — fast, festive, and unforgettable.
Special Half-Price Transport Offer for Tour de Kyushu Visitors
To celebrate the Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2025 Sasebo Criterium, a special discount is available through the “my route” travel app.
Sales Period: October 10 (Fri) – October 13 (Mon), 2025
Valid for Travel: October 10 (Fri) – October 13 (Mon), 2025
Discounted Ticket: Saihi Bus, Sasebo Bus, and Matsuura Railway 1-Day Pass
• Adult: ¥2,000 (normally ¥4,000)
• Child: ¥1,000 (normally ¥2,000)
This special ticket must be purchased through the my route app.
