{"id":172414,"date":"2025-07-26T14:34:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T05:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?p=172414&lang=en"},"modified":"2025-07-28T09:54:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T00:54:16","slug":"tour-de-kyushu-2025-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/tour-de-kyushu-2025-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Ready for Tour de Kyushu 2025: A Day of Ceremony and Cycling"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kumamon, tea fields, and a ride under the summer sun: a taste of Tour de Kyushu 2025.<\/h3>\n

With just 75 days to go, Tour de Kyushu 2025<\/a> fever hit Hakata Station\u2014and I was right in the middle of it. Under a blazing blue sky in Fukuoka, the mercury soared into the mid thirties as I joined the official Pre-Tour Ceremony in front of JR Hakata Station\u2014right in the middle of the morning rush. A constant stream of commuters swept by as our stage buzzed with anticipation for Kyushu\u2019s biggest cycling event of the year.<\/p>\n

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Why Tour de Kyushu Matters<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re new to it, the Tour de Kyushu isn\u2019t just a local race. It\u2019s an international UCI-sanctioned road race, drawing 18 elite teams from Japan and abroad. From October 10 to 13, these teams will battle it out across four dramatic stages totaling over 400 km\u2014through Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Oita. Think mountain passes, volcanic landscapes, and high-speed sprints through city streets. For fans of cycling, this is a rare chance to watch world-class racing in Japan outside the Tour of Japan. For locals, it\u2019s an opportunity to showcase Kyushu\u2019s beauty and hospitality to the world.<\/p>\n

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The Ceremony: Speeches, Stars, and\u2026 Kumamon<\/h3>\n

Our day began at Hakata Station Plaza, transformed into a cycling showcase with banners, media cameras, and a curious crowd. The program opened with remarks from the Kyushu District Transport Bureau, the Chairman of the Kyushu Economic Federation, and Fukuoka Governor Seitaro Hattori, emphasizing the event\u2019s mission: \u201cPassionate rides, beautiful Kyushu, to the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Next, three riders from VC Fukuoka<\/a>, one of Kyushu\u2019s leading pro teams, joined us on stage. Among them was Naoki Mukaigawa<\/a>, who would later lead our ride. They spoke about what competing in Tour de Kyushu means to them\u2014and their ambition to shine on home soil this October.<\/p>\n

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Then came the big moment: Kumamon<\/a>, Kumamoto\u2019s beloved mascot and official Tour de Kyushu Support Ambassador, burst onto the stage, stealing the show with his trademark antics and even a surprise dance number. The crowd loved it, phones were out, and the energy soared. It was the perfect send-off for what came next: the ride.<\/p>\n

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All Aboard the Cargo Cycling Bus<\/h3>\n

Ceremony done, it was time to swap microphones for helmets. Together with two of Kyushu\u2019s most popular cycling influencers\u2014Tomomi Kudo<\/a> and Beki<\/a>\u2014and a few VC Fukuoka supporters, we loaded our bikes onto Kyushu\u2019s unique Cargo Cycling Bus. Destination: Yame, a picturesque area in southern Fukuoka known for its tea fields and riverside scenery. Our route would include part of the official Fukuoka Stage course\u2014a taste of what the pros will tackle in October.<\/p>\n

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Into the Green: Riding Through Yame\u2019s Tea Fields<\/h3>\n

By mid-morning, the heat was intense\u2014but the ride was worth it. We pedaled along quiet rural lanes lined with endless green tea fields, climbing steadily until a sweeping view of Yame\u2019s famed central tea gardens opened up.<\/p>\n

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Being the least experienced rider in the group, I felt the pressure to keep pace. The heat added to the challenge, but an ice-cold cup of Yame tea at the summit was pure bliss. A breeze picked up, and our route rolled gently along the Yabe River, through shaded stretches lined with sakura trees\u2014a welcome relief from the sun.<\/p>\n

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Sweet Stop: Honey Heaven<\/h3>\n

One of the highlights? A stop at Kano Hachi Honey Garden<\/a> for frozen yogurt drizzled with locally harvested honey. Dozens of honey varieties lined the counter, and let\u2019s just say the female riders were especially delighted. It was a \u201choney trap\u201d in the best sense\u2014a refreshing break before the final push to our goal.<\/p>\n

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The Finish: Chikugo Wide Area Park<\/h3>\n

Our ride wrapped up at Chikugo Wide Area Park<\/a>, home to a BMX course and wide-open spaces. Here, we cooled down, shared our impressions with the media, and reflected on what this event represents.<\/p>\n

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Beyond the Race: Kyushu Awaits<\/h3>\n

Yes, Tour de Kyushu is all about elite racing, but the bigger picture? Kyushu is just an amazing place to ride. Mountains, coastlines, quiet backroads\u2014there\u2019s so much variety. And when the day\u2019s done, you\u2019ve got hot springs, great food, and that warm Kyushu hospitality waiting for you.<\/p>\n

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And here\u2019s the best part: you don\u2019t need to be a Lycra-clad pro. I\u2019m proof of that. Even short rides at a relaxed pace are rewarding\u2014good for the body, refreshing for the mind, and the ultimate way to discover new corners of this island.<\/p>\n

Join the Action This October<\/h3>\n

Mark your calendars: October 10\u201313, 2025. Four stages. Five prefectures. 18 international and domestic teams. Stunning roads. Thrilling racing. Whether you\u2019re a hardcore cycling fan or just curious, don\u2019t miss it.<\/p>\n

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Full event details\u2014including stage maps, schedules, and live-stream links\u2014are here:
\n👉 Tour de Kyushu 2025 \u2013 Complete Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

Photos and text:<\/strong> Nick & Emiko Szasz<\/p>\n