Aso Kuju Cycle Fields

ASO
KUJU
RIDE

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The Sparkle Oita Racing Team is a professional cycling team launched in Oita Prefecture in 2021.

The team slogan is 'Ignite Passion in Kyushu and Challenge the World.' Kyushu boasts abundant resources such as globally renowned hot springs and culinary culture. Against this backdrop of potential, Sparkle Oita serves as a bridge between Kyushu and the world as a world-class professional cycling team. With the theme 'Unifying Kyushu,' we aim to create a new culture and take on the world.

Our activities extend beyond competition, focusing on leveraging cycling for regional contributions, including 'Environmental Contribution,' 'Creating New Tourism,' and 'Enhancing Public Health.' We actively contribute to boosting the allure of the Aso Kuju National Park, a region well-traveled during our training sessions!

AMBASSADOR

SPARKLE OITA RACING TEAM

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Ambassador

About Aso Kuju

About Aso Kuju National Park

The scent of meadows,
the breath of volcanoes.
A land of inspiration where people pass
on the blessings of wind and water,
connecting from one generation to the next. The scent of meadows,
the breath of volcanoes.
A land of inspiration where people pass
on the blessings of wind and water,
connecting from one generation to the next.

Aso Kuju National Park was established in 1934, in the 9th year of the Showa era. The park's prominent features include the volcanic group, such as Mount Aso towering over the large caldera, and the Kuju mountain range extending to the north, surrounded by vast and gentle grasslands.

In the southern part of the park, around Mount Aso, you can witness the smoking crater of Nakadake, the beautifully conical-shaped Yakedake, the expansive Kusasenrigahama, and the magnificent landscapes of the crater and outer rim. This area offers a series of grand and splendid views.

Additionally, in the central part of the park around the Kuju mountain range, you'll find various volcanic landscapes with sulfuric phenomena scattered around. There are extensive grasslands like the Kuju Highland and Iida Highland, as well as academically valuable wetlands such as Tadehara Marsh and Bogatsuru Marsh. The region is rich in diverse attractions.

In the northern part of the park, you'll find picturesque mountains like Mount Tsurumi and Mount Yufu, known as the source of hot springs in places like Beppu and Yufuin. From the mountain ridges, you can enjoy panoramic views stretching from Beppu Bay to Yufuin Basin and the Kuju mountain range.

AMBASSADOR

SPARKLE OITA RACING TEAM

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About Aso Kuju

Cycling Spots

Recommended Spots

Iida Highland, Chojahara, Makinoto Pass Iida Highland, Chojahara, Makinoto Pass
A highland area located in the northwestern part of the Kuju mountain range. Iida Highland, with its scenic rural landscapes, is beginner-friendly. In the surroundings of the Tadehara Marsh, protected by the Ramsar Convention, consider stopping by the visitor center for replenishments. For those looking to take on hill climbs, make an attack on the 1,330m high Makinoto Pass. A highland area located in the northwestern part of the Kuju mountain range. Iida Highland, with its scenic rural landscapes, is beginner-friendly. In the surroundings of the Tadehara Marsh, protected by the Ramsar Convention, consider stopping by the visitor center for replenishments. For those looking to take on hill climbs, make an attack on the 1,330m high Makinoto Pass.
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Kuju Highland Kuju Highland
If you want to ride against the majestic Kuju mountain range, this is the place. The recommended route is a side road off the main drive course. The changing colors of the meadows with each season are truly a spectacle. Enjoy gourmet experiences such as wineries and soft-serve ice cream. If you want to ride against the majestic Kuju mountain range, this is the place. The recommended route is a side road off the main drive course. The changing colors of the meadows with each season are truly a spectacle. Enjoy gourmet experiences such as wineries and soft-serve ice cream.
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Seno-moto Highland, Ubusan Seno-moto Highland, Ubusan
Seno-moto Highland Rest House is conveniently located at the center of Aso Kuju National Park, serving as a base for the cycling guide 'Aso Kuju Cycle Tour.' With a variety of rental bikes, including E-bikes, it's a great starting point for your cycling adventures. Seno-moto Highland Rest House is conveniently located at the center of Aso Kuju National Park, serving as a base for the cycling guide 'Aso Kuju Cycle Tour.' With a variety of rental bikes, including E-bikes, it's a great starting point for your cycling adventures.
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Daikanbo Daikanbo
Daikanbo is the panoramic viewpoint that many cyclists aspire to reach. With a panoramic view of the large caldera, you are guaranteed to feel the power of the land. Since the ascent continues towards the observation deck, plan your journey based on your stamina. Daikanbo is the panoramic viewpoint that many cyclists aspire to reach. With a panoramic view of the large caldera, you are guaranteed to feel the power of the land. Since the ascent continues towards the observation deck, plan your journey based on your stamina.
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Takeda Castle Town Takeda Castle Town
One of Japan's Top 100 Castles, the nationally designated historic site Okajo Castle Ruins, preserves the ancient atmosphere of the castle town, including the samurai residences along the castle town street. From the main keep ruins of Okajo Castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Kuju Mountains, Mount Aso, Mount Baba, and other mountains. The history of Okajo Castle, known as impregnable, spanning 800 years, can be felt. With abundant facilities for dining and accommodation, it's an ideal starting point for a cycling tour. One of Japan's Top 100 Castles, the nationally designated historic site Okajo Castle Ruins, preserves the ancient atmosphere of the castle town, including the samurai residences along the castle town street. From the main keep ruins of Okajo Castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Kuju Mountains, Mount Aso, Mount Baba, and other mountains. The history of Okajo Castle, known as impregnable, spanning 800 years, can be felt. With abundant facilities for dining and accommodation, it's an ideal starting point for a cycling tour.
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Kurokawa Onsen Kurokawa Onsen
Surrounded by lush green mountains, the 'Kurokawa Onsen Village' brings together thirty ryokans. It conceptualizes all thirty inns and the rural landscape as a single ryokan, known as 'Kurokawa Onsen Ichiryokan.' After enjoying a ride through the secluded area where time flows gracefully, you can relish conversations with loved ones, surrender to nature, and spend leisurely, unhurried moments. Surrounded by lush green mountains, the 'Kurokawa Onsen Village' brings together thirty ryokans. It conceptualizes all thirty inns and the rural landscape as a single ryokan, known as 'Kurokawa Onsen Ichiryokan.' After enjoying a ride through the secluded area where time flows gracefully, you can relish conversations with loved ones, surrender to nature, and spend leisurely, unhurried moments.
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Minamiaso, Kusasenri Minamiaso, Kusasenri
For those who want to experience the terrain of Aso thoroughly, head here. The outer rim of the caldera, the outer rim mountains, and within them, 'Kusasenri,' offer a challenging route with varied ups and downs. Roadside Station Aso serves as the starting point for Kusasenri, Maituka, and Shirakawa Water Source, providing rental bikes and guided tours. It's a recommended stop for support along the way. For those who want to experience the terrain of Aso thoroughly, head here. The outer rim of the caldera, the outer rim mountains, and within them, 'Kusasenri,' offer a challenging route with varied ups and downs. Roadside Station Aso serves as the starting point for Kusasenri, Maituka, and Shirakawa Water Source, providing rental bikes and guided tours. It's a recommended stop for support along the way.
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Cycling Spots

Photo Report

Cycling & Glamping

Aso Kuju National Park Guide Tour by Sparkle Oita

For this day, the athletes devised a route to ensure enjoyment for both beginners and seasoned cyclists.

A pastoral ride in the Seno-moto Highland area using E-MTBs was the highlight of the day, providing enjoyment for participants of all ages.

The destination for the advanced course on this day was Daikanbo. Without a single participant giving up (DNF), the group maintained a moderate pace, pulling each other along.