Kibiji Cycling Route
The Kibiji Cycling Route is a scenic, 25 km path through the historic Kibi Plain between Okayama City and Soja. Mostly flat and beginner-friendly, the route passes rice fields, rural villages, and cultural landmarks such as Kibitsu Shrine, Bitchū Kokubun-ji, and ancient kofun burial mounds. It’s ideal for a half-day ride, with bike rentals available at nearby train stations. Known for its peaceful countryside and seasonal flowers, the route blends gentle cycling with rich history and makes for a perfect day trip from Okayama.
Route
The Route is almost entirely flat and about 25km long and is quite an easy ride, even for beginners.
Renting a bicycle
Araki Cycle has joined up with 2 other bicyle shops around the area have joined forces to let riders pick up a bike at one location and drop off at another. They even have English speaking tour guides to take riders around the area!
Kibiji Renta-cycle (website in English)
Things to see
Bitchū Kokubun-ji (備中国分寺)
The Bitchū Kokubun-ji (備中国分寺) is a historic Buddhist temple located in Sōja, Okayama Prefecture. It was originally founded around 741 AD as part of a nationwide system of provincial temples (kokubun-ji) established by Emperor Shōmu to promote Buddhism and unify the country during the Nara period.
Although the original structure was destroyed in the 14th century, the temple was rebuilt during the Edo period. Its most notable feature is the five-story pagoda, completed in the early 1800s. Standing 34 meters tall, it is considered the last pagoda constructed in Japan built using traditional methods (and not considered to be a modern reconstruction) and the only one in Okayama Prefecture
Set amidst rice fields and seasonal flowers, Bitchū Kokubun-ji is designated as a National Historic Site, with the pagoda recognized as an Important Cultural Property. The temple grounds are open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission is free.
Easily accessible by bicycle from JR Sōja Station, the temple is a highlight of the Kibiji Cycling Route, offering visitors a peaceful stop that blends rural scenery with historical significance.
Kibitsu Shrine
Kibitsu Shrine (吉備津神社) is a historic Shinto shrine located along the Kibiji Cycling Route in Okayama. Designated as a National Treasure, the shrine is known for its unique hiyoku irimoya-zukuri roof and its 360-meter-long wooden corridor. It dates back to the 4th century and is associated with the legendary figure Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, who is believed to be the model for the folk hero Momotaro. The shrine is a culturally significant stop that offers insight into ancient Japanese architecture and mythology.
Getting there and away
The entire area is well served by trains.
The route starts at Okayama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen with good access to Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka.
The route ends at Soja station which has plenty of service to get back to Okayama
