National Route 226 – Kagoshima

The western section of Japan’s National Route 226 runs along the western coastline of the Satsuma Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture and is a wonderful place for cycling. This stretch offers stunning views of the East China Sea and passes through serene fishing villages, rugged cliffs, and lush greenery. Highlights along this part of the route include the peaceful seaside town of Makurazaki, known for its bonito fish industry, and the nearby Cape Nagasakibana, where visitors can enjoy panoramic ocean vistas. The western peninsula section is less touristy compared to the eastern side, providing a more tranquil and authentic experience of rural Japan.

Route

The route spans 66 kilometers between Makurazaki and Minami Satsuma Cities. The course sticks along the coast and offers wonderful views of the sea along the way!

Several Places have great look outs as well!

Marukizaki Observatory

Gotohana Observatory

Detailed Route

The Route along the coast is only about 66 kilometers but there is a lot of climbing along the route. The route doesn’t go above 200m altutude but it descends into the fishing ports resulting in a lot climbing

Getting there and away

Makurazaki

Makurazaki has a JR rail connection and is about 2 hours using local trains from Kagoshima

Minami Satsuma

Mimami Satsuma doesn’t have any train connections (Kaseda Station, now the center of Minami Satsuma, was discontinued in 1984) so the only way to get there is a by car or continue somewhere else by bicycle

There is 25km of dedicated cycle path near the coast on what used to be the railway that connected Kaseda station) so riding up to the train towards Sendai (Kagoshima) is an option for getting away.