Yuuka Family Road (Cycling Road)
The Yūka Family Road is a 33 km cycling path connecting Kumamoto City and Yamaga City in Kumamoto Prefecture. It follows the former Yamaga Onsen Railway route, running alongside the Iseri River and through rural landscapes.
This mostly dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians is car-free, making it safe and suitable for beginners and families. Along the way, there are rest areas and several historical and cultural landmarks reflecting the region’s rich heritage. With its gentle terrain and peaceful countryside views, the Yūka Family Road offers a relaxing and scenic ride through Kumamoto’s heartland.
The Route
The route is generally well signposted along the way making it easy to follow and about 95% is on dedicated cycling paths (there is a small section along a moderately trafficed road which has a sidewalk)
As the bicycle path runs on an old rail route in the country side, many portions take the rider through beautiful rice paddies
Things to do
Yamaga Onsen
Yamaga Onsen, located in Kumamoto Prefecture, is a historic hot spring town known for its soft, alkaline waters that are gentle on the skin. With a history dating back over 1,000 years, the area is home to several public bathhouses, including Sakurayu, a restored Edo-period bathhouse that once served as a communal gathering place. Yamaga is also famous for the Yamaga Toro Matsuri, an annual summer festival where women perform elegant dances while balancing paper lanterns on their heads. Visitors can enjoy the town’s traditional architecture, local crafts, and serene hot spring experiences throughout the year.
Yamaga Onsen also has a foot bath that can be used for free and is just across the street from Sakura-yu above.
Getting there and away
Kumamoto (South) End
The Kumamoto start is about 5km North of Kumamoto Station, is easy to get to and has a Kyushu Shinkansen station. For those who would like to take the train to as close to the start point as possible, Kami-Kumamoto station is nearby
Yamaga Onsen (North) End
Yamaga Onsen doesn’t have any significant public transit options so riders can either do an out and back from Kumamoto or ride onto other places like Kurumai.