In ancient times, northern Kyushu is believed to be the first area to have interactions with China and the Korean Peninsula. The more advanced cultures were brought over and Japan's ancient culture fused them together, creating a uniquely Japanese culture that spread throughout the country. Starting with rice cultivation, Japan's staple food, and culture learned from foreign countries such as civil engineering techniques and Buddhism have shaped Japanese culture. Usa Jingu Shrine is said to be the birthplace of "Shinto-Buddhism syncretism," a unique part of Japanese culture that is a harmonious blend of foreign culture and ancient Japanese culture. Usa Jingu Shrine is also the source of Japan's spiritual culture, which has taken its own unique shape by incorporating religious teachings and knowledge gained through interactions with China and the Korean Peninsula since ancient times. Misumi Pond at Komo Jinja Shrine, which is closely related to Usa Jingu Shrine and also the main object of worship at the shrine, was created as a reservoir for watering rice fields. Rice cultivation culture developed through a fusion of people praying to nature and techniques learned from foreign lands. The origins of rice cultivation culture, which are now inseparable from Japanese culture, are still found here to this day.
This cycling tour will give visitors a glimpse into the spiritual culture and lifestyle of the Japanese people by taking them to Usa Jingu Shrine, where Japan's religious and spiritual culture began, along with other places associated with the shrine. At the Komo Jinja Shrine and Misumi-ike Pond, which is said to be the origin of the Usa Jingu Shrine, you will visit the site where people have prayed to nature and experience the rice cultivation culture that began more than 1,000 years ago. You will follow the traces of ancient Japanese history found in the megaliths of Mt. Hachimenzan. The introduction of Buddhism from abroad gave birth to a new culture of belief, which has greatly influenced Japanese culture and lifestyle. Usa Jingu Shrine had strong ties to the ancient Japanese nation and also possessed one-third of the Shoen (rice fields) in Kyushu. Some of which are right here in the Ajimu Basin. Tsumagaki Jinja Shrine, where the guardian deity of the Ajimu Basin resides, became a place of prayer because of its importance. This place could even be called the beginning of Japanese culture, as it was one of the first places to adopt culture introduced from China and the Korean Peninsula and fuse it with ancient Japanese culture creating a new and unique culture. On this tour, we hope that you can experience the beginning of Japanese spiritual culture, which is etched deep in the heart of the Japanese people.

【Highlights】
Local guides, who love and know this area better than anyone else, will show you the charming countryside and will introduce you to the lifestyle of the villagers living here. E-bikes are also available for those who are not confident with riding a bicycle (beginners).
You can feel more than 1,000 years of history on this cycling tour.

【Things to prepare】
Comfortable clothing (e.g., pants where the hems aren't too spread out)
A backpack or something to carry your belongings in
Shoes or sneakers that can get dirty (no sandals or heeled shoes)
Drinks and gloves

Organized by

Local guides who know and love Yabakei better than anyone else, introduce the charms of the land and the lives of the villagers.

Yabakei Cycling Tours offers a local guide to assist you. Macchan, born and raised in Yabakei, will leisurely guide you through the natural wonders of his beloved Yabakei and show you the charms of the people who live here.