ASO | LAND OF FIRE
An Extraordinary Journey Through Japan's Volcanic Heart
KYUSHU, JAPAN | 6 DAYS · 5 NIGHTS
An Exclusive Private Cycling Expedition
BEYOND THE FAMILIAR. INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY.
There is another Japan.
A place far removed from the neon-lit avenues of Tokyo and the celebrated temples of Kyoto. A landscape shaped by fire, softened by centuries of tradition, and defined by a profound relationship between nature and the people who inhabit it.
On the southern island of Kyushu, ancient volcanic forces have created one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Asia. Here, mountains rise above immense calderas, ribbons of immaculate tarmac disappear into rolling grasslands, and steam drifts from mineral-rich waters beneath forested hillsides.
At the heart of this remarkable world stands Mount Aso, one of Japan's most celebrated active volcanic complexes.
This is the setting for an extraordinary journey.
Over six carefully curated days, RAID Cycling invites a select group of travelers to discover a Japan rarely experienced by outsiders. An intimate exploration of Kyushu's volcanic heartland, where exceptional cycling meets the country's most deeply rooted traditions of hospitality, craftsmanship, and cuisine.
From the cosmopolitan energy of Fukuoka to the ethereal hot springs of Beppu, our journey unfolds along some of Japan's most spectacular roads, connecting extraordinary landscapes with experiences that cannot simply be reserved.
Private encounters with artisans and culinary masters. Centuries-old ryokans where hospitality is elevated to an art form. Exceptional regional sake, discovered at its source. Intimate dining experiences celebrating the ingredients, traditions, and remarkable culinary heritage of Kyushu.
Every element has been considered. Every detail quietly anticipated.
This is not simply a cycling tour. It is an invitation into the soul of Japan.
D1 · FUKUOKA
30mi / 48km ✧ +1,980ft / 603m
FUKUOKA | THE GATEWAY TO KYUSHU
An Elegant Introduction to Japan's Southern Island
Our expedition begins with two nights in Fukuoka, Kyushu's sophisticated coastal capital and one of Japan's most celebrated culinary destinations. A historic crossroads between Japan and the Asian continent, Fukuoka effortlessly blends contemporary elegance with centuries-old traditions, exceptional gastronomy, and a vibrant cultural spirit.
Settling into refined accommodations, we discover the city's distinctive character through thoughtfully curated experiences, from intimate dining and regional sake to an enchanting evening cruise along the Naka River. Beneath illuminated bridges and along the lively waterfront of Nakasu, we encounter the beloved tradition of yatai—intimate, lantern-lit food stalls where locals gather over steaming bowls of Hakata ramen, grilled delicacies, and spirited conversation.
These first two evenings set the tone for our journey: exceptional hospitality, authentic cultural encounters, and an unhurried introduction to the extraordinary landscapes and traditions of Kyushu.
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THE RITZ-CARLTON FUKUOKA
Rising above the vibrant heart of Fukuoka, The Ritz-Carlton offers an exquisite introduction to Kyushu. Blending contemporary sophistication with the understated elegance of Japanese hospitality, this exceptional urban retreat features beautifully appointed accommodations, panoramic views across Hakata Bay, refined dining, and impeccable service—an elegant beginning to our journey into Japan’s volcanic heartland. LINK
WITH THE STYLE FUKUOKA
An intimate urban sanctuary in the heart of Fukuoka, WITH THE STYLE redefines boutique luxury with just 16 beautifully appointed suites. Inspired by mid-century design and the relaxed elegance of Palm Springs, this sophisticated retreat blends contemporary art, lush tropical surroundings, exceptional dining, and deeply personal Japanese hospitality. A stylish and wonderfully secluded introduction to Kyushu, where understated luxury and thoughtful details create an atmosphere of effortless refinement. LINK
D2 · KURUME TO HITA
KURUME TO HITA
Through the Tea Fields and Timeless Landscapes of Kyushu
A short morning transfer brings us to Kurume, where we venture beyond the city into the verdant foothills of Kyushu. Our journey begins at a picturesque tea plantation, where meticulously cultivated rows of vibrant green tea trace the contours of rolling hills and forested valleys. Quiet country roads wind through traditional farming villages and lush countryside, revealing the serene beauty of rural Japan.
As we journey deeper into the countryside, the landscape unfolds into a tapestry of forested mountains, secluded valleys, and timeless rural communities. Our destination is Hita, a historic town nestled along the Mikuma River, renowned for its pristine waters, traditional craftsmanship, and rich cultural heritage.
Here, we retreat into the intimate elegance of a traditional Japanese ryokan, where restorative mineral-rich onsens and gracious hospitality offer a welcome reward after a day in the saddle. As twilight descends, we board a traditional yakatabune for a private dinner cruise along the tranquil Mikuma River. Surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns, we savor exquisite seasonal cuisine and regional sake as the evening unfolds upon the water.
A day of extraordinary contrasts, from the vibrant tea fields of Kyushu to the quiet refinement of riverside Japan.
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KOTOHIRA ONSEN KAYA-USAGI | HITA, JAPAN
Tucked away in the tranquil countryside of Hita, Kaya-Usagi is an enchanting traditional ryokan where rustic elegance and timeless Japanese hospitality come together. Beautifully preserved architecture, intimate gardens, and soothing natural hot springs evoke the atmosphere of a bygone era. Exquisite seasonal cuisine and thoughtfully appointed accommodations offer an authentic, deeply restorative retreat into the heart of Kyushu. LINK
RYOKAN & SAUNA YOROZUYA | HITA, JAPAN
Nestled along the tranquil Mikuma River, Yorozuya is an intimate retreat where traditional Japanese hospitality meets contemporary luxury. Just eight beautifully appointed suites feature private onsens, saunas, and cold plunges, offering an exceptional sanctuary for relaxation. Refined seasonal cuisine and understated elegance complete this extraordinary riverside experience. LINK
HITA | AN EVENING ON THE MIKUMA RIVER
As twilight settles over Hita, we board a traditional yakatabune for an intimate dinner cruise along the tranquil Mikuma River. Surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns and the beauty of the riverside landscape, we savor an exquisite seasonal Japanese dinner, accompanied by carefully selected regional sake. An enchanting evening where refined cuisine, timeless traditions, and the gentle rhythm of the river create an unforgettable expression of Japanese hospitality.
d 3 HITA TO KUROKAWA
46mi / 74km ✧ +6,500ft / 1,983 m
“In these mountains, shiitake hide in secret groves. So rare, even a whisper of where to find them is passed down in hush.”
Today’s ride takes us deep into Ōita’s enchanting countryside, where every turn of the wheel reveals a new facet of this fertile land and its proud culinary treasure — the shiitake mushroom. Ōita produces more dried shiitake than anywhere else in Japan, and you’ll see their cultivation woven into the rural landscape.
Deep in the mountains, we pause for lunch at a traditional Japanese izakaya, where the smoky aroma of sizzling meats fills the air. Gathered around glowing grills, we savor succulent cuts of meat in a lively, convivial atmosphere—an authentic and memorable taste of rural Kyushu.
The day’s shorter ride allows us to fully savor our extraordinary destination: Takefue, one of Japan’s most exquisite luxury ryokans, hidden within a secluded bamboo forest near Kurokawa Onsen. Towering bamboo, tranquil gardens, and winding stone pathways create an enchanting sanctuary where nature and Japanese hospitality exist in perfect harmony. Here, beautifully appointed suites feature private mineral-rich hot springs, inviting a restorative soak after a day in the saddle. As evening falls, lanterns illuminate the forest, steam rises gently into the mountain air, and the quiet elegance of this remarkable retreat reveals itself. An exquisite kaiseki dinner, celebrating the finest seasonal ingredients, completes an unforgettable evening in the heart of Kyushu.
Tonight, in true ryokan tradition, we trade our cycling kit for yukata robes and gather for a kaiseki-style feast. Dining at Takefue is an experience in itself — multiple courses of seasonal mountain cuisine, presented with precision and elegance. Local game, river fish, mountain vegetables, and of course the region’s famed shiitake mushrooms come together in a meal that feels both rustic and refined. It’s the perfect way to end the day: relaxed, restored, and fully immersed in the rhythm of Japan.
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TAKEFUE | KUROKAWA ONSEN (竹ふえ)
An Extraordinary Sanctuary in the Bamboo Forest
Hidden within a secluded bamboo forest in the mountains of Kyushu, Takefue is an exquisite expression of Japanese luxury and timeless hospitality. Towering bamboo, tranquil gardens, and natural hot springs create an atmosphere of profound serenity, while beautifully appointed suites offer exceptional privacy and indulgent open-air bathing. Evenings unfold through meticulously crafted kaiseki cuisine, celebrating the finest seasonal ingredients with extraordinary artistry. Intimate, enchanting, and deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, Takefue offers a rare opportunity to experience the quiet elegance of Japan at its most refined. LINK
D4 · KUROKAWA TO aSO
79mi / 127km ✧ +7,220ft / 2200m
Porto Vecchio, on Corsica’s southeastern tip, is a characterful town surrounded by deserted white-sand beaches and is a great starting point for riding into the island’s wild southern interior. The spectacular route out of town takes us straight to the Col de Bacinu before descending on sweeping turns through dense, forested hills with unexpected vistas around every corner. The tunnels here were a favorite hideout of the Corsican Resistance against the Nazis. Sartène, our halfway point, is a pretty town dating mainly from the 16th century; to return, we take the spectacular red-rocked coast road, with beautiful views out over the Mediterranean. By the time you’ve ascended the second col, you’ll a dip in the sea and the fine dinner waiting for you at the hotel.
Sartène—often called the “most Corsican of Corsican towns” by Prosper Mérimée—has long been tied to stories of vendetta and what outsiders loosely call the Corsican “mafia.” In reality, it was never a centralized system like Cosa Nostra, but rather a web of tight family networks shaped by honor, loyalty, and generations of feuds that defined life in the region. That legacy fed into the broader Corsican “milieu” that later influenced criminal circles in places like Marseille, though Sartène itself is now quiet, traditional, and more defined by its granite streets and deep-rooted identity than any modern underworld.
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GALLERIA MIDOBARU | BEPPU, JAPAN
Where Art, Architecture & Nature Converge
Perched high above Beppu, Galleria Midobaru is an extraordinary design-led retreat where contemporary Japanese architecture, immersive art, and the raw beauty of Kyushu's volcanic landscape come together. Sculptural concrete, curated installations, and floor-to-ceiling views create a striking dialogue between the natural and the unexpected. Each beautifully conceived guestroom features a private onsen, inviting moments of quiet contemplation above the steaming city and shimmering waters of Beppu Bay. Bold, intimate, and unmistakably Japanese, Galleria Midobaru offers a remarkable conclusion to our journey through the Land of Fire. LINK
