cycling

Need to do a bit of exercise to shed those extra pounds gained during the holiday season? What better way than to explore the city on two wheels and let the fresh winter air hit you in the face. The Kumamoto prefecture has several scenic biking routes of varying lengths and difficulties. The spectacular and challenging Mount Aso trails are probably off the cards during the colder months but you might want to give the following a try. Yuka Family Road One of the prefecture’s most popular and peaceful cycling routes, this road runs from Kumamoto City to the pretty onsen location of Yamaga City. It’s just shy of 34 km in total length so can be cycled in around 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace. The route is considered moderately challenging as there is some uphill cycling involved. It starts next to the Isseri river behind Kumamoto Castle and runs north along the river and then follows an old disused railway track. There are a number of historical and cultural heritage sights along the route as well as some nice countryside views. If you have time, it’s worth spending a couple of hours or so wandering around Yamaga before…