2025 to be the year of cycling in Okinawa

Okinawa’s local government is stepping up its efforts to promote cycling in the prefecture in 2025, aiming to attract bike enthusiasts from around the world to explore the subtropical islands’ routes that offer year-round accessibility.

A group of local cycling specialists, including the Chairman of the Okinawan Cycling Association, have already been enlisted to help with aims to bring an existing popular cycling route that circles Okinawa’s largest and main island into the ranks of Japan’s National Cycling Routes – a status with strict requirements for road safety, width and convenience for cyclists. The economic benefit of this project is predicted to be in the region of 10 billion yen.

Okinawa’s subtropical climate and spectacular scenery make it an attractive destination for cyclists, particularly in the winter months when temperatures average a comfortable 15-20 degrees. Races such as the Tour de Okinawa and All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima already attract professional athletes, but there are routes suitable for all abilities. Some of the most popular include the Ginowan Tropical Beach – Ikei Island Cycling Tour, which has the most elevation gain of all the road biking trails in the area with an ascent of 554m, and the Arashiyama – Yabu Cycling Route considered the most difficult road biking trail in Okinawa with an elevation gain of 417m.

Cycling is widespread across Okinawa, including within its cities and on its smaller islands, with numerous rental companies offering a range of different bikes for visitors of all cycling abilities. Dirt bikes from the likes of Fat Bike Rental Taketomi are a popular choice in the YaeYama region, and ChuraChari bicycle-sharing e-bikes are available across the prefecture’s capital, Naha.

Here, companies such as E-Charity also offer guided tours alongside equipment hire, allowing visitors to expertly explore the region’s history and culture on two wheels.