2024 Japan Bikepacking

Two Imperial students undertook a bikepacking expedition of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, completing a 500-mile loop over 30 days, starting and finishing in the island's administrative capital, Fukuoka. The journey, from mid-September to mid-October, also included a visit to Yakushima, one of Japan’s smaller southern islands. The pair mostly camped along the route, however, on several occasions they were welcomed into the homes of local people to spend the night.

From Fukuoka the stops on the route were Karatsu Bay, the Saga and Nagasaki Prefectures, Unzen, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kagoshima, Cape Toi National Park, Miyazaki Prefecture, Aoshima, Aso-Kuju National Park, Oita Prefecture, and Beppu. 

In addition to funding provided by the Exploration Board this expedition was supported by the Lord Mayor's 800th Anniversary Awards Trust, and the Royal College of Science Association Trust.