This translation was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
MYNAVI Tour de Kyushu 2026 runs from Friday, October 9 to Monday, October 12, across six prefectures. The event begins with an exhibition criterium in Sasebo, followed by three UCI Asia Tour 2.1 road stages through Saga–Fukuoka, Oita–Kumamoto and Miyazaki–Nichinan.
2026 schedule at a glance
- October 9: Sasebo Criterium, an exhibition race around Sasebo Station; 13:00 start planned, about 45 km.
- October 10: Stage 1, Saga–Fukuoka; Hado Cape to Itoshima and Tenjin Bridge; 10:00 start planned, about 154 km.
- October 11: Stage 2, Oita–Kumamoto; from Bungoono through the Kuju and Aso areas to Minamiaso; 10:00 start planned, about 128 km.
- October 12: Stage 3, Miyazaki–Nichinan; along the Nichinan Coast and back to the Miyazaki Prefectural Office; 9:00 start planned, about 124 km.
The three road stages are part of the UCI Asia Tour 2.1 category. Eighteen teams have been announced, including two UCI WorldTeams, international professional and continental teams, Japanese regional teams and the Japan National Team. The rider roster may still change.
Check the official Tour de Kyushu website
Why the Saga–Fukuoka stage is the key local race
Stage 1 links three very different landscapes in one race. Riders leave the coast at Hado Cape in Karatsu, follow roads overlooking the Genkai Sea, cross Itoshima and enter the dense city streets of Fukuoka before the finish at Tenjin Bridge.
The official start is scheduled for 10:00. A road race passes each roadside point only once, so choose a viewing location in advance and allow time for closures. The exact passage time depends on race speed and conditions.
View the official Saga–Fukuoka stage map and course details
Watching the race and following it online
General roadside viewing is free. The organizer also plans live coverage on the official YouTube channel, which is useful when you cannot reach the course or want to follow the race before and after the riders pass your location.
As of August 24, 2026, details for any paid viewing area were still being prepared. Do not purchase or travel based on an older year’s ticket page. Use the current official event website when ticket or viewing-zone information is released.
Open the official Tour de Kyushu YouTube channel
Road closures are the most important travel check
Road restrictions apply around each course on race day. During restrictions, cars, motorcycles and bicycles cannot use the affected roads, and pedestrians generally cannot cross while the race convoy is passing. Local buses may be suspended, diverted, delayed or operated on a changed timetable.
For the Saga–Fukuoka stage, the affected area stretches from Karatsu and Itoshima into central Fukuoka. If you are staying in Tenjin, visiting Itoshima or driving a rental car on October 10, check the latest map before deciding your route. Public transport is usually the safer starting point, but bus routes can also change.
Check the organizer’s 2026 road-closure information
Practical tips for international visitors
- Choose one viewing point rather than trying to chase the race by car.
- Arrive before restrictions begin and stand behind barriers or staff lines.
- Do not step into the course, cross during the convoy or use a flash close to riders.
- Bring water, sun or rain protection and a charged phone; October weather can change.
- Confirm the last train or changed bus service if you plan to watch the Tenjin finish.
Visitors combining the race with sightseeing can use the Fukuoka first-time visitor guide and the Fukuoka event calendar. On race day, however, the official restriction map takes priority over a normal sightseeing route.
