Sunrise Ride (Nakagusuku Castle sunrise walk and ride)
サンライズライド（中城城跡サンライズウォーク＆サイクリング）26°17′ N 127°48′ ECyclingFebruary, MarchCentral Okinawa
The Sunrise Ride is a free early-morning walk and easy 15–18 km ride from Nakagusuku Castle on Okinawa's east coast, run by the four east-coast towns each February or March (1 March 2026), with 25 free loan bikes for the first to sign up.
Photo N · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Yonabaru, Nishihara, Nakagusuku and Kitanakagusuku share the Pacific side of central Okinawa and promote it together as the sunrise coast. On the 2026 morning riders gathered at Nakagusuku Castle at 06:00, watched the sun come up at 07:03 on a guided walk through the castle, then rode about 18 km down to Yoshinoura Park and the Nakagusuku shore and back. The climb back up to the castle is steep, and the organizers suggested an e-bike.
Entry is free, with a snack along the way, and the first 25 people to ask could borrow a bike and helmet for nothing: ten sport e-bikes and fifteen share bikes in 2026. Riders aged from the fourth year of primary school up can join, with a parent along for children.
Courses
- Sunrise area course, Nakagusuku Castle to Yoshinoura Park and the Nakagusuku coast and back (2026)18 km
- Yoshinoura hall, coast and Nakagusuku Castle loop (2025)15 km
Worth knowing
- Ask for a loan e-bike when you sign up; the climb back to the castle is the hard part.
- Wear trousers that don't flare at the ankle, as the organizers ask.
FAQ
Quick answers about Sunrise Ride (Nakagusuku Castle sunrise walk and ride)よくある質問
Is there a sunrise bike ride at Nakagusuku Castle?
Yes. The Sunrise Ride starts at Nakagusuku Castle at 06:00 with a guided walk at sunrise, then an easy ride of about 18 km. The 2026 edition was on 1 March and cost nothing to enter.
Can I borrow a bike for the Sunrise Ride?
Yes. The organizers lent 25 bikes free in 2026, ten sport e-bikes and fifteen share bikes with helmets, to the first riders who asked when signing up.