Here’s something you don’t get to do every day: cycle through a brand-new tunnel before it officially opens to road traffic. On Sunday, November 22, 2026, Aso City is hosting the Kogidas Slide — a commemorative cycling event to celebrate the opening of the Takimurosaka Tunnel (滝室坂トンネル). The tunnel stretches a full 4,834 meters with an average gradient of 4%, cutting through the dramatic Aso landscape. This is a one-time chance to experience it on two wheels, in near silence, before the cars move in.
The event is not a race — no rankings, no timed competition — just a fun group ride through one of Aso’s newest pieces of infrastructure. Two course options are available to suit different fitness levels and group preferences:
| Course | Type | Distance | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Full Course | Solo participants | 14.6 km | First 50 entries |
| B. Challenge Course | Group participants | 8.6 km | First 50 entries |
The entry fee is ¥1,000 per person, and both courses share the same schedule. Registration opens at 12:15, riders set off at 13:00, and the event wraps up by 16:00. The meeting point is the grounds of Ichinomiya Junior High School in Aso City (阿蘇市一の宮町宮地1669-2). If you’re driving, note that parking at the school itself is not available — use Aso City Hall instead.
Advance registration is required, and spots are limited to 50 per course, so don’t leave it too late. You can sign up via the QR code on the event poster or through the Aso Cycle Tourism School website. For questions, contact the organizing body — the Kogidas Council, based within Aso City’s Tourism Division — at 0967-22-3174.
If you’re planning a trip to the Aso region around this time, check our guide to Mt. Aso crater access to make sure the volcanic area is open during your visit, and plan your day around the ride.
Source: Aso City Tourism
