Okuhita Tsubakigahana Hill Climb

This established Kyushu hill climb starts on the Oyama side of Hita, follows the paved public Oita Prefectural Route 9, and then rises through Maetsue to the highland finish near the Snow Peak Okuhita entrance. The classic long version covers 12.70 km with about 719 m of reconstructed ascent. Its moderate opening accumulates fatigue before the decisive final 4.95 km, which averages close to 8%, with the last 1.2 km approaching 10%. Hita continues to host an official Tsubakigahana race, but intense rain can leave branches, gravel, slope seepage or road closures, so riders must check current city, prefectural and event notices before departure.