Self Guided Cycling Adventure - Gunma & Tochigi

Wake to the rising sun and sounds of birds chirping outside your window. Wearing your traditional yukata robe, head down for a lovely western breakfast of sunny-side up eggs and bacon with toast and jam. After breakfast, kit up and set off for today’s cycling adventure, to Lake Umeda, Plum Lake.

Head out on the car-free Watarase River Path, and you’ll be greeted by the massive stratovolcano Mt Akagi in front of you. Say good morning to the massive Red Fortress mountain and turn east at the lovely historic silk town of Kiryu. Stop to visit the silk mills and take a turn working the weaving machines yourself! Then, head off to the local bakery, a former silk mill converted into a local hangout spot for the pastry lovers. We recommend trying something familiar (croissant or muffin) and something new (curry pan). After you fuel up, a steady climb takes you to Lake Umeda, a tranquil local lake known for its fishing and satoyama traditional Japanese countryside scenery.

Cross the bridge that bisects the lake and head up a tiny forested road to what looks like a small path to the right. That’s right, that is your turn! You are in for a real adventure as the road turns into a magical path that takes you up to the summit of Mt Akayuki, red snow mountain, named for the azalea flowers that seem to snow off the mountainside in late spring.

At the top, you see a clearing in the trees. On the clearest of days this is an incredible view of the whole of the Tone Valley that is home to the Tokyo Metropolitan as well as even seeing the massive Tokyo Skytree in the distant and if you are lucky, Mt Fuji at over 150km away!

Finally, descend into a thick pine forest as you stumble upon a hidden shrine built atop a rock garden of massive rounded boulders. Hop off the bikes and take to exploring this amazing hidden wonder. Head back to the ryokan for a rinse up and soak in the onsen hot springs healing mineral waters before headed out for dinner tonight of Japanese grilled meat and veggies at a local restaurant!

Wake up after a restful night in the quiet Ashikaga countryside. After a soak in the hot springs and a delicious breakfast, kit up and head out for the day of exploring and riding the foothills of the North Alps.

The route today starts along the car free river paths that show equal parts small town Japan and equal parts massive volcanoes. After a few kilometers, turn north and begin heading up the hidden old road of the Watarase Valley. Small towns, beautiful forests, and in two seasons, vivid colors (spring flowers or fall leaves)! After an amazing hour of seemingly endless fall colors and beautiful traditional towns and rice fields you come upon the massive Lake Kusagi. Home to the Tomihiro Art Museum, the Kusagi local produce stores, and a delicious soba shop in an old wooden Japanese house. Choose your adventure.

Take the afternoon exploring this wonderful area, visit the museum, try some local treats, and slurp a few bowls of soba. Then, pass over the massive red bridge that bisects the lake for an unforgettable view before pointing the handlebars up for the final climb to the hidden pass east of the lake. From here, it’s all downhill. Fly down a string of seemingly car free mountain roads all the way back to the ryokan.

Rinse up, soak in the hot springs, relax with a good book, or take a nap all before heading out for dinner tonight on the town. Many options nearby: sushi, ramen, curry, or Japanese-Italian fusion!

Set an early alarm to make the most of the day on the bike; there are many miles ahead! Roll out of bed and kit up, grab a quick breakfast, then hit road. Today’s route? 100+km of backroads and small town valleys out to the top-rated Soba Restaurant in Central Japan. Because it’s about the destination (and the food) as much as it is about the riding.

Once you leave town, just a few kilometers will transport you into another world. Crest over the second small mountain pass and enjoy the serenity and zen of these incredible roads! The route winds past small towns, rows of terraced rice fields, traditional temples, even a local ice creamery! Highly recommend this stop - where else are you going to have a chance to enjoy purple sweet potato and black sesame ice cream?

You ride hard, and after a few more small passes, reach the soba restaurant. Hop off the bike and head indoors for a well deserved lunch of rich buckwheat noodles and crispy veggie tempura. Once you are replenished, get back on the bike and head over the final climb of the day. A long winding road grows as rivers turn into switchbacks and finally the trees give-way to Japanese bamboo forest. Dig in and push your legs to their limits, but don’t forget to hop off the bike every once in a while for an obligatory photo of the amazing scenery.

Finally, reach the summit and get your reward: a breathtaking view of endless strings of valleys and huge snow caps in the distance. Turn your handlebars downwards and get ready for over two hours of descent as you wind your way back to the ryokan!

Head to the showers, soak in the hot springs, and take a much needed nap. Then, refreshed head out to the local Ramen Shop for a big hearty bowl of noodles, gyoza, and celebratory beer. Another amazing day on the bike awaits tomorrow!

The sun is up, and so are you. You kit up and head to the local conbini store for a morning cup of coffee and some onigiri breakfast before hitting the road. Big day ahead!

You saw the massive stratovolcano Mt Akagi when you took the train in yesterday, and ever since you have been dreaming about the 100 switchbacks to the top. Road cyclists travel from all over Asia to this part of Japan to ride its storied volcanoes, and Akagi tops the. list! Take on a steady pace as the flat river path gives way to gentle climbs on small backroads. Finally, reach the base of the climb… start counting! Today’s ride is 100 miles with 100 switchbacks of dense forest full of flowers in spring and vivid colors in fall. At the top of Akagi, take a lap around the caldera lake and visit the shrine and restaurants beside its sandy shores. Take in the beauty of this mile-high mountain, enjoy some local eats, and then hit the road again before your legs have too much time to cool down. Down the backside you go! Arriving at the bottom of the mountain, hook a sharp right to start your second climb for the day. This time a totally different scene is set before you. Where the last climb was a string of winding narrow roads deep in forests of pine this climb is taking you past towns deep in the mountains that seem frozen in time. As you climb higher the trees give way to high alpine bamboo. Keep an eye out for monkeys, deer, foxes, and other mystical creatures!

Once you find the crest of the road, enjoy a thrilling car free descent, this time all the way back down over 5,000ft to your hotel! Hit the onsen for a long soak in the hot spring. Allow the mineral-rich waters to heal your tired legs before heading out for a delicious dinner in town. Choose traditional Japanese, or try out some Japanese fusion food in the local neighborhood. Take your pick, and be sure to stop by at the conbini for an ice cream on the way back!