Tokyo Escape - A Zen Week Exploring Japanese Forest Roads

A big welcome as we all meet at Ashikaga station! Get our wheels on the road quickly with a shakedown ride through the foothills of the North Alps in beautiful Satoyama (Japanese countryside). Take in the surrounding area with views of all of the climbs in store for the week to come. Enjoy a tasty lunch stop at Ashikaga’s temple. After, toss some lucky coins in the water, and make a wish for a safe and unforgettable week ahead. Then, we’ll ride back to the Ryokan to settle in for the night. A delicious dinner and a soak in the hot springs will get us ready for the big day tomorrow!

Stats: 32km & 400m gain

Today is our biggest elevation gain and distance on this trip (don’t worry, we will offer additional miles for those looking to hit 100 miles). We begin with six moderate mountain passes. Save some energy for our final ascent to over 1,200m above sea at the Kasuo Pass. Once we are over the pass, enjoy a well-deserved descent to the Watarase River valley and new views of all of the mountains to come. When we reach the valley, a ripping final 50km awaits at an average of -2% for some great pace-lining and short rollers to get to our home base. A delicious dinner awaits and a soak in the healing waters of the onsen hot springs will make for the perfect night’s sleep.

Stats: 150km & 3,100m gain

Today’s ride consists of three moderate passes, each gaining about 300m. The first will take us past the tranquil hidden Lake Ume. The second to the Kanahara Pass with its beautiful exposed views on the descent. The last pass will take us up to the Saishoji Temple buried deep in the side of the mountain. A day full of exploration and wonder as we step back in time to explore the wonders of the Japanese countryside.

Stats: 82km & 1,300m gain

You will see it from the day you arrive: the red fortress Mt Akagi dominates the skies of the Tone valley. Today, we will climb the hidden back road on the east side up its 100 switchbacks to the top of the volcano’s caldera. Atop, we’ll be rewarded with views of the caldera lake, floating shrine, and delicious local lunch. We will take a victory lap around the lake before climbing out of the caldera. Breeze through an unforgettable descent down the massive mountainside and take in the beautiful nature around you. Small rollers and a general downhill road takes us home, topping off the first half of our trip.

Stats: 110km & 2,200m gain

A new take on a few familiar roads while also exploring some hidden spots, this loop gives us a chance to take it easy and still see some amazing sights that few tourists experience. Sleep in and spin easy with these gently sloping valley roads and river paths. Give your legs some rest to prepare for the last three days of epic rides.

Stats: 50km & 500m gain

Today, we’ll ride over another large pass at over 1,200m high, but first, we’ll roll over two moderate passes on quiet mountain roads that this area is so famous for. Breath deep and dive into the massive pine forests as you climb to the summit. Another great descent to the Watarase River leaves us with a beautiful and quick 50km steady ride home to Ashikaga.

Stats: 90km & 2,300m gain

On our final big ride day, we head out to traverse the side of Mt Akagi. With views across the massive Tone Valley, Mt Haruna stands before us with its towering jagged peaks. Ride along the side of the mountain and take a quick turn to begin the famous Mt Haruna Hill Climb Course, a spirited race that is famous in the local cycling community. This is a climber’s dream: the hill begin with steady low grades that get slightly steeper every kilometer or two. It’s steady but unrelenting, and the hill’s final pitches top out at 14%. Catch your breath quickly at the top of the climb before continuing towards the caldera. We recommend taking a lap around the lake to enjoy the 360 degree views. We’ll leave the caldera from the east side before descending to the onsen town of Ikaho. Enjoy a dip in the bath, a delicious dinner, and a walk around town as the sun begins to set.

Stats: 105km & 2,000m gain

Our last day together, we will hit the best roads of the area one last time, including a final climb to the top of Mt Kanayama and its observation deck to see all of the mountains you have explored on this trip. We’ll enjoy a final lunch at the temple together before heading off to the station. Til the next cycling adventure!

Stats: 42km & 800m gain