Japanese Alps Tour - Epic Volcanoes & Ancient Roads

Kick off our first full day with a bang: by taking on the highest road Japan. We’ll begin riding at sunrise and will climb for 60km (40mi) to the summit of the West Alps! This is the largest climb in the country, so breathe deeply as we take to the skies for unparalleled views and colors. Volcanic rocks, incredible flora, floating clouds–it’s truly an unforgettable canvas. Lunch awaits at the summit with delicious food. Then, we’ll ride 60km of beautiful downhill road, making for one of the most epic descents of all time. Your tired legs will love the beautiful outdoor hot springs and freshly-prepared meal at our ryokan tonight. We recommend a cool-down stroll to the famous Matsumoto Castle after dinner.

Today, we ride south of the Japanese Alps to the Kirigamine (tr: Misty Highlands) on tranquil roads along the central mountains of Matsumoto. An initial climb takes us high up through thickets of bamboo forests, which eventually become the high grasslands of the Kirigamine. Then, we head down to the famous ski town and mountaintop lake of Tateshina. Finally, we will descend into the Saku valley before climbing the east side of the Utsukushigahara (tr: Beautiful Highlands). You will find that each corner of this wild and secluded road offers a new incredible view of Mt Norikura and the Matsumoto Valley, where we are staying for the night. To cap off the day, an onsen and a beautiful meal await atop the Utsukushigahara.

We will set off on an epic journey across Japan today! Starting from the Utsukushigahara, wave goodbye to the western mountains, and head east towards the Saku valley. A long ride through rural Japan takes us to our second climb of the day: the hidden gem of Taguchi Pass. A long steady climb at around 3-5% grades, this pass meanders through the best of Japan’s countryside. The road will take us through a tunnel before bringing us to our home for the evening in the city of Takasaki. A night out is in order after three long days of intense cycling. This is what cycling in the Japanese Alps is all about! Relax, feast, and sleep in, because tomorrow is our recovery day.

Wake up slow–it’s our rest day! Take a morning dip in the hot spring before we head out on an amazing recovery spin to our final home in the North Alps in Ashikaga. Today, we will take the Tone River path, free of cars and full of views of the North Alps ahead. Relax your legs, stop for photos, and enjoy the tailwinds that the Tone Valley creates as we head to a fantastic local sushi lunch on the river. After lunch, we will head to our short climb up Mt Kanayama (80m gain). Explore ancient ruins and take in fantastic views of Japan’s North Alps. Just 10km separate us from our hotel, hot-spring bath, and delicious dinner. Rest up and get ready for the final three days!

Begin the day with six moderate mountain passes - this delightful loop weaves through our favorite selection of Rindo Forest Roads in Gunma and Tochigi. Save some energy for our final ascent to over 1,200m above sea as we climb out of the forests up to the Mae-Nikko Highlands for a panoramic view of the endless valleys of the surrounding mountains.

Once at the summit, enjoy a well-deserved descent to the Watarase River valley where a ripping final 50km awaits! Soak in the healing hot spring waters and enjoy a big meal before a good night’s sleep before our final full day of riding tomorrow.

Today, we’ll ride up two most prominent volcanoes in the Tone Valley: Mt Akagi (tr: The Red Fortress) and Mt Haruna (tr: Harvest Mountain). These are unforgettable climbs on Gunma’s finest roads, both crowned with beautiful caldera lakes.

Akagi and Haruna are famous training grounds within the Japanese cycling community, and riders from all over the country come to experience these storied volcano climbs. Enjoy a beautiful descent into Ikaho Onsen Town for a celebratory evening at the ryokan.

Our last day starts off with a number of simple pleasures. Take your time enjoying a pre-breakfast soak in the hot springs and a visit to the temple at the top of the hill.

After breakfast, we will begin our final ride into Takasaki Station with two options: an all flat/downhill 32km flying down the base of the volcano, or one last ascent up Mt Haruna to the caldera lake within and a nearly 1,000m descent into the local city of Takasaki. Say sayonara to the Japanese Alps and to your cycling compatriots over a final meal together.

Our team will help you arrange tickets to Tokyo on the Shinkansen Bullet Train (1h to Tokyo Station). Til next time! Mata Ne~