Kiryu + Ashikaga Rindo Adventure || 4 Days | 3 Nights

Availability

Spring Dates:
March 15-June 10

Fall Dates:
September 1-December 10

Can start on any:
Mon, Tue, Wed

Difficulty

Level 2-5

See our rider level breakdown here

Accommodations
Single location, 1 standard ryokan

Learn more about the ryokan experience

Regions
Kiryu & Ashikaga

Price
$1,600 USD

$0 USD Single Supplement

E-Bike Rentals
+$340 - $380 USD
E-Bike upgrade

Our Kiryu + Ashikaga Rindo Adventure is a short (but no less immersive) dive into the quiet backroads and forested mountain passes of our company’s backyard: Kiryu and Ashikaga.

For three nights, stay at a simple, traditional Japanese ryokan on the outskirts of Ashikaga and spend your days riding some of our favorite secluded rindo forest roads, mountain foothills, and winding river valleys. Each day offers a wide selection of routes, allowing you to follow our recommended route or choose your own adventure depending on how intense (or relaxed!) you’d like your ride to be.

This self-guided tour is a great fit for riders who:

Want a short, but immersive experience
Prefer simple, traditional-style accommodations
Want to ride in a single location with lots of loop options
Want to be in the remote countryside

This self-guided tour is not a good fit for riders who:

Prefer premium or western-style accommodations
Want to ride across different regions and stay at multiple locations=
Want to be in a more downtown, central city location

Itinerary

Day 1 Overview

Your Rindō Bike Tour Japan support staff will meet you at Ashikagashi Station on the first day of your tour. After introductions, bike fits, and a brief walkthrough of your ryokan, you’ll head out for your first ride. Follow our recommended route for the day or choose your own adventure as you ease into the quiet backroads and natural beauty of this hidden-gem region.

Day 1 Routes

Level 2

Level 2 | 41km | 641m

This route is one of our favorite loops in the prefecture. It will take you along the Kiryu River to the tranquil countryside of Plum Lake and then along a set of small secluded backroads to the top of Red Snow Mountain for a spectacular view! Take in the beauty of this zen setting before popping out the other side onto one last climb and rolling back into town.

Level 3

Level 3 | 65km | 1,188m

This route takes you up a beautiful hidden valley to a rindo forest road with shrouded views just past the summit. Multiple local soba shops along the way for lunch stops and vending machines in the valleys will keep you stocked for the day out in the countryside.

Level 4-5

Level 4 | 91km | 1,651m

This route combines visiting our favorite hidden gem temple by following rindo forest roads all along the valley next door. Head out for a few small warmup climbs on the way out, then soak up the zen setting of the Buddhist Temple before embarking on the main climb of the day. A quiet back road leads you to beautiful views of the Watarase Valley and Lake Kusagi at the summit.

Day 2 Overview

For both days 2-3, dive deeper into the remote countryside on one of our many loop route options. With over 40 routes to choose from, you can tailor each ride to match your energy level and interests without worrying about overlap. Take on a bigger challenge, explore a new area, or simply follow our recommended route and enjoy the ride.

Day 2 Routes

Level 2
Level 2 \| 42km \| 475m This route highlights some of our favorite local mountain passes and quiet roads. It also makes an out and back pit stop in Ashikaga City, a great midway point to explore shops, people-watch, and grab lunch. Finally, two small climbs through nature will bring you back to the ryokan in the afternoon.
Level 3
Level 3 \| 60km \| 880m This loop is a great collection of small quiet backroads with options to stop in both Ashikaga and Kiryu. Along the way grab coffee or lunch at one of our favorite local eats in the countryside.
Level 4-5
Level 4 \| 110km \| 1,779m For those looking for a steady day of quiet back roads and classic satoyama (Japanese countryside) scenery, this loop is an excellent option. To make life a little sweeter, we’ve even included a well-deserved gelato stop with special Japanese flavors right in the middle.

Day 3 Overview

Set out for your final full day of riding and explore an area you haven’t yet experienced. If you’ve spent most of your time on secluded rindō forest roads, today is a great chance to slow things down and visit shrines and temples around Ashikaga or enjoy lunch at one of our recommended spots in Kiryu. Or, if you still have an iconic forest climb on your list, this is the perfect day to head back into nature for one last big adventure.

Day 3 Routes

Level 2

Level 2 | 37km | 727m

This route is a great day of quiet car-free roads. Kick the morning off with a climb through dense Japanese pine forests before you find the summit with a fantastic view of the valley below. Then, a fun downhill takes you to a small mountain town before starting another shorter climb into the next valley. Enjoy the picturesque Japanese countryside from here, all the way into the northside of Ashikaga.

Level 3

Level 3 | 80km | 1,160m

This route focuses on the best rindo offerings that truly showcase the Japanese countryside. The loop is front loaded with three big climbs right out of the gate. From there, a long gentle descent down Valley Road 200 takes you to smaller valleys before climbing home.

Level 4-5

Level 4 | 105km | 1,973m

This route is a full day of quiet mountain roads and an amazing climb up to unforgettable views. Once over the pass, drop down to Lake Kusagi, fill up on delicious Japanese sweet potato fries, soba, ramen, and local mountain veggie stews, and head off for the backside of Kiryu Pass.

Day 4 Overview

For your last day, how much you want to ride is up to you. Enjoy a relaxed morning at the ryokan or head out for one final ride. Our self-guided support team or the ryokan staff will shuttle you back to Ashikagashi Station at your preferred time (up to 4:00 pm). From there it’s an easy, 2-hr express train ride back to Tokyo. Mata-ne!

Day 4 Routes

Level 2

Level 2 | 42km | 420m

This route takes you along the car free river path out to Kiryu then over a small peaceful valley pass into the town of Omama. On the way, take time to explore one of our favorite zen Buddhist Temples. Enjoy this humble Japanese town with a beautiful backdrop of mountain scenery!

Level 3

Level 3 | 71km | 946m

The route takes you along the Watarase River Path up to Kiryu, then up a smaller quiet mountain road to the shrine. If you are riding in late April, the Senbonzakura Park (1,000 Cherry Blossoms) is an absolute must: go admire the amazingly pink blooms with the locals! If you’re looking for some food on the way home, enjoy a break at one of the great coffee shops, restaurants, or bakeries in Kiryu.

Level 4-5

Level 4 | 102km | 1,967m

The Red Fortress, Mt Akagi, dominates the skyline of the Tone Valley. At over 1,800m, this massive stratovolcano was once the highest peak in Japan before it erupted more than 30,000 years ago. Akagi’s infamous 100 switchbacks are well-known throughout Japan and road cyclists from all over Asia travel to Gunma to take on this epic volcano. After enjoying the mountaintop calderas and the sacred shrine, savor the ripping descent on the main road back into town.

My idea of a cycling road. A road made for cycling and pedestrians; car free.

Play Video

Kiryu + Ashikaga Rindo Adventure Map

A FEW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What’s included in my self-guided tour?

Accommodations and meals listed with luggage transfer.
Fully-serviced road bike or hybrid bike, with helmet and accessories (helmet sizes xs, regular, xl, flat pedals, 2 water bottles, bike locks, handlebar bags, Rindo cycling jerseys, front & rear lights, flat kit, and GPS computers).
Rindo staff support via Whatsapp messages & emergency support for pick-ups and bike maintenance throughout your tour.

What’s not included in my self-guided tour?

Can I still do a self-guided tour if I don’t speak Japanese?

Can I bring my own bike?

What cycling gear is included in my self-guided tour?

What if I want to customize my self-guided itinerary?

What if I have a mechanical issue while riding?