Guide to Cycling Shirabiso Pass しらびそ峠 1,914m | Japan’s Southern Alps Panoramic Highest Road

Guide to Cycling Shirabiso Pass しらびそ峠 1,914m | Japan’s Southern Alps Panoramic Highest Road

By Rob McManmon | May 10, 2021 |
Climbing to the sky alongside the South Alps of Japan.
Climbing to the sky alongside the Southern Alps of Japan.

Introduction

The second tallest mountain in Japan, Mt Kita (3,193m), lies just 50km northwest of Mt Fuji. Here, in the Minami Alps National Park (tr. South Alps), is some of Japan’s most untouched alpine nature. And, thanks to the amazing rural road building of Japan, cycling the Shirabiso Pass can take you up to over 1,900m above sea to spectacular views of the Minami Alps!

Gain
5/5

Views
5/5

Accessibility
2/5

Pavement
4/5

Zen Factor
4/5

Climb Score Card from our full article on the 14 Best Cycling Climbs in Japan (Hint, Not Mt Fuji!).

Flying through the amber pines of late fall in Japan.
Flying through the amber pines of late fall in Japan.

Osusume ~ Recommended Route Cycling Shirabiso Pass

One of the things that makes the Shirabiso Pass much more illusive than many of the other high passes in Japan is the sheer difficulty of getting to it. While you can approach the pass most easily from Iida City in Nagano, those looking to make the most of the ride will be rewarded with well over 100km of beautiful mountain roads and the wild Tenryu River with our recommended route.

From Chino City in southern Nagano the route is quite straight forward just tracing the Rt 152 south. Then, following signs up to Shirabiso Pass しらびそ峠. Once atop, I highly recommend taking the twisting switchbacks through the famous Shimoguri no Sato 下栗の里 terraced rice fields. Finally, after the long descent, hop on the old road tracing the mighty Tenryu River 天竜川 to Iida City (tr. Heavenly Dragon River).

An epic one day at over 155km and over 4,000m elevation gain. For those looking to break the ride up into two days a stop at Ooshika Town’s Salt Onsen Ryokans is a great midway point.

Elevation Profile for the Shirabiso Pass Recommended Route.
Elevation Profile for the Shirabiso Pass Recommended Route.

Shirabiso Pass しらびそ峠 Strava Route File

Cycle Stand in Shimoguri no Sato town.
Cycle Stand in Shimoguri no Sato town.

Scorecard Breakdown

[Climb Score Card from our full article on the 14 Best Cycling Climbs in Japan (Hint, Not Mt Fuji!).]

Gain – 5/5 | 1,300m from the north & 1,500m from the south
Views – 5/5 | Sweeping views of the South Alps, rugged untouched wilderness, and beautiful roads.
Accessibility – 2/5 | 2hr express from Shinjuku Station to Chino Station, 4hr direct bus from Iida Station to Shinjuku Station
Pavement – 4/5 | Overall good condition pavement thanks to low traffic area.
Zen Factor – 4/5 | Though narrow roads from the north side there is minimal traffic. Once on the Southside of the pass traffic picks up as that is the main side for busses & motorists.

More Rides & Reads

Check out Guided Tours
Contact Us
Posted in Bikepacking Japan Routes, Minami Alps National Park, Nagano Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture

Leave a Comment