Oku Musashi Green Line
The Okumusashi Green Line is one of Saitama’s most established ridge roads for road cyclists. Running along the mountains west of Hannō and toward Ogose, it links multiple minor passes via a narrow, paved forestry road that traces the spine of the range. Rather than a single marquee climb, the Green Line is a cumulative effort: repeated ascents, short descents, and very little true flat.
The Route
The route runs on narrowish roads through the forest traffic which makes for some nice cycling
A larger part of the Okumusashi Green Line are officially considered “forest roads” which means that they are not maintained to the same standard as regular roads so be careful of hazards on the road like roads and grates
Along the way there are some nice views of Saitama and Tokyo.
Getting there and away
Most riders approach from Hannō, climbing via one of several access routes (e.g., Sadamine, Shomaru, or other local forest roads) before joining the ridgeline proper. Once on the Green Line, the profile becomes rhythmical: 5–10 minute climbs at moderate gradients (often 6–9%), followed by short descents that rarely allow full recovery. Gradient spikes into double digits are not unusual, particularly on the connectors.
Ogose
Ogose is at the head of the Arakawa River, so it is ridable (but long) from Tokyo.
Ogose Station has the JR Hachiko Line and the Tobu Ogose line with the latter providing good access to Tokyo
Chichibu
Chichibu Station has the Seibu Line to Ikebukuro and the Chichibu Railway to Kumagawa. Using the Seibu Laview limited express takes less than 90 minutes to get to Ikebukuro
