Suō-Ōshima
Yashiro Island, commonly referred to as Suō-Ōshima, is a large island in eastern Yamaguchi Prefecture connected to the mainland by the Ōshima Bridge near Yanai. The island is one of the better road cycling...
Author: paullb
National Route 425
Among Japan’s many mountain roads, few carry the reputation of National Route 425. Known unofficially as the “酷道425” — a pun combining kokudō (national highway) with kokudō meaning “cruel road” — Route 425 has...
Sazanami Kadio – Connecting Hiroshima Cycling Routes
The さざなみ海道サイクリングロード (Sazanami Kaido Cycling Road) is often described as a relaxed coastal touring route along the Seto Inland Sea, but for experienced cyclists it serves another important role: it is one of the...
Mt Fuji Loop – Fujiichi – フジイチ
“ふじいち” (Fujiichi) is the popular name used by cyclists for riding a full loop around Mount Fuji. Rather than climbing the mountain itself, Fujiichi follows the network of roads surrounding the dormant volcano, allowing...
National Road 195
National Route 195 is one of Shikoku’s lesser-known but highly rewarding cycling roads, running between Tokushima and Kōchi through the interior mountains of the island. For cyclists, the route offers a quieter alternative to...
Cycling the Shikoku Ohenro: A Pilgrimage by Bicycle
The Shikoku Ohenro is one of Japan’s most famous pilgrimage routes, linking 88 Buddhist temples across the island of Shikoku. Traditionally completed on foot, the pilgrimage covers approximately 1,200 to 1,400 kilometers depending on...
Kii Peninsula
Cycling around the Kii Peninsula from Toba to Wakayama covers approximately 350–400 kilometers, depending on the route taken. The journey begins in Toba, Mie Prefecture, known for its coastal scenery and maritime heritage. From...
Bandai Azuma skyline
The Bandai–Azuma Skyline (磐梯吾妻スカイライン) is a 28.7 km mountain road in Fukushima Prefecture that traverses the Azuma mountain range within Bandai-Asahi National Park. For cyclists, it is regarded as one of Japan’s classic high-altitude...
Sakurajima
Riding around Sakurajima offers a compact but distinctive cycling experience centered on one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. The route follows the coastal road encircling the former island—now a peninsula—covering approximately 35–40 kilometers with...
Kuragare Touge
暗峠（くらがりとうげ）is a historic mountain pass on the border between Nara Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture, located on the old Hirano-kaidō route. It is well-known among cyclists for its extremely steep gradients and for its unusual...
Fuji Five Lakes
Cycling through the Fuji Five Lakes region is one of Japan’s most rewarding rides, combining majestic views of Mount Fuji with a mix of tranquil lakes, forested roads, and cultural stops. The full circuit...
Okawa-Kitakata Cycling Road
Flowing like a ribbon of calm through the Aizu region, the Okawa-Kitakata Cycling Road (大川喜多方サイクリングロード) winds for about 50 km from Aizuwakamatsu City, through Yugawa Village, up to Kitakata City, following the peaceful course...
Michinoku Cycling Road
Running quietly along the Abukuma River through the heart of Fukushima, the Michinoku Cycling Road (みちのく自転車道) offers a relaxed ride through Japan’s peaceful countryside. The route links Sukagawa and Nihonmatsu, passing right through Kōriyama,...
Suwa Bicycle Path
Riding around Lake Suwa (諏訪湖) offers one of central Japan’s most scenic and accessible cycling experiences. The Lake Suwa bike path, known locally as the Suwa-ko Cycling Road, is a 16-kilometer loop that circles...
Yamanami Kaido
The Yamanami Kaidō is a 187 km cycling route linking Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture with Matsue in Shimane Prefecture. Designed with cyclists in mind, the route is divided into 18 sections, making it easy...
Sado Island
Cycling on Sado Island offers a mix of coastal roads, mountain climbs, and scenic countryside. The island, located off the coast of Niigata Prefecture, has a roughly 210 km loop around its perimeter, popular...
Kibiji Cycling Route
The Kibiji Cycling Route is a scenic, 25 km path through the historic Kibi Plain between Okayama City and Soja. Mostly flat and beginner-friendly, the route passes rice fields, rural villages, and cultural landmarks...
Wakayama 800
Yes, the Wakayama 800 is not a single continuous route—it’s a network of multiple interconnected cycling routes totaling over 800 kilometers throughout Wakayama Prefecture. These routes are designed to showcase the diverse geography and...
Toyama Bay Cycling Route
The 富山湾岸サイクリングコース (Toyama Bay Coastal Cycling Route) offers stunning seaside riding along the northern coast of Honshu. Stretching approximately 100 kilometers from the western city of Himi to the eastern town of Nyūzen, the...