Shibu Pass / Kusatsu
Cycling over Shibu Pass (渋峠), Japan’s highest national road at 2,172 meters, is a challenging but rewarding ride through the volcanic landscapes of Gunma and Nagano Prefectures. The ascent from Kusatsu Onsen, a famous hot spring town, takes riders through Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park, with stunning views of steaming vents, rugged peaks, and alpine forests.
The climb is long and demanding, but the breathtaking scenery—especially near the summit—makes it worth the effort. In cooler months, the pass is often lined with towering snow walls. After the ride, a soak in Kusatsu’s natural hot springs is the perfect way to recover. Shibu Pass is a must-ride for cyclists looking for one of Japan’s most iconic mountain routes.
Route
Shibu Pass is appoximately a 1500m climb from either the East (Gunma) or the West (Nagano)
On the East the old route 292 is the preferred way up because it has far less traffic and also has better views on the way up. The first part is a gentle climb through traditional Japanese landscape.
Things to do
Kusatsu Onsen
Easy one of the most famous onsen in Japan. Definitely work a stop for a beak and get some food and ice cream on the way up (there is also a convenience store right in the centere) or take a break on the way down.
Kusatsu could also be used to break the route into two days.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
On the Nagano side just near the bottom, the famous monkey park is just a short detour.
Note that the monkeys are about a 15 minute walk through a well maintained trail through the forest so make sure you have proper footware if you use cleats
Getting there and away
Both the Gumna and Nagano sides are easily accesible by train
Gunma
Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the atsuguma line is right at the base of the Route 292 old road climb. The station can be accessed by limited express from Ueno (about 3 services a day) or via Joetsu Shinkansen with a change to local train at Takasaki
Nagano
One can start riding towards Shibu Pass from Nagano station but for those who would like try skip the first 200m of climbing and about 20km of riding can take the Nagano Electric Railway (Nagano Dentetsu) to Yutanaka Onsen station and start from there
