Tone River Cycle Path
The Tone River Bike Path is a sprawling cycling route that stretches approximately 200 kilometers, following one of Japan’s largest rivers from its source near Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture to its mouth at the Pacific Ocean in Chiba and Ibaraki. This route offers a diverse range of scenery, from the rolling hills and mountains near its upper reaches to the expansive plains and wide riverbanks downstream.
The path is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it suitable for riders of all levels, whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride or a long-distance adventure. Along the way, cyclists can enjoy quiet countryside views, small parks, and riverside rest areas, making it a tranquil and rewarding way to explore the Kanto region.
The Route
- Length: 230km – from Shibukawa City, Gunma to Choshi City, Chiba
- Number of Prefectures: 4 – (east to west) Gunma, Saitama, Ibaraki, Chiba
- Bicycle dedicates Kms: Over 200 kilometers
- Difficulty: Very flat (as it follows along rivers)
Gunma Prefecture
The route throught Gunma prefecture is very well maintained and easy to ride and even has rest stations. In particular as it passes through Takasaki the route is quite dynamic and has a good variety.
Ibaragi/Chiba Prefectures
The quality of the path drops significantly in Ibaragi Prefecutre with some portions being on roads and going through the countryside the view doesn’t change very much.
GPS
Connected Cycle Routes
Green Healthy Road
Near the east side of Gunma, the Tone cycle route connects with the Green Healthy Road that connects well south into Saitama.
Edogawa River Cycle Route
The Edogawa Cycling Route takes cyclists from the Tone River all the way to Tokyo Bay at Nishi-Kasai Park and Tokyo Disney Land
Getting there and away
Shibukawa
Shibukawa (or alternatively Takasaki) is connected to the JR network with good service and is well connected to Tokyo Station.
Choshi
Choshi is connected to Tokyo station via the Shiosai Limited express service (about 4 services per day) for about 4000 yen in about 1 hour 45 minutes so it’s easy to get to.
Kurihashi
For those looking to break the route up into two days (given how long it is) Kurihashi station is approximately in the middle and offeres good service to Tokyo and Shinjuku along the Tohoku Main Line as well as the Tobu Nikko Line
Things to do
The route starts (Shibukawa / Takasaki) and ends (Choshi) in towns which offer some things to see and do, most of the route in between is largely riding along the path of the Tone River and isn’t particularly intestering and there isn’t particularly a lot to see or do.
Ikaho Onsen (Shibukawa, Guma))
Ikaho Onsen is half way up Mt. Haruna near the Gunma end of the Tone River cycling road. Ikaho Onsen is famously built around long a straircase up the mountain side and can a great place to get a good rest before
Choshi (Chiba)
Choshi is a compact town on the far Eastern side of Chiba prefecture. While being an active port it isn’t the most attractive of cities in Japan, it does offer a few interesting shrines and the famous Cape Inubo Lighthouse (pictured) which can be a great place to either start of end the trip.
