A spectacular cycling trip in Nagano, Japan! Recommended Courses and Sightseeing Spots
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Table of Contents
- 1 Let's enjoy cycling in Nagano! A trip healed by spectacular scenery and nature
- 2 Three recommended cycling courses in Nagano Prefecture
- 3 Cycling in Nagano, Japan Rental & Equipment Information
- 4 Enjoy with sightseeing! Recommended Cycling Courses in Nagano Prefecture
- 5 Post-cycling refreshment
- 6 summary
Enjoy cycling in Nagano!
A trip to be healed by spectacular scenery and nature
Nagano Prefecture is a mecca for cyclists, boasting beautiful nature and abundant tourism resources.
Its rugged terrain and well-maintained biking trails can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced cyclists alike.
This article details tourist information, recommended courses, and access information.
◆Those who want to know about cycling courses in Nagano
◆Those who want to enjoy cycling and sightseeing in Nagano
◆Beginners who want to try cycling in Nagano
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Three recommended cycling courses in Nagano Prefecture
Nagano Prefecture is a cycling paradise with spectacular views of the Japanese Alps and seasonal nature♪
In Azumino, Hakuba, and other attractive areas, a wide variety of paths have been developed, from flat courses that are safe for beginners to challenging mountain routes. Roadside stations and tourist facilities are also bicycle-friendly, making cycling a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Here are some recommended bike paths.
Azumino Area
Azumino is an area where visitors can enjoy the peaceful countryside and the mountains of the Northern Alps.
Distance: approx. 25 km
Characteristics: Flat and ideal for beginners. You can stop by Azumino Chihiro Art Museum and Daio Wasabi Farm on the way.
Recommended season: April to June (fresh greenery) and October to November (autumn foliage).
Hakuba Area
In the Hakuba area, courses that allow visitors to enjoy the ups and downs characteristic of mountainous regions are popular.
Distance: approx. 40 km
◆Features: Suitable for intermediate-level skiers. The tour starts in the center of Hakuba Village and takes you around Hakuba Ski Jump Stadium and Lake Aoki.
Recommended season: Summer (comfortable as a summer retreat)
Around Suwa Lake
The course that circles around Suwa Lake is ideal for families and beginners.
Distance: approx. 16 km
◆Characteristics: Flat road with a view of the lake. Many hot spring facilities are located along the way, so you can refresh yourself.
Recommended season: All year round
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When cycling in Nagano, Japan
Rental & Equipment Information
Nagano Prefecture has a wide variety of stores where you can rent road bikes and electrically power assisted bicycles, especially in tourist areas such as Hakuba, Azumino, and Karuizawa.
The environment is well equipped to enjoy full-scale cycling even if you do not have anything to hand, and beginners are also welcome to enjoy it. Many facilities require advance reservations, so it is best to confirm this when planning your trip.
Bicycle rental information in major areas
In major areas such as Azumino, Hakuba, Karuizawa, and Iiyama, rental bicycles are available in front of stations and at tourist information centers.
A diverse lineup of electric-assist bikes, cross bikes, and mountain bikes are available depending on the purpose of use, making it easy to combine sightseeing with enjoyment.
Checklist of personal belongings and equipment
To enjoy cycling comfortably and safely in Nagano, prepare the following equipment.
Gloves (to prevent hand fatigue even after long hours of driving)
Sunglasses (for protection from sun, insects and wind)
Windbreaker (for protection from the cold and wind in the morning and evening)
Rainwear (for sudden weather changes in mountainous areas)
Hydration bottles
Smartphone holder (for easy checking of maps and navigation)
Portable tools and flat tire repair kit (in case of any problems)
Information on Roadside Stations and Resting Spots
Along the cycling routes in Nagano Prefecture, there are many convenient facilities for resting and refueling. The following are spots especially popular with cyclists.
Roadside Station, Otari｜North Alps Area
A roadside station where you can stop by on your way to ride in the Hakuba area. It also has soba noodles with local wild vegetables and a hot spring "Miyama-no-Yu" (hot spring in the mountains).
Bike racks available, restrooms, and a store.
Roadside Station Horirine-no-sato｜Azumino Area
Easily accessible from the Azumino Cycling Road, fresh local vegetables and sweets are popular.
There is a grass plaza, perfect for taking a relaxing break in the shade.
Roadside Station Hana-no-eki Chikumagawa｜Iiyama Area
Popular among long-distance riders in Shinetsu Shizen Hometown, with e-bike rental and maintenance services available.
Local snacks and apple sweets can be enjoyed.
Karuizawa Vegvies｜Asama Kogen Area
A stylish cafe where you can stop by while cycling in the Asama Highlands. Locally produced gourmet foods such as venison burgers are also popular.
Equipped with bike racks and easy access from Karuizawa.
Roadside Station Shinshu-Shinmachi｜Matsumoto - Nagano City Area
Located along the Chikumagawa River Cycling Road and famous for its "Jingisukan" (Japanese mutton barbecue). It is also a great place for riders to take a break.
Access to Nagano Prefecture
How to Plan a Cycling Trip
Nagano Prefecture, with its easy access from the Tokyo metropolitan area, is an ideal area for cycling trips.
It is a good idea to decide in advance on the means of transportation and places to stay according to your destination and driving route. Make a reasonable plan while taking into account the characteristics of the terrain, climate, and elevation differences.
Utilization of bullet trains, cars, and cycle trains
It takes about 1.5 hours from Tokyo to Nagano Station by Hokuriku Shinkansen. The Chuo Line and Oito Line are convenient for the Matsumoto and Azumino areas.
Bicycles can be brought in.Cycle Trainis also in operation on some routes, making it possible to travel with your car.
Renting a car allows for greater flexibility in access and is easier to combine with sightseeing.
Popular Cycling Tours in Nagano
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Enjoy with sightseeing!
Recommended Cycling Courses in Nagano Prefecture
Nagano Prefecture offers an ideal environment for cycling enthusiasts. It offers a variety of courses for both beginners and advanced cyclists, excellent facilities, and beautiful nature.
Please plan your next trip with "Nagano Cycling" as your theme. You are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Here we introduce more areas and courses to help you get the most out of your cycling experience in Nagano.
Matsumoto Area
Matsumoto City has long been steeped in culture and history, and is rich in tourist attractions. Matsumoto Castle, in particular, is loved by many tourists for its beautiful appearance. While cycling, you can also enjoy Matsumoto's historical sights.
Distance: approx. 20 km
◆Features: A flat course that takes you around Matsumoto city. Along the way, you can visit Matsumoto Castle, museums and hot springs. Cyclists can enjoy sightseeing and sports at the same time, as they can cycle while visiting tourist attractions.
Recommended season: Spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn (fall foliage season)
Ueda Area
Ueda City is an area that retains its historical townscape while at the same time offering a variety of activities in nature. In particular, the course around Ueda Castle and the surrounding mountains is full of cycling attractions.
Distance: approx. 30 km
◆Characteristics: Starting from the ruins of Ueda Castle, this course takes you through the city and mountainous area. Along the way, you can enjoy the rows of cherry blossom trees and rice paddies, and feel the pleasant breeze in the nature.
Recommended season: Spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn (fall foliage season)
Nagano City Area
Nagano is a large city located in the center of Shinshu, and is surrounded by abundant nature. In particular, courses around Zenkoji Temple and the nearby highlands are recommended for both beginners and advanced hikers.
Distance: approx. 35 km
◆Characteristics: A course that visits Zenkoji Temple and runs through the surrounding nature-rich area. After visiting Zenkoji Temple, visitors can enjoy the surrounding highlands as they ascend a slow slope.
Recommended time of year: spring (mild climate) and summer (summer resort appeal).
Kurumayama Plateau
Kurumayama Plateau is a highland plateau over 1,850 meters above sea level that offers thrilling mountain biking along with beautiful scenery. It is for advanced riders, but the majestic Alpine scenery is well worth the effort.
Distance: approx. 45 km
Feature: This course runs through mountainous terrain with large differences in altitude. The sense of accomplishment gained from climbing steep grades and the view from the top is truly spectacular. Alpine plants and animals that can be seen at high elevations along the way are also a highlight.
Recommended time of year: Summer (pleasant as a summer retreat) and Autumn (autumn foliage scenery).
Norikura Plateau
Norikura Kogen is a legendary spot for cycling enthusiasts. The mountain course leading up to the 2,702-meter-high Mt. Norikura is challenging, but the views from the top are exceptional. It may be a bit challenging for beginners, but it is a great challenge for advanced cyclists.
Distance: approx. 40 km
Feature: A demanding course that climbs steep grades to Norikura-dake (乗鞍岳). Norikura, and the view of the "Norikura Daisetsukekei" at the top will blow away any fatigue from cycling.
Recommended time of year: summer (summer retreats) and autumn (fall foliage).
Post-cycling refreshment
After the ride in Nagano,Soak in a famous hot springHeal your tired body. Each area has a hot spring resort that welcomes cyclists and refreshes both body and soul.
Hakuba Happo Onsen (Hakuba Village)｜Northern Alps Area
One of the best alkaline simple spring water in Japan. This natural hot spring is perfect after a long day of running, and the open-air bath with a view of the Hakuba Sanzan Mountains is also an attraction.
The day-trip bathing facilities "Mimizuku no Yu" and "Obinata no Yu" are also popular.
Yudanakabushi Onsenkyo (Yamanouchi Town)｜Shiga Kogen/Iiyama Area
Ideal after a hill climb in the Shiga area. There are nine outside bathhouses in the retro townscape, and you can enjoy a hot spring tour.
The day spa "Kaede no Yu" is popular among cyclists.
Suwa Onsen (Shimosuwa Town)｜Lake Suwa Area
Suwa is the best place for a stopover after a round of Suwa Lake. Kanno Onsen," a public bathhouse dating back to the Meiji era, and "Tangka-no-yu" are full of charm.
It can be combined with a visit to Suwa-taisha Shrine or a city walk.
Asama Onsen (Matsumoto City)｜Chushin Area
A hot spring resort town in a castle town where you can stop by after your Matsumoto - Utsukushi-ga-hara ride. You can reset your body and mind in a quiet environment.
Visitors can casually take a bath at "Biwano-yu" (Biwano-yu) and other bathhouses.
Hoshino Onsen, Dragonfly's Hot Spring (Karuizawa)｜Higashinobu, Asama Kogen Area
Ideal for concluding a highland ride in Asama Kogen or Karuizawa. A modern hot spring facility surrounded by beautiful nature, offering both sightseeing and healing.
Popular Cycling in Nagano
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summary
Nagano Prefecture is an area of fascinating trails and spectacular scenery for cycling enthusiasts. From beginners to experts, there is a course for everyone to enjoy, and you can ride your bicycle while experiencing the beautiful nature and culture of the surrounding area.
Another unique attraction of Nagano is that after cycling, you can relax and refresh yourself in a hot spring. We hope you will visit Nagano Prefecture on your next trip to enjoy cycling and have a memorable experience with its wonderful scenery.
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