RENT & RIDE JAPANSouthern Akagi Foothills, Kiryu & Middle Watarase River
Akagi Foothills, Kiryu Silk Town & Watarase Valley
A one-day round trip from Hachioji via the Kan-etsu Expressway to the southern foothills of Mt. Akagi, exploring Kiryu's historic silk-weaving warehouse district and the scenic Watarase River valley in early autumn.
- DISTANCE
- 380 km
- DURATION
- 11 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji, ride the Kan-etsu and Kita-Kanto Expressways to Kiryu in Gunma. Once called "Nishijin of the West, Kiryu of the East," this silk-weaving town preserves a historic district of storehouses and distinctive saw-tooth-roofed factories.
Highlights
- Kiryu-Shinmachi Preservation District: The heart of the silk town, with warehouses, townhouses, and saw-tooth roof factories from the Edo to Showa eras.
- Kiryu Yurinkan: A cultural venue made from eleven storehouses once used to brew sake, miso, and soy sauce.
- Kiryu Tenmangu Shrine: The old shrine that marked the origin of the Kiryu-Shinmachi district.
- Watarase Valley: A scenic road running alongside the Watarase Keikoku Railway, perfect for early autumn foliage in September and October.
Food
Don't miss Kiryu's famous himokawa udon, with its ultra-wide noodles, often paired with a sauce-katsu rice bowl.
Riding Notes
The route combines expressway cruising with slow town walking in Kiryu and valley winding roads. The round-trip distance is on the longer side, so an early start is recommended.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Head toward the Kan-etsu Expressway from Hachioji.
TIPSThe round trip is long, so start early. Check fuel and tire pressure before departure.
- 2SPOT~25 min
Kiryu Tenmangu Shrine
The old shrine that anchored the Kiryu-Shinmachi district; a good starting point for a town walk.
HISTORYKiryu's history is said to begin about 400 years ago, when the Kiryu-Shinmachi district was laid out starting from this Tenmangu shrine, making it central to the silk town's story.
TIPSLocated at the north end of Hommachi-dori. Walk south from here to explore the warehouse streets efficiently.
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Photo: Ki-ak / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 3SPOT~45 min
Kiryu-Shinmachi Preservation District
The heart of the silk town, lined with warehouses, townhouses, and saw-tooth roof factories.
HISTORYCentered on Hommachi 1- and 2-chome, this area is designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, preserving the legacy of Kiryu's flourishing textile industry.
TIPSCafes and shops occupy former saw-tooth roof factories, making for photogenic strolling. Best explored on foot.
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Image - 4SPOT~40 min
Kiryu Yurinkan
A cultural venue set in former sake, miso, and soy-sauce brewing warehouses.
HISTORYA group of eleven Edo-to-Showa era storehouses once owned by the Yano merchant family, ten of which are Kiryu City Important Cultural Properties, now used as a multipurpose venue for theater and concerts.
TIPSGenerally free to explore; pick up a walking map at the office. The red-brick and stone storehouses are striking.
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Photo: Abasaa / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 5FOOD~60 min
Fujiya Honten
A long-established restaurant for Kiryu's famous himokawa udon; ideal for lunch.
TIPSOn the corner of the Hommachi 1-chome intersection inside the preservation district. Signature dishes are wide himokawa udon and a sauce-katsu set. Lunch runs 11:30–14:30; closed Mondays (and the 4th Tuesday). Please confirm opening days before visiting.
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Photo: 円周率３パーセント / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 6SPOT~30 min
Kiryu Textile Museum
A museum showcasing the history and craft of Kiryu silk weaving.
HISTORYA place to learn about the tradition of Kiryu weaving and the town's textile skills, still considered world-class, producing goods even for European luxury brands.
TIPSTextile products are sold inside, great for souvenirs. Please confirm opening hours in advance.
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Photo: kcomiida / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 7VIEW~30 min
Watarase Valley near Goto Station
A scenic road along the Watarase River, ideal for enjoying early autumn foliage.
TIPSRoute 122 runs alongside the Watarase Keikoku Railway, with early foliage beautiful in September–October. Goto Station is a scenic highlight of the valley section. Enjoy the views while riding carefully.
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Image - 8SPOT~25 min
Michi-no-Eki Kurohone Yamabiko
A roadside station along the Watarase River; a good rest stop before the return leg.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsA roadside station on Route 122 with local produce and light meals, handy for a valley-drive break. From here, return toward Kiryu/Ota and take the expressway home. Please confirm opening hours.
- 9GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Head back to Hachioji via the Kita-Kanto and Kan-etsu Expressways.
TIPSThe return is mainly expressway. Leaving before evening helps avoid traffic.
