RENT & RIDE JAPANAshigara Pass, Mt. Yagura & Sakawa River Basin
Ashigara Pass & Sakawa River Loop
A one-day ride from Hachioji south along the river, over the prefectural-border Ashigara Pass with Mt. Fuji views, looping back along the Sakawa River through autumn hills.
- DISTANCE
- 170 km
- DURATION
- 9 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from TASHILOG GARAGE, head south along the river toward Odawara, then climb the Ashigara Kaido (Routes 78 and 365) from Minami-Ashigara to cross Ashigara Pass, which straddles the Kanagawa–Shizuoka prefectural border.
Highlights
- At 759 m, Ashigara Pass is one of "Kanagawa's 50 Scenic Spots," with Mt. Fuji rising straight ahead from the grassy plateau of the Ashigara Castle ruins.
- A trove of historic sites along the ancient Ashigara-kodo road that once linked eastern and western Japan.
- The elegant cone of Mt. Yagura seen from the Yagurazawa foothills, and rolling hills ablaze with autumn color.
Riding notes
The Ashigara Kaido is a technical pass with continuous mid- to low-speed corners. The surface is fairly good, but watch for fallen leaves and sightseeing traffic and ride at your own pace. On the return, cool down along the open road beside the Sakawa River before heading back to Hachioji.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point
TIPSFuel up and check tire pressure before departure. The pass can be chilly, so bring a layer.
- 2SPOT~30 min
Michi-no-Eki Ashigara Kintaro no Furusato
A roadside station in Minami-Ashigara, ideal for a break and local info before the climb.
TIPSKnown for local Ashigara beef and farm produce. The last major rest stop before tackling the pass.
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Photo: D700master / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 3FOOD~60 min
Kamameshi & Teppan Sakaya Miyoshiya
A popular eatery in the Daiyuzan area for a solid lunch before the pass.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsThe signature dish is kamameshi (clay-pot rice) from a dozen varieties; the chicken-and-veg version is a classic, and the hamburg steak is well liked. Lunch is served—please confirm hours before visiting.
- 4VIEW~20 min
Yagurazawa (Mt. Yagura Viewpoint)
A satoyama hamlet along the Ashigara Kaido with views up to the shapely Mt. Yagura.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsMt. Yagura rises like an upturned bowl above tea fields and rural scenery—a photogenic stretch along the climb.
- 5SPOT~40 min
Ashigara Castle Ruins
The hilltop castle ruins at Ashigara Pass, with Mt. Fuji views from the grassy plateau.
HISTORYAshigara Castle is a mountain fortress said to have been built by the Odawara Hojo clan (Hojo Ujitsuna) in the mid-16th century, guarding the Suruga–Sagami border against the Takeda. It fell during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 1590 Odawara campaign and was abandoned; today the main bailey, enclosures, and dry moats remain, along with the Tamategaike, a pond long linked to rain-making rituals.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsAt 759 m, Ashigara Pass sits on the Shizuoka–Kanagawa border. From the castle park, Mt. Fuji stands straight ahead with Gotemba spread out below. Restrooms and parking available.
- 6VIEW~25 min
Ashigara Manyo Park
A park on the Shizuoka side near the pass, with views of Mt. Fuji and Mt. Yagura.
TIPSA quiet park dotted with poem monuments linked to the Manyoshu anthology, within walking distance of the castle ruins and offering its own Mt. Fuji view.
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Photo: Σ64 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 7ONSEN~60 min
Modern Toji Onlyyou
A forest day-spa in the Daiyuzan area—perfect for a soak before the ride home.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsKnown for its spacious open-air bath and gently warm water, set amid forest with a dining area on site. Check opening hours in advance.
- 8VIEW~15 min
Along the Sakawa River (near Iizumi)
A cool-down stretch riding beside the Sakawa River toward Odawara.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsAn open riverside road, ideal for unwinding after the pass. From here head north along the river route back to Hachioji.
- 9GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return