RENT & RIDE JAPANAzumino, Azusa River & Kamikochi Gateway
Azumino, Azusa River & Kamikochi Gateway Autumn Ride
A two-day mountain ride from Hachioji to Azumino via the Chuo and Nagano Expressways, following the Azusa River up to Sawando—the gateway to Kamikochi—for peak autumn colours, with a second day looping through Norikura Kogen and Matsumoto.
- DISTANCE
- 530 km
- DURATION
- 20 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
From the paddies of Azumino, nourished by snowmelt from the Northern Japan Alps, follow the clear Azusa River upstream to Sawando, the gateway to Kamikochi. In mid-October the higher you climb, the deeper the colours—this is a relaxed two-day mountain loop.
Highlights
- Daio Wasabi Farm: one of Japan's largest wasabi fields with triple water wheels, set against the Alps. Don't miss the wasabi gourmet.
- Sawando Onsen: the staging point for Kamikochi's private-vehicle restriction, glowing with golden larch and maple in autumn.
- Kamikochi (Kappa Bridge): transfer to a shuttle bus at Sawando for sweeping views of the Azusa River and the Hotaka Range.
- Norikura Kogen Onsen: milky sulphur springs amid white birch foliage.
Riding notes
Route 158 along the Azusa River is a continuous winding road—ride at a comfortable pace. Mountain mornings and evenings are cold, so bring warm gear. Kamikochi is closed to private vehicles and motorcycles, so transfer to a shuttle bus at Sawando.
- Day 1
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point (Hachioji)
TIPSFuel up and check tyre pressure before departure. Bring warm layers for both highway and mountain sections.
- 2SPOT~75 min
Daio Wasabi Farm
One of Japan's largest wasabi farms and Azumino's signature sight.
HISTORYA wasabi farm developed using the abundant spring water of the Northern Alps; the three water wheels on the Tade River are famous as a filming location for director Akira Kurosawa.
TIPSFree admission; open 8:00–17:00 (Mar–Nov). Try the wasabi soft-serve and fresh wasabi rice bowl. Allow about an hour to stroll.
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Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5 - 3FOOD~60 min
Restaurant Daio (inside Daio Wasabi Farm)
Lunch inside the wasabi farm, serving local dishes made with fresh wasabi.
TIPSOpen 11:00–14:30 (L.O. 14:00); from 11:30 on weekdays. Known for dishes using fresh local wasabi. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
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Image - 4VIEW~150 min
Kamikochi (Kappa Bridge)
A scenic highlight of the Northern Alps, reached by shuttle bus from Sawando.
HISTORYA highland plateau at around 1,500 m known as the gateway to the Northern Alps, symbolised by Kappa Bridge with its view of the Hotaka Range across the Azusa River.
TIPSPrivate cars and motorcycles are banned, so transfer to a shuttle bus at Sawando (about 2,800 yen round trip). Autumn colours usually peak mid to late October. Warm clothing essential.
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Photo: T1822 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 5LODGING
Sawando Onsen Kamikochi Hotel
An onsen hotel in Sawando; the first night's lodging.
TIPSOffers free-flowing hot spring water and Shinshu cuisine, well located for Kamikochi and Norikura. Parking available (please confirm motorcycle parking). Confirm room type and plan when booking.
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Image - Day 2
- 6ONSEN~60 min
Norikura Kogen Onsen
A milky sulphur hot spring to visit on the second morning.
TIPSA highland area along Route 84 (Norikura-dake Line), beautiful with golden birch and larch. Some facilities offer day-use bathing—a morning soak is recommended.
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Photo: Snake Head 1995 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 7SPOT~70 min
Matsumoto Castle
A National Treasure keep to visit on the way home.
HISTORYA castle with one of Japan's oldest surviving five-tier, six-storey keeps; its black lacquered exterior earned it the nickname 'Crow Castle', and it is designated a National Treasure.
TIPSLocated in central Matsumoto, the keep is striking against the backdrop of the Alps. Check parking in advance; allow about an hour.
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Photo: Fg2 / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 8FOOD~60 min
Soba Dokoro Kobayashi Honten
Lunch of Shinshu soba near Matsumoto Castle.
TIPSA long-established soba restaurant near Matsumoto Castle serving Shinshu's famous buckwheat noodles. Busy at lunchtime, so arrive early. Please confirm opening hours before visiting.
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Image - 9GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return (Hachioji)