RENT & RIDE JAPANChichibu, Nakatsu Gorge & Ueno Village

Nakatsu Gorge to Ueno Village Nature Ride

A day-long nature ride from the scenic Nakatsu Gorge in deep Okuchichibu over the mountains to Ueno Village on the upper Kanna River, packed with quiet forest twisties.

NatureMountain Pass

DISTANCE: 300 km
DURATION: 10 h
LEVEL: Advanced

DIST300 kmTIME10 hLVLAdvancedSEASONAutumnIN SEASON!NatureMountain Pass

Starting from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji, head toward Chichibu on National Route 140. Pass Lake Chichibu (Futase Dam) at the head of the Arakawa River, then turn up into Nakatsu Gorge, said to offer the finest ravine scenery in all of Okuchichibu. Sheer cliffs, a clear mountain stream and foliage that begins to turn from late September make for a breathtaking ride.

Highlights

Cliffs and autumn colors of Nakatsu Gorge, a designated scenic spot
Lakeside twisties around Lake Chichibu (Futase Dam)
A mountain crossing over the prefectural border into Ueno Village, Gunma
The clear Kanna River and rural village scenery

Riding Notes

The deeper sections of the gorge and the border crossing are narrow, twisty mountain roads best suited to experienced riders. Watch for fallen leaves, damp surfaces and oncoming traffic, and keep a relaxed pace. On peak-foliage weekends, cars parked on the shoulder are common, so ride carefully.

Best Season

Late September through October, when the gorge starts to color, is ideal. The high elevation means chilly mornings and evenings, so bring warm gear.

ROUTE MAP

Itinerary

1
START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Head from Hachioji toward Chichibu on Route 140.
TIPS
Mountain areas are cold; bring warm and rain gear and start early.
2
SPOT~20 min
Michi-no-Eki Otaki Onsen
A roadside station on Route 140 at the gateway to Okuchichibu.
TIPS
A good fuel and restroom break before heading up to Nakatsu Gorge and Lake Chichibu. It also has a hot-spring facility.
Photo: Filler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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3
VIEW~20 min
Lake Chichibu (Futase Dam)
A dam reservoir at the head of the Arakawa River, with foliage views over the water.
TIPS
The Futase Dam observation point offers views of the dam framed by autumn colors. The Arakawa Fureai Log House nearby has parking and restrooms.
Photo: 103momo / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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4
VIEW~40 min
Nakatsu Gorge
A prefecturally designated scenic gorge, the finest in Okuchichibu.
TIPS
Sheer 100 m cliffs continue for about 10 km, with red and yellow foliage coloring the ravine. The Jorou maple near the Mochioke tunnel is especially famous. The inner sections are narrow with roadside parking, so ride carefully.
Photo: Yones / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
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5
SPOT~20 min
Michi-no-Eki Ueno
Gunma's first officially designated roadside station and the gateway to Ueno Village.
TIPS
Sells local Jikkoku miso and inobuta (wild-boar-pig) products. A convenient rest and refueling stop after crossing the prefectural border.
Photo: Filler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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6
FOOD~60 min
Uenomura Fureai-kan (Kawa-no-Eki Ueno)
A riverside tourist hub on the Kanna River; lunch stop for the famous mushroom curry.
TIPS
The snack corner serves the signature mushroom curry loaded with local shiitake, plus inobuta franks. Roughly 9:00–17:00 (may close Tuesdays—please confirm). Grilled ayu (sweetfish) is offered in summer.
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7
VIEW~40 min
Ueno Skybridge (Mahoba-no-Mori)
A 225 m-long, 90 m-high pedestrian suspension bridge.
TIPS
Linking Kawawa Nature Park and Mahoba-no-Mori, the bridge offers sweeping views of Ueno's mountains and gorge. Soap bubbles are released several times a day. A great scenic finale for the Ueno leg.
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8
ONSEN~50 min
Hamadaira Onsen Shioji-no-Yu
A day-trip hot spring by the Kanna River; a soak before the return leg.
TIPS
A day-trip onsen in Ueno known as a 'beauty bath', with a spacious open-air bath to ease the fatigue of mountain riding. Please check hours and closing days in advance.
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9
GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Head back to Hachioji from Ueno via Routes 299 and 140.
TIPS
The return has long mountain stretches; aim to descend before sunset.