RENT & RIDE JAPANNorthern Foothills of Mt. Haruna & Mizusawa Udon Country (Shibukawa, Gunma)
Haruna Foothills & Mizusawa Udon Gourmet Loop
A one-day autumn gourmet ride from Hachioji via the Kan-etsu Expressway to Ikaho and Haruna, savoring legendary Mizusawa udon and finishing with the sweeping Route 33 curves and Lake Haruna's scenery.
- DISTANCE
- 320 km
- DURATION
- 11 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Depart early from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji and take the Kan-etsu Expressway straight to Shibukawa-Ikaho in Gunma. This one-day gourmet loop circles the northern foothills of Mt. Haruna, combining 400-year-old Mizusawa udon, the nostalgic stone-step town of Ikaho Onsen, and the breathtaking scenery of Lake Haruna.
Course Highlights
- Mizusawa Udon: One of Japan's three great udon. Enjoy firm, translucent noodles made only from wheat flour and salt at a long-established restaurant.
- Ikaho Stone-Step Street: An atmospheric hot-spring main street of 365 stone steps, perfect for a stroll and street snacks.
- Route 33 Winding Road: A flowing climb from Ikaho Onsen up to Lake Haruna, with a must-see panorama from Takane Observatory.
- Lake Haruna & Mt. Haruna-Fuji: A caldera lake mirroring the graceful cone of Haruna-Fuji closes the ride in autumn colors.
Riding Tips
Route 33 features hairpin bends and tight curves. Autumn foliage is gorgeous, but watch for cold mornings and fallen leaves. On the return, hop onto the expressway early in the evening to avoid traffic.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point in Miyashitacho, Hachioji.
TIPSFuel up and check tire pressure before an early start. The Ken-O Expressway connects smoothly to the Kan-etsu.
- 2SPOT~30 min
Mizusawa Kannon (Mizusawadera Temple)
The ancient temple that gave Mizusawa udon its name; the 16th station of the Bando 33 Kannon pilgrimage.
HISTORYSaid to have been founded some 1,300 years ago by imperial decree, this historic temple drew pilgrims whose gate-front noodles became the origin of Mizusawa udon.
TIPSDon't miss the rotating Rokkaku-do hall. Free parking is available; visit before strolling the udon street.
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Photo: NY066 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 3FOOD~60 min
Osawaya Main Store
A long-established Mizusawa udon restaurant; the lunch highlight of the ride.
TIPSFounded in 1970, famous for firm, translucent udon made in a 27-step, two-day process; the Gunma maitake mushroom tempura is a favorite. Main store is open weekdays 10:00–16:00, weekends/holidays 9:30–16:00, closed Thursdays (subject to change). Parking available; arrive early on weekend lunch hours.
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Image - 4SPOT~50 min
Ikaho Stone-Step Street
The hot-spring town's main street of 365 nostalgic stone steps.
HISTORYThe 365 steps symbolize a wish for year-round prosperity. This old spa town, setting of Tokutomi Roka's novel 'Hototogisu,' long attracted writers and poets.
TIPSSteamed manju shops and tea houses line the steps—great for snacking. Park in nearby paid lots; the slope is steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
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Photo: Tomo / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 - 5VIEW~20 min
Kajika Bridge
A vermilion arched bridge near the Ikaho hot-spring source, famed for autumn foliage.
TIPSWithin walking distance of the top of the stone-step street. Beautiful foliage in autumn with evening illumination; the spring-water drinking fountain is nearby.
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Photo: 先従隗始 / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 - 6VIEW~20 min
Takane Observatory
An observatory on Route 33 overlooking Ikaho Onsen and the mountains of Gunma.
TIPSA panorama stop beyond the switchbacks on Route 33 climbing to Lake Haruna. Ikaho below, Mt. Akagi to the east, Mt. Tanigawa to the north. The free lot holds about 10 cars and sits at a curve exit, so enter/exit carefully. No restrooms.
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Photo: 690 Noda / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 7VIEW~40 min
Lake Haruna (Mt. Haruna-Fuji)
A caldera lake cradled by Mt. Haruna, mirroring the graceful cone of Haruna-Fuji.
TIPSThe lake surface reflects Haruna-Fuji; cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, foliage in autumn line the shore. Free lakeside parking; the Haruna ropeway offers summit views.
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Photo: shinohal / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 8GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return to Miyashitacho, Hachioji.
TIPSDescend from Lake Haruna via the Haruna shrine area toward Takasaki, then return on the Kan-etsu and Ken-O expressways. Watch for evening congestion.