RENT & RIDE JAPANIizuna Highland – Togakushi – Kinasa, Nagano
Iizuna–Togakushi–Kinasa Nature Loop
A mountain winding route from Iizuna Highland through the cedar-lined approach to Togakushi Shrine's Okusha, then over to the hidden village of Kinasa — offering Northern Alps views, gorge scenery, and autumn foliage in a single day.
- DISTANCE
- 380 km
- DURATION
- 12 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Leaving TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji at dawn, this one-day loop links a high plateau, a sacred forest, and a remote mountain village in northern Nagano. You climb from the roughly 1,000 m Iizuna Highland up to Togakushi, walk the ancient cedar avenue of Togakushi Shrine's Okusha (over 2,000 years of history), then cross to the hidden village of Kinasa via Route 406.
Route highlights
- Daizahoshi Pond, Iizuna Highland — a pond at about 1,000 m elevation wrapped in legend, reflecting Mt. Iizuna at its lakeside.
- Cedar avenue to Togakushi Okusha — a mystical approach lined with 400-year-old cedars stretching some 500 m.
- Kinasa mountain winding roads — the pass road from Togakushi to Kinasa is prized for gorge scenery and countryside views, with foliage starting in Sept–Oct.
Riding tips
The Togakushi Bird Line and Route 406 include narrow, tight sections with significant elevation change. In autumn, mornings and evenings are cold, so bring warm gear. This is an intermediate route best suited to riders comfortable on mountain roads.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Depart Hachioji at dawn and head to northern Nagano via the Chuo and Nagano Expressways.
TIPSIt's a long run — fuel up, rest well, and leave early. Mostly expressway to Nagano IC.
- 2VIEW~30 min
Daizahoshi Pond
A pond at about 1,000 m elevation at the entrance to Iizuna Highland, appearing just as you finish climbing the Togakushi Bird Line.
HISTORYLegend says the pond formed in the footprint of the giant Daidarabocchi as he stepped onto Mt. Iizuna. It has also long served as an agricultural reservoir since the Edo period.
TIPSA lakeside path loops the pond in about 20 minutes. Enjoy the crisp highland morning with Mt. Iizuna reflected on the water.
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Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5 - 3SPOT~90 min
Cedar Avenue to Togakushi Shrine Okusha
A mystical approach lined with over 300 cedars stretching some 500 m from the Zuishinmon gate toward the Okusha inner shrine.
HISTORYTogakushi Shrine comprises five shrines at the foot of the sacred Mt. Togakushi, with over 2,000 years of history. The cedar avenue took over 420 years to form since Uesugi Kagekatsu's restoration of Togakushi, and logging was banned by an Edo-era ordinance, protecting the forest for centuries.
TIPSIt's about a 40-minute walk each way from the parking area to the Okusha; a round-trip visit takes roughly 1.5–2 hours. Wear comfortable shoes.
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Photo: TTTNIS / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 - 4FOOD~60 min
Soba Restaurant Uzuraya
A popular Togakushi soba restaurant near the Chusha shrine — ideal for lunch after visiting the Okusha.
TIPSSignature dishes are Togakushi soba served in the traditional 'bocchi-mori' bundles and tempura. It's very popular, so sign the waiting list early. Check the official site for hours and closing days in advance.
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Photo: jenterri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 5FOOD~40 min
Irohado Kinasa Main Store
A long-established oyaki maker in the heart of the remote village of Kinasa, reached down the mountain road along Route 406.
TIPSFamous for hearth-baked oyaki (stuffed dumplings) with fillings like nozawana greens, dried radish, and pumpkin. You can eat them fresh in-store. Riders may receive a sticker for arriving by motorcycle (please confirm). Check hours in advance.
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Photo: Zai零細系統保護協会 / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 6VIEW~30 min
Kinasa Shirahige Shrine & Countryside
An old shrine in Kinasa surrounded by mountain-valley countryside, offering gorge scenery and autumn foliage.
HISTORYKinasa is a mountain village steeped in legends, including a tale of relocating the imperial capital. Shirahige Shrine has long been revered as the village's guardian shrine.
TIPSA tranquil mountain-village atmosphere. In Sept–Oct the surrounding countryside foliage begins to turn. Take a short, easy stroll.
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Image - 7VIEW
Route 406 Kinasa–Nagano Gorge Winding
The winding section of Route 406 descending from Kinasa toward central Nagano, an exhilarating mountain road along the gorge.
TIPSExpect tight curves and narrow sections, so keep speeds moderate. Watch for rockfall and fallen leaves. Aim to reach Nagano IC before sunset.
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Image - 8GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Head back to Hachioji from Nagano IC via the Nagano and Chuo Expressways.
TIPSThe return leg often falls after dark. Stay warm, take regular breaks, and ride home safely.