RENT & RIDE JAPANNikko, Tochigi — Kirifuri Highland, Upper Kinugawa & Kawaji Onsen
Kirifuri Highland & Kawaji Onsen Autumn Journey
Ride the autumn curves of Kirifuri Highland and overnight at Kawaji Onsen in the upper Kinugawa valley, then return via the historic Nikko Kaido highway on this two-day hot-spring tour.
- DISTANCE
- 360 km
- DURATION
- 20 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from Tashilog Garage, this two-day ride links one of Tochigi's finest mountain roads — the Kirifuri Highland Road — with the quiet hot-spring hamlet of Kawaji Onsen, nestled in the gorge where the Kinugawa and Ojika rivers meet. Late October to early November, at the peak of the autumn foliage, is the best season, letting you enjoy exhilarating highland curves, a riverside hot spring, and the stillness of a misty spa town all in one trip.
Highlights
- Kirifuri Highland Road: A 16–18 km highland winding road climbing the slopes of Mt. Akanagi, with continuous compound corners and spectacular autumn colors.
- Roppozawa Bridge: A sweeping arch bridge roughly 320 m long and 130 m high, offering a vast panorama.
- Osasa Farm: A highland ranch at about 1,030 m elevation, famous for its Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) lunch.
- Kawaji Onsen: A hot-spring resort in the upper Kinugawa gorge, a healing spa since the Edo period.
Riding Tips
The Kirifuri Highland Road is prone to fog and damp pavement, so check the weather and keep your speed moderate. Weekends during the foliage season get busy, so set off early.
- Day 1
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Depart early and head toward the expressways leading to Nikko.
TIPSFuel up and check tire pressure before leaving. Much of the ride is on highways, so dress warmly.
- 2VIEW~40 min
Kirifuri Falls
One of Nikko's three great waterfalls, a two-tiered cascade on the Kirifuri River viewed from an observation deck.
HISTORYCounted among Nikko's three famous waterfalls alongside Kegon and Urami Falls. The upper tier drops about 25 m and the lower about 26 m, framed by old-growth forest that turns crimson and gold in late October.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsA long stairway leads down to the viewing platform, so wear comfortable shoes. Go early on foliage-season weekends to avoid crowds.
- 3VIEW~25 min
Roppozawa Bridge
A scenic highlight of the Kirifuri Highland Road, a great arch bridge spanning a deep valley.
TIPSThe arch is roughly 320 m long and 130 m high. Fog is common at this elevation, so pause for the view on clear days. A parking area is a short distance downhill.
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Photo: くろふね / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 4FOOD~70 min
Osasa Farm Resthouse
A highland ranch resthouse near the end of the Kirifuri Highland Road, famous for its Genghis Khan lamb lunch.
TIPSKnown for thick-cut lamb Genghis Khan and Brown Swiss milk and soft-serve. Lighter dishes like Nikko yuba (tofu skin) udon and soba are also available. Open roughly 8:45–16:45 (shorter in winter); TEL 0288-97-1116. A popular gathering spot for riders.
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Photo: Miyuki Meinaka / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 5VIEW~45 min
Ryuokyo Gorge
A gorge on the upper Kinugawa River, where volcanic rock carved by the water contrasts beautifully with autumn foliage.
TIPSJust before Kawaji Onsen, with a walking trail along the gorge. Park and take a short stroll to Nijimi Falls. A perfect stop before check-in.
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Photo: Nyao148 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 6LODGING
Kawaji Onsen Yukemuri-no-Sato Kashiwaya
Overnight stop for day 1. A long-established ryokan set in the gorge of the Kinugawa and Ojika rivers.
HISTORYA historic ryokan founded in 1926. Kawaji Onsen was a healing spa on the old route linking Edo and Aizu, long praised for the restorative qualities of its waters.
TIPSFamous for its open-air baths overlooking the Ojika River. Please confirm motorcycle parking and room type when booking. Reserve early during the foliage season.
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Photo: Abasaa / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - Day 2
- 7ONSEN~40 min
Kawaji Onsen Yakushi-no-Yu
A riverside public bath and footbath area worth a morning visit before departing on day 2.
TIPSA public bath along the Ojika River gorge. Soak in the quiet of the misty morning spa town before setting off. Hours vary by season, so check in advance.
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Photo: 妖精書士 (talk) / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 8FOOD~50 min
Michi-no-Eki Nikko (Nikko Kaido Niko-Niko Honjin)
A roadside station in the Imaichi area along the Nikko Kaido highway, ideal for a rest and local food.
TIPSHead south along the Kinugawa to Imaichi. Offers Nikko specialties like yuba, plus light meals and souvenirs. A good final rest and resupply before the ride home, with ample parking.
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Image - 9SPOT~25 min
Nikko Cedar Avenue (Imaichi)
A majestic avenue of cedars lining the Nikko Kaido, designated a Special Historic Site and Special Natural Monument.
HISTORYFormed by cedars planted in the Edo period, this long avenue is designated both a Special Historic Site and a Special Natural Monument — a rare and venerable highway landscape.
TIPSThe avenue is narrow with traffic, so ride slowly. Soak up the historic highway atmosphere as you leave Imaichi for the return leg.
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Photo: Kusakabe Kimbei / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 10GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Join the expressway at Imaichi IC and head back to Hachioji.
TIPSThe return is mostly expressway, roughly 3.5 hours. It gets cold after sunset, so plan to arrive before dark.
