RENT & RIDE JAPANNasu Highlands (Tochigi) to Kashi Onsen (Fukushima)
Nasu Highlands & Kashi Onsen Ride
Head north on the Nasu Kaido, cruise across the highlands below Mt. Nasu, and cross the Kashi Road to the secluded Kashi Onsen at the source of the Abukuma River. A one-day ride through autumn-tinged mountains and quiet riverside baths.
- DISTANCE
- 380 km
- DURATION
- 11 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Depart Tashilog Garage and ride north on the Tohoku Expressway. Exiting at Nasu IC onto the Nasu Kaido, you enter a highland-resort atmosphere lined with pensions and cafes. Start with freshly made light meals and sweets at Cheese Garden Nasu Main Store.
Highland winding roads below Mt. Nasu
Climb Prefectural Route 17 (the former Volcano Highway, now toll-free) for sweeping views of the Nasu mountain range, then join Prefectural Route 290 (Nasu-Kashi Line). This flowing road cuts through forests of beech and oak, becoming a tunnel of fiery foliage in autumn.
Crossing into Fukushima via the Kashi Road
Cross the prefectural border into Nishigo Village, Fukushima, and pick up National Route 289, the Kashi Road. The Kashi Tunnel (elev. 1,004 m, about 4.3 km long) and the Kashi Bridge offer spectacular scenery. Just past the tunnel, along the headwaters of the Abukuma River, lies your goal: Ryokan Daikokuya at Kashi Onsen.
A hidden hot spring at the river's source
Enjoy a day-use bath at this single-inn spring associated with the Shirakawa lord Matsudaira Sadanobu, famous for its huge "Oiwa-buro" rock bath fed by free-flowing source water beside a mountain stream. Return along the same Kashi Road and Nasu Kaido to reach the garage before dusk. A satisfying autumn day combining spirited riding with a true secret spring.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Head north from Hachioji via the Ken-O and Tohoku Expressways toward Nasu.
TIPSThe highway stretch is long, so leave early with a full tank.
- 2FOOD~50 min
Cheese Garden Nasu Main Store
A cheese-confectionery specialty shop on the Nasu Kaido with an attached cafe.
TIPSTry the signature Goyotei Cheesecake, plus lunch items like cheese pain-de-mie, pizza and sandwiches. Roughly 9:00–18:00 with a large 150-car lot; hours vary by season, so please confirm officially.
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Image - 3VIEW~20 min
Nasu Kogen Road (former Volcano Highway)
A highland winding road climbing toward Nasu-Yumoto, opened toll-free in 2009.
TIPSA scenic, flowing road with views of the Nasu range. Weather changes fast, so bring warm and rain gear.
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Image - 4VIEW~15 min
Prefectural Route 290 (Nasu-Kashi Line)
A forested mountain route from Nasu Town into Nishigo Village, Fukushima; the former Nasu-Kashi toll road.
TIPSA lightly trafficked road through beech and oak forest that becomes a foliage tunnel in autumn. Watch for snow and ice in winter.
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Image - 5VIEW~20 min
Kashi Tunnel & Kashi Bridge (National Route 289, Kashi Road)
The highlight of the Kashi Road linking Shirakawa and Minami-Aizu; a long tunnel at 1,004 m elevation, about 4.3 km long.
HISTORYBuilt over many years to connect two regions long separated by rugged passes, the Kashi Bridge was completed in 2003 and the Kashi Tunnel in 2008, finally realizing a long-awaited through route.
TIPSThe views from the tunnel and bridge are superb, with stunning surrounding peaks in fresh-green and autumn seasons. Temperatures drop inside the tunnel, so ride carefully.
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Image - 6ONSEN~70 min
Kashi Onsen Ryokan Daikokuya (Day-use Bath)
A secluded single inn at the source of the Abukuma River, famous for its 100% free-flowing rock bath.
HISTORYA hot-spring area beloved by the Shirakawa lord Matsudaira Sadanobu; his former villa "Shokatei" is a designated cultural property of Nishigo Village. It renovated in 2009 following the 2008 opening of the Kashi Road and now operates year-round.
TIPSThe signature Oiwa-buro is a self-welling bath (mixed bathing with women-only hours). Day-use bathing is available. Please confirm motorcycle parking and day-use hours in advance by phone (0248-36-2301).
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Image - 7GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Retrace the Kashi Road and Nasu Kaido, then head back to Hachioji via the Tohoku Expressway.
TIPSThe return highway leg is long, so manage your time to clear the mountain section before sunset.