RENT & RIDE JAPANShinshu: Oito Line, Nishina Three Lakes & Southern Hakuba
Nishina Three Lakes & Hakuba Nature Touring
A two-day round trip from Hachioji up to Azumino, tracing the lakeside roads of Aoki, Nakatsuna, and Kizaki lakes and the meadows below Hakuba. Autumn reflections of the Northern Alps steal the show.
- DISTANCE
- 460 km
- DURATION
- 18 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Roll out from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji and head north via the Chuo and Nagano Expressways to Azumino. Following the JR Oito Line through the mountains of Shinshu, you trace the lakeside roads of the "Nishina Three Lakes" — Aoki, Nakatsuna, and Kizaki. Formed along the Itoigawa–Shizuoka Tectonic Line, these natural lakes are known as the "Mirror of the Alps" for the way they reflect the peaks of the Northern Alps.
Highlights
- Lake Aoki — the deepest natural lake in Nagano, prized for its clarity and glassy autumn reflections.
- Lake Nakatsuna — the smallest of the three, famous for spring cherry reflections but wonderfully quiet in autumn.
- Lake Kizaki — the liveliest, with lakeside cafes, water sports, and a satisfying loop road.
- Below Hakuba — an alpine resort night with the Northern Alps close at hand.
Itinerary
Day 1 ends with lunch by Lake Kizaki, then a northbound run along all three lakes to an overnight in Hakuba. Day 2 begins with a soak at Omachi Onsen-kyo before the ride home. The route favors low-traffic lakeside curves, so you can cruise at an easy pace and soak in the scenery.
- Day 1
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Jump onto the Chuo Expressway from Hachioji.
TIPSAn early start is best. Fuel up and check tire pressure before heading out.
- 2SPOT~10 min
Azumino (Azumino IC area)
Exit the Nagano Expressway at Azumino IC and drop onto local roads at the foot of the Northern Alps.
TIPSThis is the end of the expressway leg. Northward toward Omachi, traffic thins and Northern Alps views open up.
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Image - 3FOOD~70 min
Nemarucha Terrace (Lakeside Cafe, Lake Kizaki)
A relaxed lunch stop at a quiet cafe on the shore of Lake Kizaki.
TIPS"Nemarucha" means "sit and relax." Known for additive-free Western-style dishes made with local vegetables and fruit, with terrace seats overlooking Lake Kizaki and the mountains. Check hours and closing days in advance.
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Image - 4VIEW~30 min
Lake Kizaki
The southernmost of the three lakes, with an easy, enjoyable loop road.
TIPSThe southernmost lake, lively with SUP and canoeing in summer. The loop road around the shore makes for a pleasant cruise.
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Photo: 江戸村のとくぞう / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 5VIEW~20 min
Lake Nakatsuna
The smallest and quietest of the three lakes.
TIPSA small lake about 2.2 km around at roughly 810 m elevation. Famous with photographers for spring cherry reflections, but its clear autumn surface and foliage are just as rewarding.
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Photo: 国土交通省 / Wikimedia Commons / Attribution - 6VIEW~30 min
Lake Aoki
The deepest and clearest natural lake in Nagano.
TIPSAt about 58 m, the deepest lake in Nagano. Its clarity earns it the nickname "Mirror of the Alps," with the Northern Alps mirrored on the water. Ride the shore road and pull over at your favorite viewpoint.
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Photo: くろふね / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 7LODGING~720 min
Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba
Overnight at a highland resort below Hakuba (toward Hakuba Norikura / Tsugaike).
TIPSA highland resort with a hot-spring bath, listed as a motorcycle-friendly stay (please confirm parking spot and room type when booking). Reached by heading north from Lake Aoki on Route 148.
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Image - Day 2
- 8VIEW~30 min
Lake Aoki (Morning Shore)
On day 2, head back south and revisit the shore of Lake Aoki.
TIPSMornings are often calm with little wind, leaving the lake mirror-still. For reflections of the Northern Alps, the early hours are ideal.
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Image - 9ONSEN~60 min
Omachi Onsen-kyo
A hot-spring stop before the ride home, fed from the Kuzu Onsen source.
TIPSA hot-spring village at the foot of the Northern Alps with day-use bathing options — perfect for loosening up before the long ride home. Check each facility's hours in advance.
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Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5 - 10FOOD~60 min
Azumino (Lunch near Azumino IC)
A Shinshu soba lunch in Azumino before joining the Nagano Expressway.
TIPSAzumino is known for jūwari (100%) soba made with pure spring water and fresh wasabi. Pick a verified restaurant from the Azumino tourism association listings and check hours before stopping.
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Image - 11GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Back to Hachioji via the Nagano and Chuo Expressways.
TIPSThe Chuo Expressway can be congested in the evening, so plan the return with time to spare.