RENT & RIDE JAPANNobeyama, Kiyosato & Shinshu Pass (Nagano/Yamanashi)
Nobeyama, Kiyosato & Shinshu Pass Highland Ride
A one-day autumn ride from Hachioji over Otarumi Pass and Lake Sagami into Yamanashi, up to Kiyosato Highland, then across Shinshu Pass to the vast 1,300 m-plus grasslands of Nobeyama.
- DISTANCE
- 320 km
- DURATION
- 11 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from Tashilog Garage, this one-day loop crosses Otarumi Pass and Lake Sagami into Yamanashi, then runs north on the Chuo Expressway to the highlands of Kiyosato and Nobeyama on the eastern foot of the Yatsugatake range. Autumn brings golden larch forests and crisp mountain air, with sweeping grasslands above 1,300 m and the winding climb over Shinshu Pass on the Yamanashi–Nagano border.
Highlights
- Seisenryo's famous Jersey soft-serve with panoramic Yatsugatake views
- The highland switchbacks of Shinshu Pass (approx. 1,460 m) linking Yamanashi and Nagano
- The highest point on Japan's JR railway network (1,375 m) and Nobeyama, Japan's highest station
- Endless highland vegetable fields and golden larch foliage
Riding Tips
At these altitudes, autumn mornings and evenings are cold, so warm gear is essential. Some sections of Shinshu Pass are narrow, so ride calmly and watch for oncoming traffic.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point
TIPSFuel up and check tire pressure before departure. Bring warm layers for the highlands.
- 2VIEW~10 min
Otarumi Pass
A pass on Route 20 linking Hachioji and Lake Sagami — the first winding warm-up toward Yamanashi.
TIPSTraffic can be heavy in the morning; ride with the flow and avoid risky overtaking.
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Photo: Atzy / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 3VIEW~15 min
Lake Sagami
A reservoir lake in northern Kanagawa, a scenic spot for a quick break on the way to Yamanashi.
TIPSAfter a break by the lake, join the Chuo Expressway at Sagamiko IC and head north toward Hokuto.
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Photo: Σ64 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 4SPOT~40 min
Seisenryo
A symbol of Kiyosato Highland, famous for its Jersey soft-serve and sweeping Yatsugatake views.
HISTORYFounded in 1938 by Dr. Paul Rusch, known as the father of Kiyosato, Seisenryo is an emblem of the highland's history and development.
TIPSThe signature soft-serve at Jersey Hat is served 9:00–17:00 (seasonal). The free foot bath on the panoramic terrace offers views of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps.
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Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5 - 5VIEW~15 min
JR Railway Highest Point
A monument marking the highest point on Japan's entire JR railway network, at 1,375 m between Kiyosato and Nobeyama stations.
TIPSA classic photo spot — try to catch the two-car Koumi Line train passing by.
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Photo: Cassiopeia sweet / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 6FOOD~60 min
Restaurant Saikochiten
A Japanese-style restaurant beside the JR highest point, known for handmade soba using in-house-milled buckwheat.
TIPSOpen 11:30–15:00 and 17:00–21:00. Tempura soba and set meals are popular; enjoy Yatsugatake views from the window, plus soft-serve for dessert.
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Image - 7SPOT~20 min
Nobeyama Station
At 1,345 m, Nobeyama is the highest railway station in Japan.
TIPSThe charming station building is a popular photo stop, surrounded by souvenir and food shops.
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Photo: Σ64 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 8VIEW~20 min
Nobeyama Highland
A highland at about 1,300 m on the eastern foot of Yatsugatake, covered with vast vegetable fields.
TIPSThe patchwork of lettuce and cabbage fields against Yatsugatake is stunning. In autumn, golden larch adds color to the highland.
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Photo: Σ64 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 9VIEW~15 min
Shinshu Pass
A pass at about 1,460 m linking Kawakami (Nagano) and Hokuto (Yamanashi), famous for its straight road through highland vegetable fields.
TIPSThe Nagano side offers open straight climbs through fields; there's a free hikers' parking area near the summit. The Yamanashi side has a big elevation drop and narrow sections, so descend carefully.
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Photo: Utagawa Hiroshige II / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 10GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return
TIPSDescend to the Yamanashi side via the Masutomi Radium Line to Sutama IC, then take the Chuo Expressway back to Hachioji.