RENT & RIDE JAPANOkumusashi: Ogose–Hatoyama–Ranzan Gorge
Ogose & Ranzan Gorge Autumn Half-Day Ride
An autumn half-day loop from Ogose up through the Okumusashi foothills to the fiery maples of Ranzan Gorge, with easy ridgeline roads all within an hour of Hachioji.
- DISTANCE
- 130 km
- DURATION
- 6 h
- LEVEL
- Beginner
Start from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji and thread through the rural hills of western Saitama on this relaxed autumn half-day ride. Beginning at Ogose Bairin, one of the Kanto region's famous plum groves, you head north along the Oppe and Tsuki rivers toward Ranzan Gorge, one of Saitama's finest spots for fall colors.
Highlights
- Ogose Bairin: The symbol of Ogose town, best known for plum blossoms, with the surrounding hills turning colorful in autumn.
- Okumusashi countryside winding roads: Quiet prefectural roads that let you cruise the gentle Musashi ridgelines.
- Ranzan Gorge: Maples and red-pine forest reflected in the clear Tsuki River make this a signature Saitama autumn destination, with a pleasant riverside walking path.
Riding notes
Roughly 130 km total, comfortably doable in half a day. Peak foliage runs mid-November to early December. Weekends get busy around Ranzan Gorge in the morning, so an early start is recommended.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. The motorcycle shop in Miyashitacho, Hachioji.
TIPSCheck fuel and tire pressure before departure. An 8–9 a.m. start is ideal.
- 2VIEW~30 min
Ogose Bairin (Ogose Plum Grove)
One of the Kanto region's three great plum groves, with about 1,000 plum trees along the Oppe River. The surrounding countryside glows in autumn colors.
HISTORYCounted among the three great plum groves of the Kanto region alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Atami Baien, with ancient trees over 650 years old.
TIPSPlum season with paid entry (500 yen for junior-high age and up) runs mid-February to late March. In autumn the grove itself is often closed to entry, so stop by to enjoy the riverside foliage and use it as the scenic starting point of your loop.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Ebiebi2 / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 3FOOD~60 min
Soba Ryori Sumiya
A soba restaurant in Ranzan town serving hand-cut buckwheat noodles from freshly milled flour, with tempura made from local vegetables.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsSpecialties are freshly milled hand-cut soba and local-vegetable tempura. It gets busy at lunch, so arrive early. Opening days and hours vary, so please confirm in advance.
- 4VIEW~70 min
Ranzan Gorge
A signature Saitama autumn spot where maples and red-pine forest reflect in the clear Tsuki River, with a viewpoint and well-kept walking paths.
HISTORYDr. Seiroku Honda, Japan's first doctor of forestry, likened the scenery to Kyoto's Arashiyama and called it the 'Arashiyama of Musashi,' the origin of the town's name.
TIPSPeak foliage is usually mid-November to early December. Weekend mornings are crowded; park at the Ranzan Gorge BBQ area lot. Take time to walk from the viewpoint along the Hosohara path.
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Photo: Filler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 5VIEW~25 min
Kamakita Lake
A quiet irrigation reservoir in Moroyama, ringed by hills, where autumn maples reflect on the water — a nice stop on the way back.
TIPSThe lakeside is good for a short stroll and makes a perfect breather on the way back toward Hachioji, a fitting finale to the Okumusashi winding roads.
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Photo: Ebiebi2 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 6GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. The motorcycle shop in Miyashitacho, Hachioji.