RENT & RIDE JAPANOku-Aizu, Tadami Line area, Kanayama
Oku-Aizu: Tadami River & Kanayama-Showa Autumn Route
A two-day round trip from Hachioji up the Tadami River to the famous First Tadami River Bridge, with hidden mountain villages in Kanayama and Showa. Autumn gorges and rare carbonated hot springs are the highlights.
- DISTANCE
- 620 km
- DURATION
- 18 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji, this two-day nature tour runs north along the Tadami River in Oku-Aizu, Fukushima. You reach Aizu via the Kan-Etsu and Ban-Etsu Expressways, then ride the scenic corridor where the Tadami gorge meets the JR Tadami Line.
Highlights
- First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint: one of the most famous scenes on the Tadami Line, gorgeous in early autumn with turning leaves and river mist.
- Kanayama Town: home to rare natural carbonated hot springs and secluded riverside hamlets.
- Showa Village: land of ramie weaving and gypsophila, with the wooden former Kuimaru School and Yanohara Marsh preserving old rural Japan.
Riding Tips
Mountain winding roads dominate, so the pace is relaxed. Late autumn mornings and evenings are cold—watch for frost and fallen leaves. Bears are sometimes reported here, so carry a bell or make noise on the walking trails.
- Day 1
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Depart Hachioji early in the morning.
TIPSFuel up and check tire pressure before this long ride.
- 2FOOD~40 min
Michi-no-Eki Oze Kaido Mishima-juku
Roadside station serving as the base for the First Tadami River Bridge viewpoint, with a diner and local products.
TIPSThe trail starts from the back of the parking lot. Local snacks like mushroom soup and croquettes are sold—handy for lunch on arrival.
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Photo: Qwert1234 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 3VIEW~50 min
First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint
The signature viewpoint of the Tadami Line, looking down on trains crossing an arch bridge over the gorge.
TIPSA 10–15 min walk up the ridge from the roadside station. Famous for river mist in summer and foliage in autumn; a train timetable board is posted at the viewpoint. Be cautious when bears have been reported.
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Image - 4ONSEN~60 min
Oshio Natural Carbonated Spring / Oshio Onsen
A rare natural carbonated area in Kanayama, with a communal bath overlooking the Tadami River.
HISTORYSaid to have been discovered by the monk Kobo Daishi, this spring has long been known as a 'beauty' hot spring, and salt was once produced from its water.
TIPSThe riverside communal bath is available for a cooperation fee from 400 yen; the water is a bluish, cloudy type.
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Image - 5LODGING~720 min
Minshuku Tatsumiso
A guesthouse in Kanayama adjacent to Oshio Onsen; tonight's lodging.
TIPSOshio Onsen is right next door. Please confirm motorcycle parking and room type when booking. Dinner features mountain fare.
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Image - Day 2
- 6VIEW~40 min
Lake Numazawa
A caldera lake in Kanayama, the only habitat of kokanee salmon in the prefecture, with mystical seasonal scenery.
TIPSA quiet morning stroll on day 2 by the lake and autumn colors. Dress warm for the chilly hours.
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Photo: Ken / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 7FOOD~70 min
Former Kuimaru Elementary School
A wooden schoolhouse over 80 years old, now Showa Village's exchange and tourism hub, famous for its huge ginkgo tree over 120 years old.
HISTORYThis nostalgic Showa-era wooden schoolhouse is loved as a scene of old rural Japan, and its great ginkgo turns golden in late autumn.
TIPSThe in-house soba cafe serves handmade buckwheat noodles from local flour and sweets—ideal for day 2 lunch.
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Image - 8SPOT~40 min
Michi-no-Eki Karamushi-ori no Sato Showa
A roadside station showcasing Showa Village's ramie weaving and gypsophila, with local products and souvenirs.
TIPSBuy gypsophila goods (the village is Japan's top summer-autumn producer) and ramie textiles and crafts—a good rest and shopping stop before heading home.
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Photo: アラツク / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 9VIEW~40 min
Yanohara Marsh
An easily accessible marsh in Showa Village, a quiet spot where surrounding foliage reflects on the water.
TIPSA final nature stroll before the ride home, from where you head back toward the Ban-Etsu Expressway.
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Image - 10GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return to Hachioji.