RENT & RIDE JAPANSano, Kuzu & Ashikaga, Tochigi
Sano to Ashikaga
Shimotsuke Culture Ride
From Sano's famous temple to the thousand-year-old Karasawayama Castle, the limestone plateau of Kuzu, and Japan's oldest school in Ashikaga — a one-day ride along the edge of the Kanto Plain rich in history and landscape.
- DISTANCE
- 300 km
- DURATION
- 11 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
This culture-themed day trip traces the history and terrain of the old Shimotsuke Province along the northern edge of the Kanto Plain. Starting from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji, you ride via the Ken-O and Kita-Kanto expressways to Sano in Tochigi, linking temple towns, a mountain castle, limestone industrial scenery, and Japan's oldest school in a single day.
Highlights
- Sano Yakuyoke Daishi (Sosho-ji Temple) — One of the Kanto region's three great Daishi temples, founded in the 10th century and known for warding off misfortune and its ties to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- Karasawayama Castle Ruins & Karasawayama Shrine — A thousand-year-old mountain castle linked to Fujiwara no Hidesato, famed for grand stone walls, sweeping views over the Kanto Plain, and the beloved cats that live in the grounds.
- Kuzu limestone plateau — A town that prospered on the lime industry, with Katayama Park offering elevated views over the cement works and plateau.
- Ashikaga School — Japan's oldest school, once called "the university of Bando" and introduced to the world by Francis Xavier.
Notes for riders
The riding itself is relatively easy, mixing narrow castle lanes with town streets. Expect a fair amount of walking at temples and sites, so wear comfortable gear and allow plenty of time.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Head from Hachioji toward Sano via the Ken-O and Kita-Kanto expressways.
TIPSThe highway round-trip is long, so an early start with a full tank is recommended.
- 2SPOT~40 min
Sano Yakuyoke Daishi (Sosho-ji Temple)
A Tendai-sect temple counted among the Kanto region's three great Daishi temples, and one of Tochigi's most-visited places of worship.
HISTORYFounded in 944 by the Nara monk Yuson Shonin, this ancient temple is linked to Fujiwara no Hidesato, who quelled the rebellion of Taira no Masakado. It is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu's remains rested here for a night during their reburial from Kunozan, and the grounds hold treasures including a Toshogu shrine, the grave of Tanaka Shozo, and a great bronze bell of Tenmyo casting.
TIPSPrayers can be received without a reservation. Around one million people visit at New Year, so weekday mornings are far more relaxed for ordinary visits.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Abasaa / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 3FOOD~45 min
Ramen Daikin
A popular Sano ramen shop known for bamboo-pressed, thick wavy noodles in a clear, savory broth.
TIPSThe signature dish is Sano ramen. Hours are roughly 11:30–14:45 and 17:00–19:00, typically closed Monday (please confirm, as hours can change). Try the local 'imo-fry' potato skewers too.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Ocdp / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 - 4SPOT~60 min
Karasawayama Castle Ruins & Karasawayama Shrine
A thousand-year-old mountain castle site at about 250 m elevation, famed for grand stone walls, panoramic Kanto Plain views, and the cats living in the grounds.
HISTORYThe shrine enshrines Fujiwara no Hidesato (Tawara Toda), who defeated Taira no Masakado in 940, and stands on the former main keep. In the Sengoku period the Sano clan rebuilt the castle, and its strategic location saw repeated conflict with the Hojo and Uesugi clans. The main keep's tall stone walls are a highlight for mountain-castle fans.
TIPSWalk from the parking lot up past the old baileys to the main keep. On clear days the viewing deck can reveal Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree. Treat the resident cats gently — buying cat food at the rest house is the accepted way to feed them.
Open in Google Maps
Image - 5VIEW~30 min
Katayama Park (Kuzu)
A hilltop park built on a former limestone quarry, with a lookout over Kuzu's limestone plateau and cement works.
TIPSAbout 1.5 km north of Kuzu Station, this is a fine spot to feel the terrain of a town that thrived on the lime industry. A noted cherry-blossom site, especially lovely in spring. Parking is available; the lookout is a short walk along a footpath.
Open in Google Maps
Image - 6SPOT~45 min
Ashikaga School
Regarded as Japan's oldest school and a nationally designated historic site, restored to its mid-Edo appearance with a main hall and gardens.
HISTORYRevived in 1439 when Kanto Kanrei Uesugi Norizane donated books and installed the monk Kaigen as its first head, the school flourished with a reputed three thousand students. In 1549 Francis Xavier described it as "the largest and most famous university of Bando in all Japan," and it was designated a national historic site in 1922.
TIPSAllow about 40 minutes. Note: due to re-thatching of the main hall's roof, some areas may be off-limits from around August 2026 to March 2027 — check the latest visitor information beforehand. Pets are not permitted.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Yoshio Kohara / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 7GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Ride back from Ashikaga to Hachioji via the Kita-Kanto and Ken-O expressways.
TIPSEvening expressways can be congested, so begin the return before sunset for a smoother ride.