RENT & RIDE JAPANIbaraki: Satomi Plateau – Hitachiota – Ryujin Gorge

Satomi Plateau & Ryujin Gorge Nature Run

A one-day inland Ibaraki ride climbing from Hitachiota to the Satomi highlands, taking in sweeping pasture panoramas and the dramatic Ryujin Gorge with its giant suspension bridge — rural autumn colors with a flavor all their own.

NatureGourmet

DISTANCE: 380 km
DURATION: 11 h
LEVEL: Intermediate

DIST380 kmTIME11 hLVLIntermediateSEASONSpring / AutumnIN SEASON!NatureGourmet

Set off early from TASHILOG GARAGE and head north into Ibaraki for a one-day ride. Climbing from the town of Hitachiota up into the breezy pastures of the Satomi highlands, this nature-focused route pairs wide-open ridgeline roads with the V-shaped Ryujin Gorge and one of Honshu's longest pedestrian suspension bridges.

Highlights

Satomi Ranch: One of the Kanto region's largest ranches, spread across a highland plateau around 780 m above sea level, with open ridge roads that are a joy to ride.
Ryujin Great Suspension Bridge: A 375 m pedestrian bridge suspended roughly 100 m above the Ryujin Dam lake, with autumn foliage spreading out far below.
Rural flavors: Hand-cut soba made with local Hitachiota flour and ranch-fresh soft-serve at Michi-no-Eki Satomi.

Riding tips

During the peak foliage season in November, the area around the suspension bridge gets busy, so an early-morning visit is best. The highlands are chilly morning and evening, so bring warm layers.

ROUTE MAP

Itinerary

1
START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Depart Hachioji early and head to northern Ibaraki via the Ken-O and Joban Expressways.
TIPS
This is a long day trip, so fuel up and start fresh. The outbound leg is mostly expressway.
2
FOOD~60 min
Michi-no-Eki Satomi
A roadside station at the gateway to the Satomi highlands, perfect for a break and lunch with rural views.
TIPS
Known for hand-cut soba and udon made with local Hitachiota flour, plus rich ranch soft-serve. The restaurant runs 11:00–15:30 (until 16:00 on weekends/holidays), closed Tuesdays. After a 2025 renewal it also offers burgers and specialty coffee.
Photo: Filler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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3
VIEW~30 min
Satomi Ranch
One of the Kanto region's largest ranches, spread over a highland plateau about 780 m high with sweeping ridgeline scenery.
TIPS
A vast highland where dairy and beef cattle graze. On clear days the views are exhilarating — cruise slowly and soak in the windswept plateau atmosphere.
Photo: 小石川人晃 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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4
VIEW~25 min
Yokokawa Falls
A clear waterfall along a mountain stream in the Satomi district, a quiet spot to feel the rural nature.
TIPS
A short walk from the parking area on a footpath. Especially beautiful in fresh-green and autumn seasons. Watch your footing as it can be wet.
Photo: ozma / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
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5
SPOT~60 min
Ryujin Great Suspension Bridge
One of Honshu's longest pedestrian suspension bridges, arcing high above the Ryujin Dam lake with panoramic gorge and foliage views.
HISTORY
Spanning the Ryujin Gorge — counted among the Hundred Scenic Views of Ibaraki — the bridge has been a landmark since it opened in 1994. In 2025 it was repainted a vivid blue for the first time in 12 years. At 375 m long and about 100 m above the lake, it is one of Honshu's longest pedestrian suspension bridges.
TIPS
Open 8:30–17:00; a toll applies to cross. Foliage usually peaks early-to-late November and the area gets crowded, so arrive early. Access may be restricted in strong wind or lightning.
Photo: Kanohara (talk) / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
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6
VIEW~30 min
Ryujin Gorge (Ryujin Dam)
A V-shaped gorge carved by the Ryujin River, where you can descend from the bridge to enjoy the dam-lake scenery up close.
TIPS
A famed foliage spot within Oku-Kuji Prefectural Nature Park. Hiking trails lead to the mystical Kamegafuchi pool if you have extra time.
Photo: Kanohara (talk) / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
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7
SPOT~30 min
Hitachiota Old Town (Kujiragaoka)
A stop in Hitachiota town on the return leg — a hilltop district with a nostalgic, retro streetscape for a short break.
TIPS
The Kujiragaoka district, lined with old-fashioned shops, is great for a quick stroll. It also makes a handy refuel/rest point for the ride home.
Image
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8
GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Head back to Hachioji via the Joban and Ken-O Expressways from the Hitachiota interchange.
TIPS
The return is mostly expressway. Leave in good time to avoid evening congestion.