RENT & RIDE JAPANSouthern Saku & Kawakami Village (Chikuma Headwaters), Nagano
Shinshu Pass & Chikuma Source Highland Run
A round-trip day ride from Hachioji over Shinshu Pass to Kawakami Village, taking in quiet valley curves, vast highland lettuce fields, and the headwaters of the Chikuma River.
- DISTANCE
- 350 km
- DURATION
- 11 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Blast along the Chuo Expressway to Sudama in Yamanashi, then climb over 1,464 m Shinshu Pass into Nagano. On the Kawakami side, a straight road runs through highland vegetable fields with a wide-open, almost Hokkaido-like feel.
Highlights
- Shinshu Pass: A watershed pass at 1,464 m on the Nagano–Yamanashi border, with an exhilarating straight cutting through farmland on the Kawakami side.
- Kawakami lettuce fields: Set above 1,100 m, this is Japan's number-one lettuce-producing area. Autumn brings crisp air and beautiful highland tones.
- Chikuma River headwaters: The source village of the Chikuma (Shinano) River, with pure water and mountain scenery.
Riding tips
Some sections of the pass are narrow, so keep a relaxed pace and watch for oncoming traffic. The highland is cool even in summer, so bring a windbreaker for autumn rides.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point
TIPSFuel up and check tire pressure before departure. An early start is recommended due to the long highway stretch.
- 2SPOT~30 min
Michi-no-Eki Kobuchisawa
A roadside station near Kobuchizawa IC on the Chuo Expressway, with views of the Yatsugatake mountains.
TIPSHandy for a rest, restroom, and fuel before heading toward Shinshu Pass. Nice Yatsugatake views.
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Photo: Puchi-masashi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 3VIEW~20 min
Shinshu Pass
A 1,464 m pass on the Nagano–Yamanashi border, a watershed between the Chikuma River and a tributary of the Kamanashi River.
HISTORYA historic pass linking Kawakami Village at the top of the Chikuma River with Sudama in Hokuto, Yamanashi, marking the watershed between two river systems.
TIPSThe straight road through fields on the Kawakami side is stunning. Some sections are narrow, so watch for oncoming traffic. Cool even in summer due to the altitude.
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Photo: Utagawa Hiroshige II / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 4VIEW~25 min
Kawakami Lettuce Fields
Vast highland fields above 1,100 m — Japan's top lettuce-producing area.
TIPSSweeping green fields against a mountain backdrop can be seen all over the village. Peak season runs late June to early November. Give way to farm vehicles on field roads.
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Image - 5SPOT~25 min
Mori-no-Eki Marche Kawakami
A farm-produce market beside Kawakami Village Hall, selling freshly harvested highland vegetables.
TIPSStocks Kawakami lettuce, sunny lettuce, celery and more. Highland-vegetable season runs late July to early November — a great souvenir stop.
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Image - 6FOOD~60 min
Kinpu Sanso (Megurime-daira)
A mountain lodge inside Megurime-daira campground, in a valley ringed by rocky peaks, ideal for a lunch break.
TIPSThe lodge canteen serves set meals and curry (menu and hours vary by season — please confirm in advance). Enjoy the dramatic rock scenery of the Ogawayama valley. A parking fee applies on entry.
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Image - 7VIEW~30 min
Chikuma / Shinano River Source Monument (Azusayama)
A monument marking the source of Japan's longest river, the Shinano (Chikuma), near the trailhead of the source nature path.
HISTORYThe spring water rising at the foot of Mt. Kobushigatake is regarded as the source of the Shinano (Chikuma) River, and Kawakami is the headwater village of this great river.
TIPSThe full source trail needs hiking gear; on a motorcycle trip, simply viewing the monument and the clear streams and mountains nearby is rewarding.
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Image - 8FOOD~30 min
West River Cafe
A café in Toizawa, Kawakami Village — a nice coffee stop before the ride home.
TIPSA village café for a drink or light bite. Hours and closing days vary seasonally, so confirm ahead. Rest well before the long return leg.
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Photo: 妖精書士 / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 - 9GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return
TIPSReturn via Shinshu Pass or Nobeyama to the Chuo Expressway. Aim to cross the pass before sunset.