RENT & RIDE JAPANIzu Peninsula: Shuzenji & Amagi Pass
Shuzenji & the Amagi Pass Waterfall Run
A one-day mountain-winding ride from Shuzenji over the Amagi Pass, linking Joren Falls and the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls. Enjoy Amagi's virgin forest and riverside old roads while soaking up Izu's pass culture in a single day.
- DISTANCE
- 340 km
- DURATION
- 11 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Leave TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji early, taking the Chuo, Tomei, and Izu-Jukan expressways down into central Izu. Starting from Shuzenji, one of Izu's finest hot-spring towns, this route climbs into the Amagi Pass — the setting of Yasunari Kawabata's classic The Izu Dancer — a mountain-winding course made for riders who love passes.
Highlights
- Shuzenji Onsen & the Bamboo Path — Begin at Shuzen-ji temple, founded by the monk Kobo Daishi, and stroll the atmospheric path along the Katsura River.
- Joren Falls — A 25 m cascade ranked among Japan's 100 finest waterfalls, framed by columnar-jointed cliffs and wasabi fields.
- Old Amagi Roads & Route 414 — Winding passes through Amagi's virgin forest, plus the famous Kawazu Nanadaru loop bridge.
- Kawazu Seven Waterfalls — Seven falls tumbling over basalt columns, with brilliant autumn foliage lining the gorge.
Rider's Notes
The mountain winding is continuous, so keep an eye on road conditions and fuel. In autumn, watch for chilly mornings/evenings and fallen leaves, and pack warm gear.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Head from Hachioji to central Izu via expressway.
TIPSAn early start is recommended; mountain areas darken early, so allow extra time.
- 2SPOT~30 min
Shuzen-ji Temple
An ancient temple at the heart of Shuzenji Onsen, a fitting start to the ride.
HISTORYA venerable temple said to have been founded in 807 by the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai). It is also known as the place where Minamoto no Yoriie, second shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, was confined and met a tragic end — the setting of Kido Okamoto's play 'The Tale of Shuzenji'.
TIPSThe purification basin flows with hot-spring water rather than cold. The grounds are lovely with autumn foliage and early-summer green maples.
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Photo: Utagawa Hiroshige / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 3VIEW~30 min
Chikurin-no-Komichi (Bamboo Path)
An atmospheric 300 m walking path along the Katsura River.
TIPSA large circular bamboo bench at the center is a popular photo spot. A stroll takes about 30–60 minutes.
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Photo: Hiroaki Kaneko / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 4VIEW~45 min
Joren Falls
One of Izu's largest waterfalls, wrapped in Amagi's virgin forest.
TIPSA 25 m cascade among Japan's 100 finest waterfalls. It's about a 2–3 minute walk from the free car park to the viewing deck, with roughly 200 steps down to the plunge pool. The columnar-jointed cliffs and wasabi fields are highlights too.
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Photo: Σ64 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 5FOOD~50 min
Joren Falls Center Restaurant 'Seiro-tei Hana'
A restaurant inside the visitor center above Joren Falls, serving Amagi's famous wasabi cuisine.
TIPSTheir signature dish is the Amagi Wasabi-don using fresh local wasabi. Open 10:00–15:00 (L.O. 14:30), closed Tuesdays (Wednesday if Tuesday is a holiday). Local ingredients and game dishes are also served. Please confirm hours in advance.
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Image - 6VIEW~20 min
Old Amagi Tunnel (Amagi-san Tunnel)
A stone-built old tunnel, the symbol of crossing the Amagi Pass.
HISTORYA Meiji-era stone tunnel famous as a setting in Kawabata's 'The Izu Dancer'. Linking Amagi-Yugashima and Kawazu, it preserves the atmosphere of old-time pass crossings.
TIPSThe approaches include unpaved gravel sections, so slow down and ride carefully. Watch for mud after rain; if unsure, stay on Route 414 via the loop bridge instead.
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Photo: しんかわな / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 7VIEW~15 min
Kawazu Nanadaru Loop Bridge
The famous double-spiral loop bridge.
TIPSThe double loop that drops sharply in elevation is a rider favorite. Looking up at the bridge from the viewing area is also worthwhile.
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Photo: Captain76 / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 8VIEW~60 min
Kawazu Seven Waterfalls (Kawazu Nanadaru)
Seven waterfalls scattered along the upper Kawazu River, linked by a walking trail.
HISTORYAlong about 1.5 km of the upper Kawazu River flowing down from the Amagi Pass lie seven falls: Kama, Ebi, Hebi, Shokei, Kani, Deai, and O-daru. The basalt columnar joints are striking, and the largest, O-daru, drops 30 m. Locally waterfalls were called 'tarumi', which is why it is read 'Nanadaru' rather than 'Nanataki'.
TIPSA walking trail links all seven falls. In autumn the contrast of Amagi's foliage and the cascades is spectacular. Visiting all of them takes time, so focus on key falls like Shokei if you're pressed.
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Photo: hideki higano / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 9GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Head back to Hachioji with the memories of Amagi.