RENT & RIDE JAPANShizuoka, Upper Oigawa & Sumatakyo
Oigawa Valley & Sumatakyo Gorge Tour
A two-day nature ride from Hachioji up the Oigawa River, weaving through Kawane's forest roads to reach the emerald gorge and the famous 'Dream Suspension Bridge' at Sumatakyo.
- DISTANCE
- 480 km
- DURATION
- 18 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from Tashilog Garage in Hachioji, this two-day ride heads deep into the foothills of the Southern Alps. Following the Oigawa River upstream through lush forest and clear waters, you aim for the hidden gorge of Sumatakyo.
Course Highlights
- Kawane winding roads: Ride prefectural roads alongside the historic Oigawa Railway, with tea fields and gorge views.
- Michi-no-Eki Kawane Onsen: A rare hot spring where you can watch a steam locomotive cross the river bridge.
- Sumatakyo 'Dream Suspension Bridge': A footbridge spanning an emerald-green lake, reached on foot.
- Sumatakyo Onsen lodging: Soothe your summer fatigue in the famed silky 'beauty-making' waters.
Riding notes
The mountain roads to Sumatakyo are narrow with continuous curves. Ride carefully and aim to arrive before dusk. Vehicles cannot enter the area around the Dream Bridge, so it is a walk from the onsen village parking.
- Day 1
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point
TIPSFuel up and check tire pressure before departure. Take the Chuo and Shin-Tomei expressways toward the Oigawa area.
- 2ONSEN~40 min
Michi-no-Eki Kawane Onsen
A roadside station with an onsen along the Oigawa River, ideal for a break and Kawane tea souvenirs.
TIPSKnown as a rare hot spring where you can watch a steam locomotive cross the river bridge from the open-air bath. The shop sells local Kawane green tea.
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Photo: おはぐろ蜻蛉 / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 3VIEW~30 min
Oigawa Railway Kawane-Onsen-Sasamado Station
A nostalgic Showa-era station on the Oigawa Railway, a turnaround point for the steam locomotive.
HISTORYThe nearest station to Kawane Onsen, with a station building used as a cafe. Steam locomotives and Thomas trains turn around here.
TIPSTiming your visit to the SL schedule lets you see the locomotive crossing the river bridge up close.
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Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 - 4FOOD~60 min
Benitake Shokudo (Suikoen)
A dining hall run by Suikoen, the oldest ryokan in Sumatakyo Onsen. Lunch-only use is welcome.
TIPSTry the local wild-boar hot pot and dishes made from mountain and river ingredients; the soba and venison are popular. No reservation needed for lunch. Check hours on the official site in advance.
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Image - 5VIEW~120 min
Sumatakyo Dream Suspension Bridge
The iconic suspension bridge of Sumatakyo, spanning an emerald-green lake.
HISTORYA 90-meter-long, roughly 8-meter-high bridge crossing a lake dammed at Oma. It was chosen among the world's top 10 footbridges to cross before you die.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsThe area is closed to vehicles, so it is a 30–40 minute walk from the onsen village parking. Wear proper shoes. Crossing numbers are limited and waits occur when busy. Check for closures in advance.
- 6LODGING~720 min
Sumatakyo Onsen Suikoen
The oldest ryokan in Sumatakyo, with a Taisho-romantic atmosphere. Night 1 lodging.
HISTORYThe most historic hot-spring inn in Sumatakyo, opened in 1962. Known as an inn of 'Taisho romance,' with classical interiors decorated with antiques and artworks.
TIPSFamous for its silky alkaline simple sulfur spring, the 'beauty-making' water, with free-flowing source water in both indoor and open-air baths. Dinner features Okuoi ingredients. Please confirm motorcycle parking in advance.
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Image - Day 2
- 7ONSEN~45 min
Bijo-zukuri no Yu Public Open-air Bath
A public open-air bath in Sumatakyo Onsen village, perfect for a morning stop.
TIPSSumatakyo Onsen is affectionately called the 'beauty-making' water, known for its silky feel. Hours and open days vary by season, so check the official info.
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Image - 8SPOT~40 min
Okuoi Otogi no Sato
A sound-themed hands-on museum and roadside station in front of Senzu Station.
TIPSA good rest stop on the way back. Senzu Station is a transfer point for the Ikawa Line (Southern Alps Abt Line) and popular with rail fans. Snacks and souvenirs nearby.
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Photo: ja:user:Nyao148 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 - 9SPOT~40 min
Michi-no-Eki Foret Nakakawane Chameikan
A roadside station themed on Kawane tea, offering a tea-ceremony experience.
TIPSEnjoy authentic Kawane tea in a calm tea room. A fragrant cup to reflect on the journey before heading home.
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Photo: Puchi-masashi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 - 10GOAL
Tashilog Garage
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