RENT & RIDE JAPANVenus Line (Suwa / Tateshina / Utsukushigahara, Nagano)
Venus Line Highland Gourmet Touring
From Hachioji to Nagano's Venus Line. A classic two-day route combining 2,000m-class highland scenery with the local cuisine of Suwa and Tateshina.
- DISTANCE
- 380 km
- DURATION
- 16 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Starting from TASHILOG GARAGE, this classic two-day tour heads west on the Chuo Expressway to enjoy Nagano's celebrated mountain road, the Venus Line. The stars of the trip are the exhilarating winding roads that cut across 2,000m-high plateaus and the regional cuisine of Shinshu along the way. Breathe in the cool highland air while indulging in both the scenery and local flavors.
Highlights
- Lake Shirakaba & Kurumayama Highlands: The gateway to the highland resort area, with gentle grasslands and lake views.
- Kirigamine & Yashimagahara Wetland: One of the most scenic stretches of the Venus Line and a favorite gathering spot for riders.
- Utsukushigahara Highlands: The route ends at the 2,000m-high Michi-no-Eki Utsukushigahara Kogen and its open-air sculpture museum.
- Suwa & Tateshina gourmet: Shinshu soba, basashi (horse sashimi), kaiseki cuisine using local ingredients, and highland soft-serve ice cream.
Riding Notes
The Yashimagahara-to-Utsukushigahara section of the Venus Line is usually closed in winter from late November to late April, so the best riding season is from fresh greenery through autumn foliage. The highlands can be chilly morning and night even in summer, so bring warm layers.
- Day 1
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Head from Hachioji toward Suwa via the Chuo Expressway.
TIPSCarry warm clothing and rain gear—the highlands get cold. An early start is recommended.
- 2VIEW~30 min
Lake Shirakaba
A popular resort lake on the Tateshina plateau, marking the gateway to the Venus Line.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsTake a short break by the lakeshore to start your highland ride. Cafes and shops are nearby.
- 3VIEW~40 min
Kurumayama Highlands
One of the most scenic areas of the Venus Line, with sweeping gentle grasslands.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsOn clear days you can see the Yatsugatake range and Mt. Fuji. A lift takes you up for summit views.
- 4VIEW~30 min
Kirigamine Fujimidai
A wide parking viewpoint where, in fine weather, you can see Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and Yatsugatake.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsA highlight stretch of the Venus Line—park and take your time soaking in the panorama.
- 5FOOD~50 min
Korobokkuru Hütte
A historic mountain-hut cafe at Kurumayama-kata that predates the opening of the Venus Line.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsAbout a 1-minute walk from the Kurumayama-kata parking lot. Loved for its atmosphere and food—stop for siphon coffee or a light meal.
- 6VIEW~40 min
Yashimagahara Wetland
A high-moor wetland in Kirigamine, with a scenic overlook just a short walk from the visitor center.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsAbout a 5-minute walk from the parking area to the wetland view. If you have time, a loop walk is refreshing.
- 7ONSEN~720 min
Kamisuwa Onsen (Overnight Stay)
A hot-spring town lined with inns on the shore of Lake Suwa—end day one with Shinshu kaiseki cuisine and an onsen.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsAbout 15 minutes from Suwa IC toward Lake Suwa. Many inns offer lake-view open-air baths and kaiseki using local ingredients. Try basashi and Shinshu soba too.
- Day 2
- 8FOOD~30 min
Kirigamine Venus
A drive-in at the Kirigamine junction with souvenirs and a restaurant, a gathering spot for riders.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsA morning break on day two before heading to Utsukushigahara. Recharge with highland soft-serve or a light bite.
- 9VIEW~25 min
Mitsumine Grand Viewpoint
An open ridgeline viewpoint on the way from Kirigamine toward Utsukushigahara.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsA beautiful grassy ridgeline section combining exhilarating riding with great views. Pause at the parking area.
- 10SPOT~70 min
Michi-no-Eki Utsukushigahara Kogen / Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum
Japan's highest michi-no-eki at 2,000m, with an adjoining open-air museum of contemporary sculpture, marking the northern end of the Venus Line.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsThe famous highland soft-serve comes in many flavors—fun to compare. The restaurant serves curry and pasta. The terrace offers sweeping views of the Northern Alps.
- 11FOOD~60 min
Tateshina Kogen (Lunch)
A highland resort to stop at on the way home, rich in local gourmet such as Shinshu soba, Tateshina beef, and Tateshina pork.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsAn area on the way down from Lake Shirakaba toward Chino. Fuel up with Shinshu soba before getting on the expressway.
- 12GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Back to Hachioji via the Chuo Expressway from the Suwa/Chino area.
TIPSThe Chuo Expressway gets congested in the evening, so aim to head back early.