Shiga-Kusatsu Kogen Route — Japan's Highest NationalRoad.
Distance
70 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,600 m
Shiga-Kusatsu Kogen Route — Japan's Highest National Road.
A 45km alpine crossing on National Route 292 over the highest point of any Japanese national highway, 2,172m. From Kusatsu's steaming hot-water field the road climbs past the acid crater of Mt Kusatsu-Shirane into the Shiga Kogen highlands. Open May to November and closed at night.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance70 km
Days1
Total climb1,600 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
Kusatsu OnsenStart · Start at the Yubatake, Kusatsu's steaming hot-water field. Note Route 292 is open only May to November and closes overnight.
Mt Kusatsu-Shirane Yugama CraterScenic Point · Active volcano with an emerald acid crater lake. Stopping can be barred during volcanic alerts — ride on through if so.
Shibu Pass Highest Point (2,172m)Mountain Pass · At 2,172m this is the highest point on any Japanese national highway, on the Gunma-Nagano border.
Shiga Kogen HighlandsScenic Point · Descend into Shiga Kogen, Japan's largest ski area and a UNESCO biosphere reserve of ponds and birch forest.
Yudanaka OnsenRestaurant · Old hot-spring town at the foot of the route. Good soba and a soak.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey ParkEnd · End near the valley where wild macaques bathe in hot springs — famous in winter, lovely year-round.
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