Distance
230 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,400 m
Nagano Ina Valley & Central Alps Loop.
A sweeping circuit through the Ina Valley and the Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture. The route threads between the Kiso Mountains to the east and the Southern Alps to the west — two of Japan's highest ranges — passing Matsumoto Castle, the mirror surface of Lake Suwa, and the Komagatake Ropeway that climbs to 2,612m above the treeline. Autumn foliage from mid-October is spectacular.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance230 km
Days1
Total climb1,400 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
Matsumoto CastleStart · Start at Matsumoto Castle — Japan's oldest surviving wooden castle, a National Treasure. Fuel up in the city before heading south.
Lake SuwaScenic Point · Lake Suwa sits in a graben valley and can freeze solid in winter, cracking with a loud boom locals call 'Omiwatari' — the crossing of the gods. The lakeside promenade offers views of the Alps.
Komagane — Komagatake RopewayMountain Pass · The Komagatake Ropeway departs from Shirabi-daira (1,662m) and climbs to 2,612m in 7.5 minutes — above the treeline into alpine cirque terrain. One of the highest ropeway stations in Japan.
IidaRestaurant · Stop in Iida for lunch. The city is famous for its apple orchards and local specialty 'Touri-mochi' (a regional rice cake). Good ramen options downtown.
MatsumotoEnd · Return to Matsumoto via Route 153 and the Kiso Valley. The city has excellent izakayas for a post-ride meal.
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