Usui Pass & Karuizawa — Komoro to the NakasendoHighlands.
Distance
55 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
900 m
Usui Pass & Karuizawa — Komoro to the Nakasendo Highlands.
A historic ride along the old Nakasendo highway through Nagano's eastern highlands beneath Mt Asama, Japan's most active volcano. From the castle town of Komoro through the larch forests of Karuizawa to the Usui Pass, where the old post road drops toward Gunma past the Megane-bashi brick railway bridge.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance55 km
Days1
Total climb900 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
Komoro KaikoenStart · Start at Komoro's Kaikoen, the castle park made famous by the poet Shimazaki Toson. Mt Asama smokes to the north.
Kyu-KaruizawaPhoto Spot · Kyu-Karuizawa, the historic hill resort below Mt Asama. Tree-lined Ginza street, cool larch forests, and old Meiji-era villas.
Karuizawa StationRestaurant · Karuizawa Station — modern hub for the highlands. Eat and refuel before the climb east to the Usui Pass.
Usui Pass Observation PlatformEnd · The Usui Pass, the old Nakasendo crossing into Gunma. Sweeping views to Mt Asama and the jagged Myogi range; the Megane-bashi brick arch bridge sits just below the pass.
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