Hi everyone!
My partner and I are planning our first bikepacking trip in Japan in mid-May for roughly 6 days and would love feedback from anyone who has ridden in this area.
We’re decent cyclists and experienced backpackers, but this will be our first multi-day bikepacking trip, so we’re planning to keep the riding fairly relaxed each day.
Proposed route:
Matsumoto → Azumino → Norikura Kogen → Hirayu Onsen → Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Nanto
A few questions we’d love advice on:
• Does this route make sense for a first bikepacking trip in the Japanese Alps?
• How are conditions typically in mid-May in this region?
• Are there climbs that are much harder than they look on the map?
We’re aiming to scenery, quiet roads, and nice small towns, but we're definitely open to alternative detours or routes.
Would love any tips and route suggestions.
Thanks so much!!!!
Ashley
by sporksmash
2 Comments
Looks fine. I also did my first multi day tour in Japan with my partner and it was the perfect entry. Mostly kept elevation low so a bit different to you. The main surprise for us was that despite my best efforts planning a flat route, the short climbs to avoid busy tunnels were much steeper than expected (often 12%+) and we had to push for some of them.
If you enjoy climing or are both very fit you’ll be fine. A longer climb will likely have a nicer grade.
Conditions on the coast mid may were cold nights/mornings and nice days. I suspect probably colder in the mountains. Plan for low to mid single digits and highs around 20 degrees C.
If y’all want to experience the onsen together before/after/instead of the main baths, definitely check to see if they have a family bath. Google translate can help a lot of your Japanese isn’t great. It’s usually like 1,000 yen or less for an hour and you essentially get your own private hot tub with your partner. Pretty dreamy!