Kato Region Cycling Route Guide by RV

Kanto Scenic Cycling Journey by Motorhome

Why not set out on a cycling journey through Kanto’s scenic spots with bicycles loaded in your motorhome? On the Arakawa Cycling Road, you can feel the refreshing riverside breeze near the city, while at Lake Kasumigaura you can experience the satisfaction of circling the lake. The nature-rich landscapes of Chichibu・Nagatoro, the sea breeze and blue sky of Shonan Coast, and the refreshing mountains of Nasu Highland. These are special moments that can only be experienced by bicycle. With a motorhome, you don’t need to worry about rest or luggage, enabling free and comfortable travel. Today we’ll introduce 5 such scenic spots in Kanto.

Advantages of Cycling with Motorhome

Benefits of Enjoying Cycling with Motorhome
1	Free Itinerary Motorhomes are mobile accommodation facilities. You can stay wherever you like, so you can rest immediately after cycling. Example: After cycling mountain courses, stay on-site and move to another course the next morning. Efficiently enjoy multiple courses without hotel reservations or travel hassles.	🏕️
2	Easy Bicycle Loading Motorhomes allow easy loading of multiple bicycles. You can also transport dirty bicycles after cycling without worry. Example: Loading the whole family’s bicycles for weekend trips. After riding in rain, dirty bicycles can be stored in the storage space without hassle.	🚲
3	No Luggage Worries Can load plenty of food, spare clothes, and repair tools. You can enjoy cycling with light gear. Example: Even on long-distance cycling, you can ride with minimal equipment. Spare wear, tools, and supplementary food can be left in the motorhome, so you can ride light.	🧳

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How to safely load bicycles?

A1. Secure firmly with rear carriers or hatch racks, and protect frames with anti-slip mats and wheel bags for safety.

Q2. What are the recommended cycling courses in Kanto?

A2. The 5 recommended courses are: Arakawa Cycling Road, Lake Kasumigaura Circuit, Chichibu・Nagatoro Area, Shonan Coast Cycling Road, and Nasu Highland Area.

Q3. What maintenance should be checked before riding?

A3. Don’t forget to check tire pressure, brake pad remaining, chain lubrication, and operation of lights and helmet.

1. Arakawa Cycling Road (Saitama・Chiba)

“Racing Through Riverbanks! Enjoying Seasonal Landscapes on Popular Long Ride”

One of Japan’s premier long-ride courses running along the Arakawa River, with a total length of about 170km. Many flat, easy-to-ride roads make it recommended for beginners. The exhilarating feeling of racing through scenic riverbanks is exceptional. Along the way, you can see seasonal flowers like rapeseed and cosmos, making spring and autumn particularly popular seasons.

Planned Route Setting

Starting from Saiko・Doman Green Park parking, head north on Arakawa Cycling Road toward Kumagaya City, then turn back and return.

Waypoints

1. Akigase Park
   About 5km from Saiko. Light rest possible on wide lawns and benches.
2. Yoshimi General Sports Park (Yoshimi Town)
   About 25km from parking. Turn back here and return via the same route to parking.

Parking Spots

・Saiko・Doman Green Park Parking (Toda City)
Convenient parking close to Arakawa with restrooms and vending machines equipped.

Rest Points

1. Yoshimi General Sports Park (Saitama Prefecture)
   Wide lawns perfect for relaxing and picnicking during cycling.

Attractive Points

1. Spring Rapeseed Fields (around Satte City)
   Riverbanks dyed yellow all over, perfect for photos.
2. Autumn Cosmos Boulevard (near Kumagaya City)
   Blooming cosmos along the route adds color.

Precautions

・Riverside can be windy on some days, so don’t forget wind protection.

Round-trip Distance: About 50km (Saiko・Doman Green Park ~ Yoshimi General Sports Park)
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Breakdown: Round trip 3 hours (average speed 15-20km/h) + 1 hour rest
Point: Almost flat roads continue, making it manageable for beginners without strain.

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2. Lake Kasumigaura Circuit (Ibaraki)

“Scenic Lakeside Ride! Enjoying Liberating Lake Kasumigaura”

“Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road” is a cycling course of about 125km total length circling Lake Kasumigaura, which boasts Japan’s largest lake surface area. You can enjoy rural landscapes spreading along the lake and the sight of waterfowl like swans and herons. The lakeside openness is attractive, and flat roads continue making it accessible for beginners.

Planned Route Setting

Starting from Lake Kasumigaura General Park parking, circling the lake clockwise. Distance can be adjusted by choosing shortcuts or turnarounds along the way.

Waypoints

1. Michi-no-Eki Tamatsukuri (Namegata City)
   About 40km from parking. Lakeside rest spot where you can also enjoy local gourmet.
2. Ukishima Wetland (Kasumigaura City)
   Eastern lake area with particularly beautiful scenery. Also recommended for bird watching.

Parking Spots

・Lake Kasumigaura General Park Parking (Tsuchiura City)
Free parking with lawn areas and restrooms equipped.

Rest Points

1. Rinrin Port Tsuchiura
   Cyclist-oriented base facility. Showers, lockers, and dining space also available.
2. Michi-no-Eki Tamatsukuri (Namegata City)
   Fresh local vegetables and specialty products line up, with abundant light meals.

Attractive Points

1. Ukishima Wetland
   Nature observation spot along the lake. You can enjoy rare wetland plants.
2. Sunset Viewpoint (Kasumigaura City)
   Sunset over the lake is fantastical, especially popular with camera enthusiasts.

Precautions

Lakeside routes have many signs, making it unlikely for beginners to get lost. For full circuits, fatigue accumulates toward the end, so take early breaks.

Round-trip Distance: For full circuit, about 125km (Lake Kasumigaura General Park ~ lake circuit)

• For partial circuit (about 40km one way): about 80km
  Estimated Time: Full circuit 7-9 hours, partial circuit 5-6 hours
• Breakdown: Full circuit riding 6-8 hours (average speed 15-20km/h) + 1 hour rest
  Point: Full circuit is long distance, so partial circuit recommended for beginners.

3. Chichibu・Nagatoro Area (Saitama)

“Savoring Mountain and River Natural Beauty! Journey Enjoying Chichibu Townscape and Tourism”

About 40km course enjoying mountain nature and historic townscape. Tourism and cycling can be balanced. Characterized by courses racing through riverside and mountain roads surrounded by mountain nature. Tourist attractions are scattered throughout, allowing simultaneous enjoyment of cycling and sightseeing. Chichibu’s historic townscape and Arakawa riverside scenery known for Nagatoro river rafting are particularly worth seeing.

Planned Route Setup

Starting from Michi-no-Eki Minano, proceed toward Nagatoro Station and Hodosan, then loop along Arakawa and return to parking.

Waypoints

1. Nagatoro Station Front
   About 10km from roadside station. Light meals and sightseeing available around the station.
2. Hodosan Shrine
   5km further from Nagatoro Station. Historic shrine where forest bathing can also be enjoyed.

Parking Spots

・Michi-no-Eki Minano (Minano Town, Chichibu District)
Dedicated motorhome space available and convenient.

Rest Points

1. Nagatoro Station Front Cafe Area
   Local cafes scattered throughout where delicious sweets and coffee can be enjoyed.
2. Around Chichibu Shrine
   After shrine visit, enjoying light meals in nearby shopping streets is also recommended.

Attractive Points

1. Nagatoro River Rafting
   Activity going down Arakawa by boat. Special experience during cycling journey.
2. Hodosan Ropeway
   Spectacular view from summit is attractive, allowing full enjoyment of mountain nature.

Precautions

・Sharp curves in mountain areas require speed adjustment and careful riding.
・When returning from Hodosan, use the riverside downhill road for smooth return to roadside station.

Round-trip Distance: About 30km (Michi-no-Eki Minano ~ Nagatoro Station ~ Hodosan Shrine)
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Breakdown: Round trip 2-3 hours (average speed 10-15km/h) + 1 hour rest
Point: Mountain areas and hills require slightly slower pace. Adding sightseeing time requires additional 1-2 hours for peace of mind.

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4. Shonan Coast Cycling Road (Kanagawa)

“Feeling Shonan Breeze with Whole Body! Refreshing Coastline Course”

About 20km coastal route from Enoshima to Oiso. Perfect course balancing tourism and cycling, running while viewing Shonan sea and Enoshima spread before you. Riding while bathing in sea breeze makes you feel exhilarated.

Planned Route Setting

Starting from Enoshima Shonan Port Parking etc., proceed west along Shonan coast, turn back at Oiso and return.

Waypoints

1. Tsujido Seaside Park (Fujisawa City)
   About 10km from parking. Can spend leisurely time viewing the sea within the park.
2. Oiso Coast
   About 20km from parking. Turn back here and return via same route.

Parking Spots

・Enoshima Shonan Port Parking and many others in surrounding area
Seaside location allowing immediate start of cycling after parking.

Rest Points

1. Cafe District in front of Katase-Enoshima Station
   Many stylish cafes easy to stop at during cycling.
2. Hiratsuka Beach Park
   Spot where you can relax while viewing the sea.

Attractive Points

1. Enoshima Observatory Lighthouse (Sea Candle)
   Tourist attraction with panoramic view of Shonan scenery.
2. Inamuragasaki
   Scenic viewpoint with Mt. Fuji view, popular with photography enthusiasts.

Precautions

・Many tourists on holidays, be careful of contact with pedestrians.

Round-trip Distance: About 40km (Enoshima Shonan Port Parking ~ Oiso Coast)
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Breakdown: Round trip 2-3 hours (average speed 15-20km/h) + 1 hour rest
Point: Almost flat coastline roads, but may take slightly longer when crowded at tourist destinations.

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5. Nasu Highland Area (Tochigi)

“Cutting Through Highland Winds! Nasu Ride Enjoying Spectacular Views and Gourmet”

Courses running while feeling highland’s refreshing air are outstandingly exhilarating. Ranch landscapes harmonizing with nature and magnificent scenery with Nasu-dake as backdrop spread out. Many routes have gradients, making them suitable for intermediate and above, but the sense of achievement after finishing is exceptional.

Planned Route Setting

Starting from Nasu Garden Outlet parking, proceed toward Nasu Animal Kingdom, exit toward Chausu-dake and return to outlet in loop route. (e.g., Rindo Line ~ Nasu Kaido)

Waypoints

1. Michi-no-Eki Nasu Kogen Yuai-no-Mori
   About 10km from parking. Ideal for rest with local specialties also enjoyable.
2. Minamigaoka Ranch
   10km further from Yuai-no-Mori. Ranch gourmet and soft cream can be enjoyed.

Parking Spots

・Nasu Garden Outlet Parking
Spacious parking where shopping and dining can also be enjoyed.

Rest Points

1. Michi-no-Eki Nasu Kogen Yuai-no-Mori
   Local ingredient sales and tourist information center available, convenient for meals.
2. Minamigaoka Ranch
   Famous for soft cream and dairy products. Ranch experience also possible while resting.

Attractive Points

1. Nasu Animal Kingdom
   Animal theme park popular with families with children.
2. Chausu-dake Ropeway
   Access to Nasu-dake summit and scenic views can be enjoyed.

Precautions

・Weather changes easily in highland areas, so carry rain gear.
・Later part of route has steep gradients, so maintain good pace without overdoing it.

Round-trip Distance: About 40km (Nasu Garden Outlet ~ Michi-no-Eki Nasu Kogen Yuai-no-Mori ~ Minamigaoka Ranch)
Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
Breakdown: Round trip 3-4 hours (average speed 10-15km/h) + 1 hour rest
Point: Many highland-specific ups and downs may take slightly longer for beginners. Downhill return route can save time.

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Important Notes

3 Points for Enjoying Cycling
🔄	Adjust Plans According to Distance For long-distance courses, set turnaround points and adjust to distances matching your fitness level. Target 20-30km for beginners, 40-60km for intermediate cyclists. If you feel tired, don’t push yourself and cut the distance shorter than planned. Recording distances with smartphone cycling apps helps with future planning.
🗺️	Check Routes in Advance Some courses have narrow road sections or areas mixed with pedestrians, requiring caution. Check route maps before departure and understand dangerous spots and restricted areas. For first-time courses especially, use GPS navigation or cycling map apps to check current location while riding. Note easy-to-miss junction points in advance for peace of mind.
🚰	Know Supply Points Check locations of rest areas and vending machines in advance for peace of mind. Recommend knowing locations with restrooms and rest facilities like convenience stores, roadside stations, and parks at 10-15km intervals. Hydration is especially important in summer, so carry backup water and take frequent breaks. Some areas have few vending machines, so for long distances, definitely check multiple supply points.

Cycling with motorhomes is an attractive outdoor style allowing free movement over wide areas without luggage worries. Kanto region has cycling courses where you can enjoy different nature and culture. You can fully enjoy cycling courses in each area. While feeling nature, let’s enjoy safe and comfortable outdoor life!

【Summary】Memorable Journey of Freedom and Emotion by Motorhome

Kanto cycling journeys woven by motorhomes and bicycles are supreme experiences filled with freedom and exhilaration. The vast nature of Arakawa and Lake Kasumigaura, the deep greenery of Chichibu・Nagatoro, the sea breeze of Shonan Coast, and the pleasant air of Nasu Highland. Each charm shines even brighter when enjoyed with bicycles. With the comfort of motorhomes, travel freedom expands further, creating unforgettable memories. Using this column as reference, please experience an emotional journey touring Kanto’s scenic spots! Expand your imagination with bicycle loading methods for motorhomes and useful items to have.

キャンピングカーで巡る関東の早春花見スポット5選 春の訪れとともに、関東のあちこちで梅や菜の花、カタクリなどの花々が咲き始めます。混雑を避けて、ゆったりと花を愛でたいなら、キャンピング...

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