Koshinetsu Cycling Route Giude by RV

What You’ll Learn in This Article

• 7 Best Cycling Spots in the Koshinetsu Region
• RV Travel × Bicycle Loading Techniques
• Scenic Route Plans & Stopover Points
• Pre-ride Maintenance & Safety Equipment Tips

→ View Frequently Asked Questions

RV Travel in Koshinetsu Offers Cycling Courses from Beginner to Advanced!

RV travel combined with cycling offers the perfect blend of freedom and exhilaration. The Koshinetsu region is particularly rich in natural beauty and safe cycling roads, offering abundant courses suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. This article introduces 5 recommended cycling courses in the Koshinetsu region, detailing their attractions, parking spots, and route information!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can I safely load my bicycle?

A1. We recommend using rear hatch racks or rear carriers with anti-slip mats, combined with bike bags for frame protection and securing.

Q2. What are the recommended cycling courses in Koshinetsu?

A2. We recommend 5 courses: Shinshu Chikuma River Cycling Road, Fujimi Panorama Road, Utsukushigahara Highland Cycling, Sakudaira Cycling Road, and Lake Suwa Cycling Road.

Q3. What maintenance should I check before riding?

A3. Don’t forget to check tire pressure, brake pad condition, chain lubrication, and the operation of safety equipment like lights, helmets, and gloves.

Benefits of Enjoying Cycling with an RV
1	Flexible Itinerary RVs are mobile accommodation facilities. You can stay wherever you like, allowing immediate rest after cycling. Example: After cycling mountain courses, you can stay on-site and move to different routes the next morning. Efficiently enjoy multiple courses without booking accommodations or travel hassles.	🏕️
2	Easy Bicycle Loading RVs allow easy loading of multiple bicycles. You can also transport dirty bikes after cycling without worry. Example: Load the whole family’s bikes for weekend trips. Even after riding in rain, you can store dirty bikes directly in the storage space without hassle.	🚲
3	No Luggage Worries Can carry plenty of food, spare clothes, and repair tools. Enjoy cycling with light equipment. Example: Even on long-distance cycling, you can ride with minimal gear. Spare clothing, tools, and supplies can be left in the RV, allowing light and free riding.	🧳

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1. Shinshu Chikuma River Cycling Road – Peaceful Route Feeling the River Breeze

This course running leisurely along the Chikuma River is perfect for beginners. The time spent surrounded by gentle currents and lush green scenery, bathed in the pleasant river breeze, is truly refreshing.

Shinshu Chikuma River Route

Distance and Duration
Total length: Approximately 25km (one way)
Duration: About 2-3 hours (5-6 hours for round trip)

Model Route
Obasute Service Area → Chikuma City → Ueda City Area (turning point)

Highlights

• Obasute Terraced Rice Fields: Famous spot with beautiful views of the Chikuma River.
• Ueda Castle Ruins: Historical spot perfect for photography!
• Chikuma River Embankment Cherry Blossoms (spring only): Spectacular full bloom cherry blossoms.

Parking Spot
Obasute Service Area Parking: Accessible from general roads. RV parking available with complete toilet and light meal facilities.

Cycle Pit & Rest Points

1. Lunch break at cafes in Ueda City.
2. Enjoy local specialties at roadside stations in Chikuma City area.

Note
Embankment areas can be windy, so don’t forget warm clothing.

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2. Fujimi Panorama Road – Enjoy Yatsugatake and Mount Fuji Panorama

Fujimi Panorama Road running through the Yatsugatake foothills offers spectacular views everywhere you look. The contrast between Mount Fuji and Yatsugatake on clear days is particularly moving!

Fujimi Panorama Route

Distance and Duration
Total length: Approximately 30km (loop)
Duration: About 4-5 hours (including rest stops)

Model Route
Fujimi Highland Resort → Fujimi Panorama Ski Resort → Yatsugatake Ranch → Fujimi Highland Resort

Highlights

• Mount Fuji Viewpoint: Magnificent Mount Fuji visible from Kiyosato Line.
• Yatsugatake Ranch: Enjoy fresh dairy products and spectacular scenery simultaneously.
• Fujimi Panorama Ski Resort: Hill climbing experience possible using lifts.

Parking Spot
Fujimi Highland Resort Parking: Spacious and ideal for RV parking.

Cycle Pit & Rest Points

1. Taste rich soft-serve ice cream at Yatsugatake Ranch cafe.
2. Cycle pit available within the ski resort.

Note
Due to elevation changes, electric-assist bikes or road bikes are recommended.

3. Utsukushigahara Highland Cycling – 2000m Elevation Sky Route

Utsukushigahara Highland is a spectacular spot at 2000m elevation. A special experience awaits riding through magnificent scenery and cool air.

Utsukushigahara Highland Route

Distance and Duration
Total length: Approximately 40km (round trip)
Duration: About 5-6 hours

Model Route
Matsumoto City → Utsukushigahara Highland Museum → Ohgashira → Matsumoto City

Highlights

• Utsukushigahara Highland Museum: Collaboration of art and nature.
• Ohgashira: Shinshu’s premier scenic spot, popular as a photography location.
• Ranch Scenery: Healing scenery with cattle leisurely grazing.

Parking Spot
Large parking area in Matsumoto City: RV use also possible.

Cycle Pit & Rest Points

1. Take a break at the cafe inside Utsukushigahara Highland Museum.
2. Bring light meals for picnicking near Ohgashira is also recommended.

Note
Due to high elevation, weather changes quickly, so don’t forget rain gear.

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4. Sakudaira Cycling Road – Enjoy Shinshu Pastoral Scenery and Hot Springs

The course spreading through pastoral scenery around Saku City is recommended for those wanting to enjoy leisurely time. Stopping at hot springs along the way is also perfect.

Sakudaira Route

Distance and Duration
Total length: Approximately 20km (one way)
Duration: About 3 hours (6 hours for round trip)

Model Route
Sakudaira Station → Komoro Castle Park → Fuse Onsen → Sakudaira Station

Highlights

• Komoro Castle Park: Famous spot recommended for history enthusiasts.
• Fuse Onsen: Rest stop to heal tired bodies.
• Pastoral Scenery: Healing scenery unique to Shinshu spreads out.

Parking Spot
Large parking area near Sakudaira Station

Cycle Pit & Rest Points

1. Fuse Onsen: Bathe in hot springs during your break.
2. Lunch at cafes in Komoro area.

Note
There are points where you cross roads, so ensure proper safety checks.

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5. Lake Suwa Cycling Road – Flat Route Enjoying Lakeside Beauty

This route circling Lake Suwa can be safely enjoyed by everyone from beginners to families. Being flat and easy to ride is also attractive!

Lake Suwa Route

Distance and Duration
Total length: Approximately 16km (full loop)
Duration: About 2-3 hours

Model Route
Lake Suwa Parking → Lakeside Park → Katakurakan → Lake Suwa Parking

Highlights

• Katakurakan: Retro architecture from the Taisho era.
• Lakeside Park: Relax leisurely while viewing the lake.
• Lake Suwa Geyser: Observe powerful geysers up close.

Parking Spot
Lake Suwa Parking: Free parking available, RV compatible.

Cycle Pit & Rest Points

1. Light meals at Lakeside Park shops.
2. Coffee break at cafes near Katakurakan.

Note
Tourist areas can be crowded, so ride safely considering traffic.

6. Akaya Cycling Road – Historical Path Tracing the Old Akaya Line

The cycling road using the abandoned Akaya Line tracks in Shibata City is an intermediate 25km round-trip course. You can comfortably ride the maintained path while feeling railway history.

Akaya Cycling Road

Distance and Duration
Total length: Approximately 25km
Duration: About 1 hour 40 minutes (including rest stops).

Model Route
Shibata City Tourist Information Center → Akaya Tunnel → Akaya River Waterside Park → Tsukioka Onsen → Shibata City Tourist Information Center

Recommended Season: Spring through autumn is optimal.

Parking Spot: Parking available at “Shibata City Tourist Information Center”.

Rest & Stopover Points

Note: Some unpaved sections exist, so careful riding is required.

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7. Kubiki Bicycle Path – Scenic Seaside Course Overlooking the Japan Sea

The Kubiki Bicycle Path running from Itoigawa City to Joetsu City is approximately 32km one way. Running along the Japan Sea coast, you can see Sado Island and the Noto Peninsula on clear days.

Kubiki Bicycle Path

Distance and Duration
One way: Approximately 32km
Round trip: About 5-6 hours (including rest stops).

Model Route
Itoigawa Station → Fossa Magna Park → Sekikawa River Mouth → Roadside Station Umiterasu Nadata → Itoigawa Station

Recommended Season: Spring through autumn, especially on clear days.

Parking Spot: Parking areas around “Itoigawa Station” can be used.

Rest & Stopover Points

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【Conclusion】Loading Bicycles in Your RV Expands Your Range!

4 Key Points for Enjoying Cycling
🔄	Adjust Plans According to Distance Set turning points for long-distance courses and adjust to distances matching your fitness level. Aim for 20-30km for beginners, 40-60km for intermediate riders. Don’t push yourself if you feel tired – it’s important to finish shorter than planned. Recording distances with smartphone cycling apps helps plan future rides.
🗺️	Check Routes in Advance Some courses have narrow sections or mixed areas with pedestrians, requiring caution. Check route maps before departure and understand dangerous spots and restricted sections. For first-time courses especially, use GPS navigation or cycling map apps to confirm your location while riding. Note confusing intersections in advance for peace of mind.
🚰	Know Supply Points Check locations of rest areas and vending machines in advance for peace of mind. We recommend identifying convenience stores, roadside stations, and parks with toilet and rest facilities at 10-15km intervals. Hydration is especially important in summer, so carry spare water and take frequent breaks. Some areas have few vending machines, so always confirm multiple supply points for long distances.
🅿️	Confirm Bicycle Parking at Tourist Sites Research safe bicycle parking locations at tourist sites in advance. Popular tourist spots may have full bicycle parking. Check multiple parking options when possible. If no public parking exists, use designated areas at tourist facilities or nearby cafes with bike racks. For expensive bicycles, bring sturdy locks and park in well-trafficked areas.

The Koshinetsu region offers many cycling courses where you can enjoy nature and culture! Using an RV expands your range of activities and makes your travels even more fulfilling. Stay safe while fully enjoying the exhilaration of bicycle travel!