2025 Japan Bicycle Tour, Stage 3

 Stage 3:

Crossing the Alps of Japan to Tokyo

From Itoigawa it was uphill, until another road closure. This one I ignored, since there was only a barrier and no signage.

It sure would be nice, if Komoot would integrate live updates on road closures into the App!!

1st. road barrier

Rode on and enjoyed the scenery.

Some distance on, it was obvious why the road was closed. There was just enough room to push the bike through.

In other places, some of the road was damaged as well and not safe for cars.

Then the 2nd. pass along route #483 to Hakuba. After a few kilometers of uphill battles with ramps of 14%, the road was closed again. This time with clear signage and I wasn’t gonna pass the barriers a second time.

2nd. road barrier

Back down the hill again, a bit faster this time and onto the main highway #148. 

Monkeys didn't seem to care about any road closures!

It was a few hours of on the edge riding, with lots of heavy vehicles on the road and many narrow tunnels to pass.

Would NOT want to repeat this stretch of Highway 148!

On the bright side, it did have a few scenic turnouts.

It was a relief to reach the town of Hakuba.

With higher elevation, the temperatures had dropped quite a lot and the wind picked up as well.

It was already late in the afternoon, so I started to look for accommodation. Found a Japanese Lodging. 

A Tatami room with a Kotatsu table to warm the feet, was a welcomed piece of furniture.

Kotatsu Table

The interiors looked immaculate.

Sleeping on a futon mattress on the floor is like fancy camping. 

Good experience, but I still prefer proper furniture.

The Onsen bath was also a bonus feature.

The morning brought great views of the Japanese Alps.

Riding down the valley toward Kofu, passing lake Aoki, then Lake Kizaki where I chatted with a Japanese cyclist for a while.

Lake Aoki

The mountains started to mingle with the ever present rice paddies.

The downhill trend continued for a couple of days, passing Lake Suwa.

Lake Suwa

The weather deteriorated, so I stayed in Kofu for 2 days to let the rain clouds pass.

Kofu City

Castle Ruins

Also got my first view of Mt. Fuji.

First view of Mt Fuji from Kofu.

Especially when there is traffic, these open trenches are common and need to be avoided at any time!

After a day off in Kofu, it went uphill for a while to Fujiyashida.

Rode around Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Saike for some breathtaking views of Mt Fuji.

Laka Kawaguchi

Incredible views of Mt Fuji all around, just couldn't get enough.

Lake Kawaguchi

Cycled around Lake Saike and stopped for lunch at Cafe Misaki

with gorgeous views, good food and not many tourists.

Lake Saike

Fujiyashida main street.

Laka Yamanaka, last close up views.

Can never get enough of this majestic mountain.

Back on the coast, I visited Bachmann Conditorei in Hiratsuka.

Although my favorite pastry from Switzerland wasn't available, I still got a good taste from home.

Sightseeing continued in Yokohama Chinatown.

Sightseeing always gives a good appetite and with Kristie's help, all plates ended up clean.

Tokyo Central Train Station, as it was a Sunday it wasn't as busy.

Tokyo Central Station

Meeting people sure makes traveling life interesting. So we met Akari from the Hazzy Star Cafe in Kotoura, again in Tokyo. We enjoyed a night out at an Izakaya restaurant with Kristie who flew in for a few days for good food, laughs and of course some drinks 😊

Found out that the Imperial Palace is closed on Sundays.

The Sushi Train was a first for me and one of the highlights.

Sushi Train Restaurant

More later Down the Road,

from the Pacific Coast.