Conquering Shibu Pass (渋峠)—Japan’s highest national highway point at 2,172m—is the ultimate dream for cyclists in Nagano. Starting and ending in Obuse, this advanced 81 km route takes you through the stunning and low-traffic slopes of Takayama Village and Shiga Kogen.
Route: Obuse ➔ Takayama Village (Yamada Onsen / Kasadake) ➔ Shiga Kogen (Kumanoyu) ➔ Yokoteyama ➔ Shibu Pass ➔ Manza Onsen ➔ Obuse
Total Distance: 81.2 km (approx. 50.4 miles)
Elevation Gain: 2,348 m (7,703 ft)
Total Time: Approx. 7 hours (including breaks and photo stops)
Bike Type: Road bike & Equipped Cross bike with a pannier bag
Difficulty: Advanced / Experienced riders
Why Choose the Takayama Village Route?
There are two main ways to reach Shibu Pass from the foot of the mountain: the Takayama Village route (via Yamada Ranch and Kasadake) and the Yamanouchi Town route (the main road passing near the Snow Monkey Park).
Advantages of the Takayama Village Route:
- Immediate Climbing: You can start climbing right away as soon as you leave Obuse.
- Low Traffic: Far fewer cars and tourist buses compared to the Yamanouchi route, offering a peaceful, nature-filled ride.
Disadvantages & Notes:
When is the Takayama Village route open? (Seasonal Closure Info): Due to winter closures, this route is only accessible from mid-May to early November.
Steeper Slopes: The climb up to Yamada Ranch features many steep sections requiring good climbing legs.
Schedule: Shibu Pass Cycling (July 2026)
Team: Mixed Cross Bike & Road Bike (Slow & Steady Pace)
- 05:00 – Depart from Suzaka (home)
- 05:30 – Meet up partners in Takayama Village
- 06:35 – Yamada Onsen (Snack break)
- 07:35 – Goshiki Onsen (Snack break)
- 08:25 – Yamada Ranch (Restroom & snack break)
- 09:38 – Kasadake Trailhead
- 10:10 – Kumanoyu, Shiga Kogen (Snack break)
- 11:15 – Yokoteyama Ski Area (Support car meetup & ice cream treat!)
- 11:48 – Shibu Pass Highest Point Monument (Reached after 7 hours!)
- 12:24 – Manza Prince Hotel parking lot (Descent views)
- 13:07 – Gunma/Nagano Prefectural Border
- 14:00 – Return to Guest House maaru in Obuse
Tips for International Cyclists Tackling Shibu Pass
Start Early: Early morning starts give you plenty of buffer time to enjoy the views at the top without rushing.
For reference, strong international cyclists who have stayed with us previously have tackled the route via Yamanouchi Town, reaching the top in about 4 hours and completing the entire round trip in around 6 hours.
Please note that riding times are just a general guideline and vary from person to person.
Bring Plenty of Snacks & Energy Gels: Cafes and shops are sparse until you reach Shiga Kogen. Pack high-energy foods, electrolyte tablets, and citric acid drinks.
Bring Warm Layers: Even in mid-summer (July), the mountain summit and long descents get quite cold. Windbreakers or arm/leg warmers are essential.
Take it Slow: You don’t need to rush. Even with a slower pace on a cross bike, regular eating and steady pacing will get you to the top.
Reaching the highest point monument isn’t even the true highlight of this ride.
The absolute best part is the breathtaking, panoramic descent from the monument toward Manza. The majestic scenery stretching out before you is so grand and magnificent that no photo or video could ever truly capture it. You simply have to experience it with your own eyes!
Where to Stay Before & After Your Ride
If you are planning a cycling trip to Nagano, staying the night before in Obuse makes for an early, stress-free start.
Located right in Obuse, perfect base for regional cycling.
Bicycle indoor storage available & floor pumps provided.
English support is available via WhatsApp or maaru official LINE.
Now, the 2026 Shibu Pass Cycling Report Begins!
The weather is clear! Our first rest stop. I was riding a cross bike equipped with a rear luggage bag (easy on the lower back), while the others were on road bikes.
(Yamada Onsen)
For snacks, we brought jellies, Manate’s salted yokan, sweet rolls, salt tablets, dumplings…
Though not all are in the photo, we brought plenty of food!
Since we’re starting early morning, the first place you can buy food is after entering Shiga Kogen. Don’t forget your snacks!
(Goshiki Onsen)
Relatively easy from Yamada Onsen up to here, with only occasional steep slopes.
From Goshiki Onsen, the gradient gets steeper.
Let’s do our best!
(YAMADA BOKUJO/Yamada Ranch)
Arrived at Yamada Ranch. Let’s use the restroom.
So refreshing
About an hour from the ranch, we somehow arrived at the Kasadake Trailhead.
It feels like magic.
Usually, I pedal along thinking, “Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” But I was surprised.
Maybe it was because we were chatting along the way.
Time to eat some dango! And daifuku too!(rice cake)
About a 10-minute descent from Kasadake into Shiga Kogen.
A stylish atmosphere fills the air, different from Takayama Village.
Near the Yokoteyama ski resort lift station.
This might have been the toughest section of this Shibu Pass ride.
Right around here in Shiga Kogen after coming down from Kasadake—the gradient isn’t that steep, but…
From here on, it’s zig-zagging with countless curves up to Yokoteyama.
Photo time at a curve with a great view.
Fabulous! Such an amazing view~~!
Arrived at Yokoteyama Drive-in.
My friend’s family joined us as a support car, and we got to eat Papico ice cream!
Thank you!! It totally brought me back to life!
Now, let’s keep moving forward—we have to be back by 2 o’clock.
The classic Shibu Pass cycling photo at the prefectural border.
Before 12 PM, 7 hours after leaving home, we reached Shibu Pass!
Yay!
Feels so good.
A victory photo: “It’s the best!!”
Fatigue up to this point is normal. After all, we’ve been taking it slow and eating plenty.
Shibu Pass Panoramic Cycling
We descend from the highest point toward Manza. This section offers truly breathtaking views. The scenery is so magnificent that it feels a waste to just leave.
Stopping to take photos,
taking more photos while enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Toward the Manza area
Resting at the Manza Prince Hotel parking lot.
A drink given to us by a guest as a farewell gift. It’s sour, refreshing, and easy to drink.
From here, a subtle climb begins.
For how long? About 30 minutes, a steady, gradual grind.
“How much longer until the descent?”, “Is it still not time?”, “Are we there yet?” — muttering loudly to myself.
It’s that phase where riding starts feeling a bit tedious.
The surrounding mountain views are beautiful, though—like a painting.
Finally, the prefectural border again.
I’m back!
A little further past the Kecunuma Pass junction area, it turns into an endless descent.
It was about 15 km to the Takayama Village Manza junction. Still, quite a long downhill stretch.
And finally, we returned to Maaru.
81 km total distance, 2,350 m elevation gain—whew, we really rode today!
Great job, everyone.
To Everyone Aiming for Shibu Pass from Takayama Village
An early morning start is highly recommended, especially for first-timers. If you take it slow, you’ll make it. Well, it took me maybe 5 years to reach the top though! Get your body in shape, do some training to get used to riding, and wake up early! If you arrive early, you can enjoy the magnificent views at Shibu Pass for longer.
Be sure to bring plenty of your favorite foods.
When you get tired, it becomes hard to swallow solid food, so citric acid drinks or energy gels might be best.
Even in July, it gets cold at the top, so don’t forget your windbreaker or warm layers.
That’s all! Don’t panic, keep a relaxed mind, and enjoy the ride!
Worried About Doing it as a Day Trip?
In 2025, a group of riders from Taiwan did the Shibu Pass ride over 3 days and 2 nights.
They stayed a night each at Yamada Onsen and Kumanoyu. Such a relaxed schedule!
Can I ride to Shibu Pass on a Cross Bike / Rental Bike?
Planning to take on the challenge of Shibu Pass? No need to haul your own bike all the way here! Explore Obuse and the surrounding mountain regions comfortably with our rental bikes. We offer road bikes and cross bikes—perfect for heading out toward the steep climbs and enjoying the scenic routes.
– Road Bikes: Ideal for long-distance touring and serious climbing. – Cross Bikes: Great for a stable, comfortable ride around regional paths and slopes.
Helmets and locks are included, and we can also provide recommended cycling routes tailored for your trip. Gear up at Maaru and get ready for an unforgettable ride to Japan’s highest point!
Feel free to consult Maaru for your cycling plans or bike selection!
Stay at Guest House Maaru Before and After Your Shibu Pass Ride
Staying the night before at Guest House Maaru (located on the 2nd floor of Maaru) makes things super convenient.
Where to store bikes safely in Obuse?
At Guest House Maaru, we offer secure indoor bicycle storage and floor pumps so you can rest easyIy
You can also book via Airbnb.