Yukiguni Uonuma Golden Cycle Route

The Yukiguni Uonuma Golden Cycle Route (GCR) covers 193km and links Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma City and Uonuma City. It is an enticing prospect for its unspoilt landscapes of rice paddies and breathtaking mountains, as well as the chance to immerse in the culture and traditions of the Snow Country.
The route is dotted with road stations, hot spring and local food spots, so enjoy the freedom to hop off the path whenever you wish.

Seaside Cycling/Kubiki Cycling Road Route (Beginner to Intermediate)

This route follows the Kubiki Cycling Road for about 32km along the beautiful Japan Sea coast. Built on a former Japanese National Railways (JNR) rail line, this cycling and walking road is largely flat and excellent for beginners.

Sado Ichi (full Sado Circuit)

The full Sado Circuit, the route used in the Sado International Triathlon and the Sado Long Ride 210, is one of Japan's most popular cycling routes. The loop can be ridden all at once or gently over the course of several days with detours along the way. Some portions of the route have no convenience stores or supermarkets at all, so do be prepared with your own supplies. Check map for the location of toilets, bike shops and cycle stations.

Sado Ichi (Osado Circuit)

For those reluctant to take on the full Sado Circuit at over 200km first up, we recommend starting out with the 132.8km Osado Circuit. It is used as the B-course for the Sado Long Ride 210 and combines the Kosado mountain route, where the Japanese crested ibis (toki) and numerous historic ruins can be seen with the Osado Coast section. Take in the jawdropping views of the wild Sotokaifu Coast and the serene scenery of the Kuninaka Plain, home of the toki.

Sado Ichi (Kosado Circuit)

Another recommended route for cyclists without the time to complete the full Sado Circuit (202.5km) is the Kosado Circuit at 118.3km. It is basically a combination of the coastal leg of the Sado International Triathlon Type B and the Kosado mountain route featuring toki and historic ruins. This route takes in the stunning views of Honshu across the Sado Strait and the geosite on the Ogi Peninsula.

Cross-island north-south route

There are convenience stores and supermarkets on the Kuninaka Plain. There are no vending machines near the Saruhachi Pass. Enjoy the ride but be prepared.

Osado Skyline route

Starting out from Kanaishinbo, once you pass the Shinbogawa Dam the route becomes a Ministry of Defense-administered road. The view from the observation deck of the Exchange Center Hakuundai is outstanding, a vista of the four seasons, none more so than the early summer greens and autumn foliage. Apart from the starting point and the finish - and Hakuundai - there are no vending machines or shops along the route. Beware of oncoming large buses as you descend toward Aikawa and never cross the center line. Why not visit the Sado Gold Mine tourist attraction about the Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine that is pushing for World Heritage Site inscription?

Yonjuhachikasho Pass Route (Sugiike Pond road)

This route runs along the Kuji River from Shimokuji, crests the mountains, then turns right and makes a detour to the legendary Sugiike Pond. Returning to the road, the route descends through the terraced rice paddies toward Akadama. The view of the mountains of Honshu from the rice terraces is spectacular. In general, it is a route with many narrow places. Be especially careful of crossing the centerline on the way down. In addition, there are no vending machines or shops on the route, so please be fully prepared and equipped. *From November 2023, the route is closed indefinitely due to dam construction.

Ishina Natural Cedar Route

This route crosses the Osado Mountains from Ishina on the Sotokaifu coast to Waki on the Ryotsu Port side. The road from Ishina up the Ishina River is free of any sounds of civilization. Nearing the summit at around 900m of altitude is an unforgiving environment where the effect of heavy winter snows and fierce seasonal winds can be seen in the unique forms of the cedar trees. If you have time, a walk in the virgin cedar forest is highly recommended. However, once you park at the bike rack on the trail, the loop trail takes around 1h 40mn. Over on the Waki side of the mountains, there is a giant horse chestnut tree at the roadside with a 7.7m circumference. There are no vending machines or shops on this route, so please be fully prepared and equipped, bringing something to drink and your own lunch.