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.
- Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
- Distance: 32km
- Approximate time required (at an average speed of 10km/h): 3h 15mn
- Starting point: Nakashuku, Itoigawa City
- Finish: Mushiuiwato, Joetsu City
1. Cycling map
2. Video introducing the Kubiki Cycling Road
"Do you know any cycling roads where you can ride along the seaside for 30km straight?" (Kenta, YouTuber)
Click here for Kenta's introduction of other routes in the Joetsu region (the day before the above video he presented the Mt. Myoko's foothills to Joetsu route). "For the first time, I had a proper road bike ride in the Joetsu region of Niigata..."
Click here for the video introducing the Kubiki Cycling Road >>
3. Nearby attractions
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Benten Rock
A large sea rock formed by submarine volcanic activity in the Fossa Magna rift. In the middle of the rock is the Itsukushima Shrine, known for being sacred to a goddess who protects the sea.
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Roadside Station "Marine Dream Nou"
A roadside station with Japan's largest snow crab market, Kaniya Yokocho and a large fresh fish market. Plenty of Niigata souvenirs are also sold here, and you can enjoy fresh seafood at the eateries.
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Roadside Station "Umiterasu Nadachi"
This stop boasts a large communal bath, restaurants, fresh fish market, hotel, and more. This is a place where the whole family can enjoy gazing out over the Japan Sea and sampling the delicious seafood on offer.
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Tanihama Park
Glorious views of the Japan Sea from the Ocean View Point in the Park.
The Kubiki Cycling Road was built on a disused rail line of former Japanese National Railways (JNR). Some of the tunnels and bridges of the Kubiki Cycling Road are made of the original bricks from the time, tangible remnants of the railway.
It's also interesting to imagine what it was like to have steam locomotives running along the line.
4. Useful services
Bike rental
Information about renting bicycles in the Joetsu region.
Bike-ready train
Echigo Tokimeki Railway and JR Oito Line both run bike-ready trains. Please enquire to the railway companies for details of operations, such as seasonal services.