Visit Matsumoto

　A route with a total length of 21.6 km, an elevation gain of 1,270 m, and an average gradient of 5.9%.

　The famous “Gekisaka” climb, located shortly after the start, is a challenging section; however, the thrill of tackling this climb attracts many participants from across the country.
The views of the Northern Alps and the cityscape that unfold beyond the tree line, as well as the clusters of rhododendrons just before the finish line, are truly breathtaking.

　*The Utsukushigahara Forest Road, which is part of the route, is closed for the winter from around late November to mid-April every year.

　　Please check the forest road restrictions in advance.

[Update: Friday, July 17]

Due to rockfalls, a section of the Norikura Echo Line had been closed to traffic, but the closure will be lifted at 11:00 a.m. (scheduled) on Friday, July 17.

　With a total length of 20.5 km, an elevation gain of 1,260 m, and an average gradient of 6.1%, the finish line stands at 2,720 m—the highest point of any paved road in Japan.
It is truly “the bicycle road closest to the sky.” With a history spanning over 40 years, this event has earned immense popularity among cyclists as a pioneer of hill climbs in Japan.

　*National Route 158, which connects Shinjimajima Station to the Norikura Highlands and Awa Pass (the old road continuing toward Gifu Prefecture; bicycles are not permitted through the Awa Tunnel), is narrow and features multiple tunnels. Combined with heavy traffic from large vehicles and other sources, riding a bicycle on this route is dangerous.

　　Therefore, we recommend using local buses or private vehicles to travel this section.

　*The Prefectural Route Norikura-dake Line (Norikura Echo Line), which is part of this route, is closed to bicycles annually from November 1 to June 30.

　　Please check traffic restriction information in advance. You can also check traffic restriction information for National Route 158.

　　For the Norikura Skyline on the Gifu Prefecture side, please check the official website.