Cycle Routes in Tochigi
1. Nasu - Nikko Loop
A loop through the mountains of the Nikko National Park starting and finishing in Nasu (156 km loop, road )
Access: Starts & finishes near Kuroiso Station, one stop from Nasushiobara Shinkasen Station. It is a 6 km ride from the Shinkansen station to Nasu town centre.
This route starts in Nasu City and follows quiet roads into the mountains of the Nikko National Park. The last section of the ride on Route 400 has a bit more traffic, but the views of the Hoki River more than make up for this.
Accommodation: Chus in Nasu has basic, stylish accommodation, as well as a restaurant and bar. The area around Chus has shops and restaurants in restored workshops and stores.
2. Nasu - Mt. Yamizo Loop
A ride through beautiful countryside east of Nasu City. (124.5 km loop, road )
Access: Starts & finishes near Kuroiso Station, one stop from Nasushiobara Shinkasen Station. It is a 6 km ride from the Shinkansen station to Nasu town centre.
The road follows mostly quiet roads through the Tochigi & Ibaraki countryside. It includes a backroads climb up to the top of Mt. Yamizo (1022 m). This ride was anti-clockwise, but if you do it clockwise, you will climb Mt. Yamizo on a marked cycle hill climb course.
Art Museum: The route passes through Ashino which is home to the Stone Plaza art museum (石の美術館), designed by Kengo Kuma. It is well worth a quick visit.