A slight detour from the Nanahama Kaido will take you on a spiritual journey to an historic Buddhist hall. Another hours’ cycle, this time north-westerly, will take you to the Buddhist temple of Ganjoji. Here you’ll find Shiramizu Amidado, an 860-year-old Buddhist hall that’s regarded as a national treasure. Surrounded by an ancient Japanese garden, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in both local and national history with a brisk walk amongst the perfectly maintained flowers and trees of the Shiramizu Amidado.

Another cycled ascent on the Jododaira Hill will see you reach the Jododaira Astronomical Observatory, the highest public observatory in Japan. Before you reach it, though, take a moment on the Fudosawa Bridge that crosses the Tsubakuro Valley. With the spectacular views at this point, you’ll find it easy enough to stop and absorb the views of Fukushima City. Once you’re able to leave the views behind, you’ll find yourself heading towards the observatory. The minimal light pollution in the area coupled with the altitude (often above the clouds) means that the stars of the night sky are often in full display. For the best chance of seeing meteor showers and shooting stars, make a visit in the summer months. As well as the Observatory, Fudosawa Bridge leads to Lake Inawashiro and Mount Bandai, so if you find the time make sure to check these impressive feats of nature out as well.

Just south of the Jododaira Rest House, you’ll find the highest point of the route at 1,622m. You’ll see this number painted on the road itself as a nice touch that reminds everyone of the feat they’ve achieved.

Lake Hibara Loop and Urabandai

Locations: Urabandai, Aizu

Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate

Cycling a loop of Lake Hibara will take you on a route of at least 30km through the natural history of Fukushima and its volcanoes. It’s fit for cyclists of all abilities. Those who are up for more of a challenge can venture out to neighbouring communities and towns, complete with their own vivid cultures and histories. Overlooked by Mount Bandai, cycling the shoreline of Lake Hibara will enrich those searching for a refreshing day of exercise surrounded by nature.

Each season will offer a different experience of Lake Hibara; see striking sunsets in the spring-summer months, cycle through beautiful golden foliage in the autumn, or try your hand at ice fishing in the lake in the winter. Anywhere around the lake will grant you with its own experience and view to remember, but here’s a handful we recommend: Kyukamura (a hot spring hotel and restaurant), Lake Sohara, the Renge-Numa Scenic Trail, and the Urabandai Road Station’s farmers’ market.

The neighbouring areas of Lake Hibara have just as much to offer and are well worth visiting if you have the time. To the east of Lake Hibara, a 15km cycle along the Bandai Lake Line will not only be one of the most breathtaking roads you’ll cycle, but you’ll end by rolling up to Lake Akimoto which offers impressive views of Mount Bandai and the surrounding mountain range. To the west of Lake Hibara, you can cycle for 25km and fall upon Kitakata City. Known for its 100+ ramen shops and near 4,000 storehouses, the city is completely unique in the best of ways. You won’t struggle to find any Kitakata ramen here. It’s got a real soy sauce flavour and is unforgettably tasty, be sure to try it in its most authentically done way here. 

Another cycle, 25km South of both Lake Hibara and Kitakata, is Aizuwakamatsu, a city complete with some of Fukushima’s most famous sites. Surrounded by traditional cherry blossom trees, a visit in the spring months will provide an iconic view of the 600+ year old Tsurugajo Castle. If you’re planning on a long stay in the area, Ouchi-juku is a former post town another 30km cycle south of Aizuwakamatsu and worth a wander for its 400-year-old traditional Edo thatched-roof houses. 

With the multitude of areas to explore, Urabandai provides an excellent option for cyclists in search of a cycling trip which finds a balance between interesting terrain, local history, and energising views. Just make sure to give the loop of Lake Hibara a go, given the ease of the route coupled with the panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges.