Cyclists rejoice, as from April, Tobu Railway is launching a Cycle Train service on its Nikko and Kinugawa lines, following successful trials. On Cycle Train services, which will run between Nikko, Shimo-imaichi, and Kinugawa Onsen stations, customers will be able to board trains with bicycles without needing to fold or otherwise store them. Cycle Train services can accommodate up to six bicycles per carriage, on standard services departing between 10:00 and 15:00.
This opens up fantastic opportunities to explore Nikko and Kinugawa by bicycle – arguably the best option for the expansive and unspoilt nature of these regions. The launch of this eco-conscious service is also in line with Tobu Railway’s commitments to both ethical travel and to making the Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen areas an international eco-resort where visitors can find history, culture, tradition, and nature coexisting in perfect harmony.
Nikko & Kinugawa Onsen: Spectacular Ideal for Cycling
The Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen areas are fantastic for cyclists. Endless mountain roads lead to spectacular waterfalls, majestic temples, and picturesque spa towns, with plenty of scenic spots to tick off along the way: valleys, ravines, gorges, and hot springs. At just a couple of hours from Tokyo by train, Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen attract plenty of visitors all year round, but cycling around the area will get you off the beaten track and deep into the ancient mountains and sacred forests for which the areas are renowned.
The Cycle Train service will allow visitors to hop on and off with their bikes to explore the region, while keen cyclists could opt for the 103.2km loop route that takes you through Nikko National Park to Kinugawa Onsen, with an overnight stay in Kinugawa Onsen. Below are a couple of great destinations to head for in the area, and you can discover more about Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen here.
Nikko Tosho-gu
This spectacular 17th century shrine is part of the area of Nikko inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s greatest shoguns; the intricate carvings and rich decorations that adorn the 55 buildings that make up the shrine are testament to his awesome power and wealth. Make sure to find the famous carving of the three wise monkeys, advising you to neither hear, speak, or see evil, and to visit the adjoining Museum of Art and Treasure House. The shrine is set in lush forest and the juxtaposition of masterful architecture and beautiful natural surroundings is truly breath-taking.
Cyclists can take a particularly scenic route to Nikko Tosho-gu by approaching via the Nikko Kaido, a historic cedar-lined highway. A little further away, towards Lake Chuzen-ji, is another cycling must: the winding Irohazaka Road, which twists and turns through mountains.
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