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Cultural HistoryThe Nakasendo, steeped in rich cultural history, is an ancient highway that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during Japan's Edo period (1603-1868). This historic trail served as a vital lifeline for travelers and merchants, offering a glimpse into Japan's past. The Usui Pass, a part of the Nakasendo, is particularly noteworthy. It's a mountain pass that offered breathtaking vistas and a challenging route for travelers. The Usui Pass was transformed in the late 19th century with the construction of a railway tunnel, symbolizing Japan's modernization. Today, it's a place where history and progress converge, and it's a testament to Japan's enduring cultural legacy and its ability to embrace change while preserving its heritage. This is where our journey begins.
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Food and DiningSavor an exquisite Washoku meal that's a culinary masterpiece deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. Washoku, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is celebrated for its balance of flavors, textures, and artful presentation. The meal at Momiji no Yu is a harmonious blend of seasonal ingredients, often featuring fresh vegetables, succulent seafood, and tender, marbled meats. From meticulously prepared sashimi to the umami-rich miso soup, each dish pays homage to Japan's culinary heritage. The serene surroundings of the onsen enhance the dining experience, making it a delightful fusion of nature, relaxation, and gastronomy, truly encapsulating the essence of Washoku. As part of our Perfect Day experience we always book at least one Washoku style meal.
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Lodging and HospitalityThe GS Astuto 'Riders House' is located in a 165 year old Japanese 'kominka' on the Old Nakasendo in Matsuida Village (Shuku 16). The converted farmhouse also serves as our cafe , cycling shop and staging location for most of our rides. The rooms are Showa Era Japanese with some modern touches such as raised futon beds, air conditioning, tatami flooring and high speed internet. We have a large common area to relax and prepare for the day(s) rides including shower, bath, plenty of storage and outdoor relaxation area. We do our best to service everyone with a bit of charm, wit and the best possible food and gear we can offer.
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CyclingCycling is our core DNA and we have been operating cycling related lifestyle businesses in Japan more than15yrs. From component manufacturing to coaching and tour support, we've done almost everything there is to do when it comes to life on a bike. Now we can share that passion with you by offering superlative equipment and well vetted routes that challenge at any level.
Our cycle selections includes a mix of titanium and carbon adventure / gravel bikes as well as e-assist bikes from top brands. Each is meticulously maintained to high professional standards and our fleet has many sizes to fit almost every rider height and condition. Also - we carry special 3rd party liability insurance on all our rented bikes so you can ride hassle and trouble free. |
'Perfect Day' Sample Schedule
Day |
Time |
Activity |
Location |
Dist/Elev |
Notes |
1 |
17:00 |
Arrive at GS Astuto |
Matsuida, Annaka |
0/0 |
Welcome and bike setup. Arranged dinner if necessary. |
2 |
08:00 |
Astuto-Karuizawa |
Annaka, Karuizawa |
30km/1000m |
Meganebashi, Usui Toge, Kumano Jinja, Kaurizawa, Shimonita |
3 |
12:00 |
Cafe break |
Karuizawa |
0/0 |
Kaurizawa Shopping Street |
4 |
12:45 |
Kaurizawa - Shimonita |
Shimonita |
25km/ -800m |
Forest village descent to Shimonita. |
5 |
14:00 |
Shimonita - Nakanotake |
Nakanotake Shrine |
10km/750m |
Climb to Nakanotake Shrine. Refreshment break. |
6 |
15:00 |
Nakanotake - Myogi Shrine |
Myogi Shrine |
10km/-250m |
1000yr old Shrine, Michi-no Eki |
7 |
16:00 |
Myogi Shrine - Astuto Base |
Astuto Base |
5km/-50m |
Return to base, drop bikes and gear. |
8 |
17:00 |
Momoji Onsen |
Myōgi Fureai Plaza |
N/A |
Onsen and Dinner |
9 |
20:00 |
Depart |
Astuto base |
N/A |
TBD |
Perfect Day Elevation Profile - Astuto Loop
Gallery of Nakasendo Cycling
Booking and Details
Fees: Guided Tours, All Inclusive are $350.00/day/person (USD) minimum 1 person.
Non-guided Tours are $150/day/person (USD). Does not include cafe stop, onsen / dinner finish. (Self arranged)
Date(s) Available: We offer the 'Perfect Day' Package ongoing from March through November. We do take some holidays, so please contact us regarding scheduling.
Group Size / Discounts: If you have a group larger than 4people (double occupancy) then we can book alternate ryokan within our neighborhood. Groups larger than 4people we can also discuss a special discount rate.
Guided Tours Include: Lodging at hotel, minpaku or ryokan (double occupancy). Meals (Breakfast / Dinner / Cafe stop), cycles (conventional or e-bike), tour guide /leader en-route (multi-lingual), luggage keep /transfer (1pc /rider), forward transfer backpack (1pc/rider), SAG support if required.
Non-Guided Tours Include: Bicycle Rental (conventional or e-bike), LDW, Communication support (SOS), Return bike shipping from our designated drop points. We'll also happily provide links to our favorite GPX routes to make your trip planning as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Bike Gear Includes: High end conventional or e-bike featuring typically 1x11 or 2x11 wide range components. Tour essentials repair kit (pump, tool, patches, etc), safety lights and Japanese train approved 'rinko bag'. We do not provide rental clothing or shoes due to hygienic considerations. If you bring your own saddle, pedals we'll install for you. Please do not bring aftermarket racks, panniers or other components without consulting first. Our bikes are typically ready to roll for bikepacking type saddle bags, frame bags or front bags and not old school expedition racks and panniers.
Cancellation and Payment Policy:
GS Astuto Japan Bike Adventures has a simple payment and cancellation policy to allow for maximum flexibility and confidence in booking.
Deposits and Payments:
1) Guided or self/non-guided adventures. 100% pre-payment is required for reservation and booking.
Cancellation Schedule:
1) Within 90days. Full Refund /Rain check
2) Within 60days. 75% Refund / Rain check
3) Within 15days before. No refunds. (self/non-guided), otherwise 50%
4) Within 30days before. No refunds. (guided), otherwise 50%
Rain Checks or Operator Cancellations (Safety, Weather, Unforeseen circumstances):
1) Deposit or Payment will be applied to a future trip credit with no expiration.
GS Astuto also reserves the right to cancel any trip using our discretion if the safety of our travelers or staff should be compromised. In the event of cancellation, GS Astuto is not responsible for any loss incurred for non-refundable travel costs. In this case, a refund of payments received by GS Astuto will constitute the full and final settlement.
Insurance: GS Astuto Tours and Bike Rentals are covered under a domestic (Japanese) liability insurance policy. This DOES NOT cover personal property losses or damages, health or medical issues, or personal liability. We recommend ALL travelers to Japan to apply for an appropriate travel insurance to cover such personal issues.
LDW: GS Astuto provided bicycles are covered under a 10,000 yen limit LDW. This means typically 'hasslefree' rental that will cover the general wear and tear, minor nicks and scratches or occasional tumble. It also covers pre/post ride maintenance and cleaning so the bikes are all in top condition for your safety and performance. If damages or claim is above 10,000 yen, then the rider must pay accordingly.
*Single Occupancy: Japanese inns, especially smaller ryokan or minshuku that we favor, typically book rooms in double or multiple occupancy. To book single occupancy will generally require an upcharge. Upcharge will vary depending the lodging booked, but will be between $100-150 USD/day.
Non-guided Tours are $150/day/person (USD). Does not include cafe stop, onsen / dinner finish. (Self arranged)
Date(s) Available: We offer the 'Perfect Day' Package ongoing from March through November. We do take some holidays, so please contact us regarding scheduling.
Group Size / Discounts: If you have a group larger than 4people (double occupancy) then we can book alternate ryokan within our neighborhood. Groups larger than 4people we can also discuss a special discount rate.
Guided Tours Include: Lodging at hotel, minpaku or ryokan (double occupancy). Meals (Breakfast / Dinner / Cafe stop), cycles (conventional or e-bike), tour guide /leader en-route (multi-lingual), luggage keep /transfer (1pc /rider), forward transfer backpack (1pc/rider), SAG support if required.
Non-Guided Tours Include: Bicycle Rental (conventional or e-bike), LDW, Communication support (SOS), Return bike shipping from our designated drop points. We'll also happily provide links to our favorite GPX routes to make your trip planning as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Bike Gear Includes: High end conventional or e-bike featuring typically 1x11 or 2x11 wide range components. Tour essentials repair kit (pump, tool, patches, etc), safety lights and Japanese train approved 'rinko bag'. We do not provide rental clothing or shoes due to hygienic considerations. If you bring your own saddle, pedals we'll install for you. Please do not bring aftermarket racks, panniers or other components without consulting first. Our bikes are typically ready to roll for bikepacking type saddle bags, frame bags or front bags and not old school expedition racks and panniers.
Cancellation and Payment Policy:
GS Astuto Japan Bike Adventures has a simple payment and cancellation policy to allow for maximum flexibility and confidence in booking.
Deposits and Payments:
1) Guided or self/non-guided adventures. 100% pre-payment is required for reservation and booking.
Cancellation Schedule:
1) Within 90days. Full Refund /Rain check
2) Within 60days. 75% Refund / Rain check
3) Within 15days before. No refunds. (self/non-guided), otherwise 50%
4) Within 30days before. No refunds. (guided), otherwise 50%
Rain Checks or Operator Cancellations (Safety, Weather, Unforeseen circumstances):
1) Deposit or Payment will be applied to a future trip credit with no expiration.
GS Astuto also reserves the right to cancel any trip using our discretion if the safety of our travelers or staff should be compromised. In the event of cancellation, GS Astuto is not responsible for any loss incurred for non-refundable travel costs. In this case, a refund of payments received by GS Astuto will constitute the full and final settlement.
Insurance: GS Astuto Tours and Bike Rentals are covered under a domestic (Japanese) liability insurance policy. This DOES NOT cover personal property losses or damages, health or medical issues, or personal liability. We recommend ALL travelers to Japan to apply for an appropriate travel insurance to cover such personal issues.
LDW: GS Astuto provided bicycles are covered under a 10,000 yen limit LDW. This means typically 'hasslefree' rental that will cover the general wear and tear, minor nicks and scratches or occasional tumble. It also covers pre/post ride maintenance and cleaning so the bikes are all in top condition for your safety and performance. If damages or claim is above 10,000 yen, then the rider must pay accordingly.
*Single Occupancy: Japanese inns, especially smaller ryokan or minshuku that we favor, typically book rooms in double or multiple occupancy. To book single occupancy will generally require an upcharge. Upcharge will vary depending the lodging booked, but will be between $100-150 USD/day.
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
Offered Routes and Destinations
Cycling Adventure Touring with GS Astuto.
GS Astuto is a Japanese licensed Land Operator specializing in cycling related tours and business more than 10yrs. We operate our own base lodge and operations on the Historic Nakasendo Trail in the Japanese foothills of Gunma. We've assisted thousands of riders in experiencing the wonder of cycling in Japan whether it's a single day on the bike or several weeks. Our equipment is carefully selected and professionally maintained to deliver the highest performance, safety and reliability possible. We feature our own bespoke Titanium bikes as well as curated brands such as Chapter2 , Time, Astuto and more. We also provide a broad selection of e-assist bikes to increase accessibility and ease of mobility on any route.
GS Astuto is a Japanese licensed Land Operator specializing in cycling related tours and business more than 10yrs. We operate our own base lodge and operations on the Historic Nakasendo Trail in the Japanese foothills of Gunma. We've assisted thousands of riders in experiencing the wonder of cycling in Japan whether it's a single day on the bike or several weeks. Our equipment is carefully selected and professionally maintained to deliver the highest performance, safety and reliability possible. We feature our own bespoke Titanium bikes as well as curated brands such as Chapter2 , Time, Astuto and more. We also provide a broad selection of e-assist bikes to increase accessibility and ease of mobility on any route.