Ride through Zao, Mt. Gassan, the coastal “Sasagawa Nagare,” and the three famous Bandai Skyline roads
This touring route takes you from Sendai Airport through some of Tohoku’s most spectacular landscapes.
It combines mountain passes, coastal roads, and lakeside routes into a diverse 3-day ride.
Daily mileage is kept between 180–220 km, giving riders plenty of seat time while still allowing room for sightseeing and local experiences.
Highlights include the Zao Echo Line, Mt. Gassan Hagasa Line, Sasagawa Nagare Seaside Road, and the trio of Bandai roads: the Gold Line, Lake Line, and Azuma Skyline.
In autumn, the route is especially stunning as the mountains and valleys blaze with fall colors.
Note: Due to Google Maps’ waypoint limit, some stopovers are not shown here. Please check the daily route details for full maps.
This route is also featured in the Top 10 Motorcycle Touring Routes in Japan.
Day 1: Sendai Airport → Zao Echo Line → Mt. Gassan Hagasa Line → Stay in Tsuruoka
Distance: approx. 200 km ｜ Riding Time: ~5 hours
- Zao Echo Line & Okama Crater Lake (emerald-green volcanic crater)
- Zao Onsen Town (hot spring stop, famous acidic waters)
- Mt. Gassan Hagasa Line (R112) (mountain winding road, spectacular in autumn)
- Michi-no-Eki Gassan (rest stop with local food)
- Tsuruoka City (overnight): seafood from the Shonai coast, dadacha beans, local sake
Optional sightseeing: Kamo Aquarium (world’s largest jellyfish display), Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda
▶ Zao Echo Line Road Guide
▶ Mt. Gassan Hagasa Line Road Guide
Stay: Tsuruoka City (business hotel or hot spring inn)
Day 2: Tsuruoka → Sasagawa Nagare → Stay in Aizu-Wakamatsu
Distance: approx. 220 km ｜ Riding Time: ~5 hours
- Sasagawa Nagare (11 km of scenic seaside cliffs and turquoise waters)
- Murakami City: famous for salmon dishes (harako-meshi, salted salmon) and the Iyoboya Salmon Museum
- Agano River Gorge: a pleasant riverside ride, with a rest stop at Michi-no-Eki Aga-no-Sato (boat cruises available)
- Tsubame/Tsugawa Area: historic town with the legend of the “Fox Wedding” and Kirinzan sake brewery
- Optional Detour: Kitakata (famous for Kitakata Ramen and traditional kura storehouses)
- Aizu-Wakamatsu City (overnight): Tsuruga Castle (illuminated at night), Higashiyama Onsen, local specialties such as horse sashimi and sauce katsu-don
Stay: Aizu-Wakamatsu (Higashiyama Onsen recommended)
Day 3: Aizu-Wakamatsu → Bandai Gold Line → Lake Line → Azuma Skyline → Return to Sendai Airport
Distance: approx. 180 km ｜ Riding Time: ~4 hours
- Bandai Gold Line (classic autumn foliage road, mountain curves)
- Bandai Azuma Lake Line (scenic lakeside route passing Lake Hibara, Lake Akimoto, and Lake Onogawa)
- Bandai Azuma Skyline & Jododaira Plateau (1,600 m elevation, panoramic views of Tohoku’s volcanic landscapes)
- Optional Stop: Tsuchiyu or Iizaka Onsen for a hot spring soak
- Sendai Airport: return the rental bike and depart
▶ Bandai Gold Line Road Guide
▶ Bandai Lake Line Road Guide
▶ Bandai Azuma Skyline Road Guide
Estimated Costs (2 nights / 3 days)
| Category | Details / Price Range |
|---|---|
| Rental Bike (3 days) | 250cc: ¥30,000–35,000 ｜ 400cc+: ¥45,000–60,000 |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | Business hotel: ¥12,000–16,000 ｜ Hot spring inn: ¥20,000–30,000 |
| Meals | Teishoku/ramen: ¥800–1,200 ｜ Local cuisine: ¥1,500–3,000 |
| Fuel | ~600 km total: ¥5,000–7,000 |
| Tolls | Limited use (Sendai–Yamagata, Sendai return): up to ~¥5,000 |
Total Estimate
- Budget Plan (250cc + business hotels + simple meals): ~¥60,000–70,000
- Standard Plan (400cc + hot spring inns + local cuisine): ~¥90,000–110,000
Summary
- Day 1: Ride the Zao Echo Line and Mt. Gassan Hagasa Line for mountain vistas, ending in Tsuruoka with coastal food culture.
- Day 2: Cruise the Sasagawa Nagare seaside road, then into the castle town of Aizu-Wakamatsu with hot springs and history.
- Day 3: Conquer the “Three Bandai Roads”—Gold Line, Lake Line, and Azuma Skyline—before returning to Sendai.
In just 3 days, this route showcases the mountains, sea, and lakes of Tohoku.
In autumn especially, it’s one of the most rewarding motorcycle tours in Japan.
The balance of scenic riding and sightseeing makes it highly recommended for international riders seeking both adventure and culture.