Downhill from Yabitsu Pass: Kanagawa Cycling Route Map and Insta360 Video
If you’re looking for an exhilarating road cycling adventure near Tokyo, the downhill ride from Yabitsu Pass in Kanagawa should be on your radar. This unforgettable route combines gentle climbs, scenic descents, and plenty of opportunities to capture the experience with an Insta360 camera. My latest ride was organized by the aptly named Half-Fast Cycling Club—a fantastic group worth checking out on Facebook if you’re into exploring Tokyo and its surroundings on two wheels.
Kanagawa Route 70 Closure – Get It While You Can!
From December 2nd, Kanagawa Route 70 will be blocked between Miyagase-ko and Yabitsu Pass for six months. So, I decided to enjoy this classic route while it’s still accessible.
Photo: Family Mart
Photo:
Photo:
The Start: Isehara Station to Lake Miyagase
The day began at Isehara Station (Odakyū Odawara line) at 8:15 AM. With winter’s late sunrise, I set off in the dark with my bike lights and reflective jacket. After a quick stop at the local Family Mart for water and a sports drink, I headed through Ebina, a double-lane road paradise for north-south travel but a truck-heavy challenge in the opposite direction.
Photo: Wonda Morning Shot
Winter mornings in Kanagawa are chilly, but luckily vending machines are now stocked with hot canned drinks—perfect for keeping warm. My pick? A Wonda Morning Shot (Wonda, if you’re reading this, I’d gladly wear your logo!).
The ride to Lake Miyagase was a delight. Passing through small towns like Tanaka, Kawakami, and Shimizugaoka, I soaked in the fresh air and sunshine. While the lake itself isn’t particularly unique, the surrounding views and tourist maps make for a nice stop.
Photo: Lake Miyagase
Photo: Lake Miyagase
Photo: Lake Miyagase
The Climb to Yabitsu Pass
The climb starts gently, winding through tree-lined roads. The last 8 km are more challenging, with steeper gradients and switchbacks. Cyclists and trail runners were out in full force, enjoying the stunning weather and making the most of the route before its temporary closure. The area also offers views of nearby peaks like Mt. Oyama and Mt. Sannoto.
The Downhill: Yabitsu Pass to Isehara
Finally, the highlight of the day: the downhill ride from Yabitsu Pass! Check out my Insta360 video above, recorded on my Bianchi Infinito with a handlebar-mounted camera. While a car in front helped keep my speed in check at the start, the descent was a blissful 500m drop in elevation. The bright sunshine and crisp air made the ride unforgettable.
If you’re curious about the data overlays in the video, I used Telemetry Overlay software. While it’s straightforward for most metrics, integrating power meter data can be tricky—perhaps a topic for another blog post.
Photo: Isehara Station
Post-Ride Adventures
The downhill ended with a relaxed ride back to Isehara Station, where a delicious refueling dinner awaited. Afterward, I headed south to Hiratsuka, enjoying the straightforward downhill run, followed by a scenic ride along the Enoshima coastline. A final push up the Sakaikawa River brought me to Machida, with two crucial vending machine stops for more Wonda shots to keep me going.
Route Details
- Distance: 134 km
- Climb: Yabitsu Pass
- Available on: Strava and RidewithGPS
Video Gear
This ride was as close to perfect as winter cycling gets, with crisp air, sunny skies, and scenic views. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or looking for your next adventure, give Yabitsu Pass a try—before the closure or once it reopens!
