Route Overview
Rindō Takanami-sen is a scenic forest road located in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
This route provides the only current access (as of June 2025) to the Jade Gorge (Hisui-kyo), one of Japan’s most famous natural jade sites and a nationally designated natural monument.
Riders can experience a unique journey through deep mountains and valleys, including a close-up view of Mt. Myojo’s towering limestone cliff, a formation created over 300 million years ago from ancient coral reefs near the equator.
Recommended Section
The best part of the ride is from the junction with Rindō Iriyama-sen to the Hisui Gorge Viewpoint.
This section winds along steep cliffs and dense forests, offering dramatic views of Mt. Myojo’s 440-meter-high rock face.
It feels like riding through a hidden prehistoric world.
Road Conditions & Safety Tips
Rindō Takanami-sen includes unpaved, narrow forest roads.
The road surface is gravelly with fallen leaves, and can be muddy after rain, so an off-road or adventure bike is recommended.
Watch out for loose rocks and fallen trees.
As of June 2025, Rindō Iriyama-sen is closed, so this is the only access to the Jade Gorge Viewpoint.
Nearby Spots
- Viewpoint: Hisui Gorge Viewpoint – for stunning views of the massive Mt. Myojo cliff
- Geology Spot: Itoigawa Geopark, including Jade Coast and the Fossa Magna Museum
- Rest Area: Michi-no-Eki Oyashirazu Pier Park (try the popular “jade” soft serve!)
- Local Food: Itoigawa black yakisoba, seafood set meals from the Japan Sea
Fees & Rental Info
Rindō Takanami-sen is free to enter, but closed during winter (typically Nov–May).
Rental bikes are available in Itoigawa, as well as in nearby cities like Nagano or Toyama (from around ¥5,000/day; reservation recommended).
Best Season & Climate
The best riding season is June to October.
Spring brings fresh greenery, summer is cool and lush, and autumn offers vibrant foliage.
In winter, snow and ice make the road impassable.
Food & Rest Stops
There are no shops or fuel stations on the forest road, so stock up in central Itoigawa before entering.
There are benches and small open areas at the viewpoint — a perfect spot for a packed lunch.
Sample Touring Plans
Day Trip: Itoigawa Station → Rindō Takanami-sen → Hisui Gorge Viewpoint → Fossa Magna Museum
(Approx. 4–5 hours)
Overnight Trip: Stay in Itoigawa → Ride along the Japan Sea coast to scenic spots like Nō and Oyashirazu the next day
Access
The entrance to Rindō Takanami-sen is about 30 minutes by bike or car from JR Itoigawa Station.
It’s also accessible via the Hokuriku Expressway (Itoigawa IC).
Rental bikes are available near the station with prior booking.