Yabitsu Pass Downhill - Kanagawa Cycling Route Map & Insta360
Downhill from Yabitsu Pass – Kanagawa Cycling Route
If you’re looking for an exhilarating road cycling route near Tokyo, the downhill from Yabitsu Pass in Kanagawa should be firmly on your radar. This ride combines quiet forest roads, steady climbing, and one of the most enjoyable descents in the region.
This ride was organised by the aptly named Half-Fast Cycling Club — a great group worth checking out if you enjoy exploring Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures on two wheels.
Kanagawa Route 70 Closure – Ride It While You Can
From December 2, Kanagawa Route 70 will be closed between Lake Miyagase and Yabitsu Pass for around six months. With that in mind, we decided to enjoy this classic route while access was still open.
Photo: Family Mart stop before the climb
The Start: Isehara Station to Lake Miyagase
We met at Isehara Station (Odakyū Odawara Line) at 8:15am. With winter’s late sunrise, the first hour was ridden in darkness — lights on, reflective jackets zipped up.
A quick stop at Family Mart for water and a sports drink, then onward through Ebina. North–south this road is a dream, but heading east–west means sharing space with plenty of trucks.
Photo: Wonda Morning Shot — winter cycling essential
Winter mornings in Kanagawa can be bitterly cold, but vending machines now stock hot canned drinks. My choice? Wonda Morning Shot. (Wonda — if you’re reading this, I’ll happily wear your logo.)
The ride toward Lake Miyagase passes through smaller towns like Tanaka, Kawakami, and Shimizugaoka. The lake itself isn’t particularly dramatic, but the surrounding scenery makes it a pleasant stop.
Photo: Lake Miyagase
The Climb to Yabitsu Pass
The climb begins gently, winding through shaded forest roads. The final 8km ramps up, with steeper gradients and tight switchbacks. Cyclists and trail runners were out in force, making the most of the clear weather before the road closure.
On clear days, views open up toward Mt. Oyama and Mt. Sannoto, adding to the sense that this is one of Kanagawa’s best cycling climbs.
The Descent: Yabitsu Pass to Isehara
The highlight of the day was, without question, the downhill. The video above was recorded on my Bianchi Infinito using an Insta360 mounted on the handlebars.
A car ahead kept speeds sensible at first, but once clear, the descent delivered a glorious 500m drop in elevation. Bright winter sunshine, crisp air, and smooth tarmac — about as good as winter riding gets.
For the on-screen stats, I used Telemetry Overlay. Most metrics are easy to add, though power data integration can be a little fiddly — perhaps a topic for a future post.
360° camera used for this ride.
Invisible handlebar mount for downhill footage.
Route Details
- Distance: 134 km
- Main climb: Yabitsu Pass
- Routes: Strava / RideWithGPS
This ride was about as close to perfect as winter cycling gets — clear skies, cold air, quiet roads, and a descent worth every pedal stroke. If you haven’t ridden Yabitsu Pass yet, put it on your list.
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