（click on map to enlarge）
Wada Pass
One of the closest hill climbs to Tokyo is Wada Pass on the outskirts of the city near Mt. Takao and Mt. Jimba. Takao is right on the edge of the urban sprawl next to the mountains. It offers beautiful hiking and autumn foliage without having to travel very far.
Take Hwy 61 north out of Takao as it climbs up through Hachioji cemetery and intersects Hwy 521 at the bottom of the hill. Turning west on 521 you quickly enter a beautiful forest as the road follows the Kita Asa River. Hwy 521 is also referred to as the Jimba Kaido.
I’m always amazed at how rural the countryside looks given its close proximity to the city. You pass by some campgrounds and rows of fishing ponds formed in the river. You’ll see some large A framed buildings at Yuyake Fureai Village. It’s a good place to take a break.
About 3 km after this you come to a little group of houses and shops with a small bus stop that serves as a starting point for hikers. After this the road begins to get steeper as you ascend up the side of the mountain.
Wada Pass is not a long ride but it can prove challenging with grades exceeding 10%. It will give you a good workout. There are some switchbacks snaking through some dense forest. You’re graced with a couple of views through the trees as you get toward the top that reveal how much elevation you’ve gained. The city landscape is hazy in the distance.
There is a rest stop at the top of the pass with a small parking lot and a refreshment stand selling drinks and instant noodles for the customers sitting at the picnic tables in front. There are usually a few cyclists resting there as well as some hikers. The pass sits on the side of Mount Jimba. A 30-minute hike up from the pass will bring you to the top of the mountain.
The road heading down the other side is not always open. With any luck you’ll be able to enjoy a brisk descent coming down the slopes on the north side of Sagami Lake. You’ll come across a fork as you intersect Hwy 522. You have the choice of heading east up and over into the next valley which takes you down into Uenohara or continue to follow what has now become 522 down into Fujino. From there you intersect Hwy 20, the main road running east and west along Sagami Lake.
Wada Pass Gallery
