Venus Skyline (Nagano)
In your motorcycling journey, there will become a point where things start to become a little ‘same-y’. If you’ve been there, you will get what I mean. Once you’ve ridden a particular route a certain number of times, it's not uncommon for it to start to become a little too routine.
But not this one. No, the Venus Line is one of our personal favorites for a reason. Even James, who’s taken one for the team a number of times by driving the support vehicle at the back of the pack, agrees - this one is fun even on four wheels!
And why is that?
Well, the Venus line is not just a regular skyline. Much like an epic samurai saga like Shogun (currently showing on Disney+), it follows a narrative structure, especially when you start off from Matsumoto, as we recommend you do.
First you get the buildup. Riding through the Matsumoto backstreets, you find one of the many offshoot-backroads that lead you to a gradual ascent. Tension builds slowly as you loop up the winding curves of the foothills. You pass an odd bicycle. The odd car. The odd bus… and then things get a bit lonely. You start to hit something different you don't see much in Japan. Cracked roads. Rugged pathways. The road is covered in fallen leaves. Dirt smeared along the bitumen. Strange. You think to yourself. But before you can linger on the thought, you hit the dense forests. The incline continues. The path starts to loop. You’re banking left and right. The only sounds the rumble of the engine, and the wind whistling between the trees.
The roads grow more curvy. Winding left and right, you pick up speed. Denser. Quieter. The sun is lost behind the canopy. And then…. light!! You emerge into the bright daylight, riding amongst the clouds. You're cruising along a ridgeline, the sun beating down on you as though you're on top of the world. Towering mountains appear in the distance. You see the Northern, then the Central, then the Southern Japanese Alps. And then, there it is, between the clouds. You see the iconic Mount Fuji, shrouded in mist with its volcanic peak jutting above the horizon. You stop to breathe it all in, one of the finest views in the Land of the Rising Sun.
And that, my friends, is the Venus line.
The Route
So we’ve built this thing up quite a bit haven’t we? Well, let's dive into the actual route and see what the fuss is all about.
The Venus Line is an approximately 76 km scenic route that stretches through Nagano Prefecture in central Japan.
It begins in Chino City, passing through Tateshina and Kurumayama Highlands before reaching Utsukushigahara. The Venus Line winds its way through the Yatsugatake Mountains, reaching elevations of over 1,500 meters (4,900 feet), and offers a mix of long straights, open curves, and challenging switchbacks.
Riders can start from Chino City for a full ride up the line, or they can enter from various points along the way, such as Lake Shirakaba or Utsukushigahara, depending on the preferred length of the ride.
We recommend staying the night in Matsumoto City (where you can check out the iconic “Crow” castle), Head off around midday after a slow morning in Matsumoto. Ride east through the backroads, avoiding highways and toll roads. You will then hit the Skyline, joining it a bit further on.
We recommend keeping an eye out for any road closures - whichever route you take. Landslides are a rare occurrence but they do happen and they do block routes off. We’ve experienced that ourselves, but it’s a good opportunity to go exploring off the beaten track!
Highlights & What to Expect
- Panoramic Mountain Views:
The Venus Line starts off at the foothills (depending on where you join) and eventually showcases the stunning scenery of the Japanese Alps, with mountain peaks in every direction. Along the route, you’ll find numerous pull-offs and rest areas that offer 360-degree views of Nagano’s beautiful landscapes.
- High-Altitude Riding:
The elevation changes along the Venus Line provide a unique high-altitude experience, with cooler temperatures in the summer. It’s a refreshing escape, especially during Japan’s warmer months.
- Variety of Landscapes:
From forests and highland meadows to serene lakes and mountain peaks, the Venus Line offers a constantly changing backdrop. Riders can enjoy views of Lake Shirakaba, Mount Asama, and the surrounding fields of wildflowers.
Key Points
The Venus Line is longer than many other scenic routes in Japan, making it ideal for motorcyclists who want an extended ride. At 76 km, it takes you through various landscapes and climates, providing an immersive experience.
With so many breathtaking viewpoints, the Venus Line is a perfect route for photographers. Observation points at Utsukushigahara and Kurumayama Highland offer some of the best views in the region, especially on clear days.
The Venus Line is less crowded than many other tourist routes, allowing for a peaceful and uninterrupted ride. It’s an excellent choice for motorcyclists who prefer solitude or riding in small groups.
The Venus Line is beautiful in all seasons, though it does close in winter due to snow. In spring, the hills are dotted with wildflowers; in summer, the highlands offer lush greenery; and in autumn, the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and gold, making for an unforgettable experience.
Food Stops
- Lake Shirakaba Area: The Lake Shirakaba area has a variety of cafes and restaurants. Tateshina Beer Restaurant is a popular stop for a relaxing meal with a view, offering local craft beer and traditional Japanese meals.
- Kurumayama Kogen: At the Kurumayama Highland, Restaurant Ciel Bleu offers great views along with French-inspired cuisine, or opt for the Kurumayama Sky Plaza for a variety of casual dining options with easy access to nearby trails and viewpoints.
- Utsukushigahara: Utsukushigahara has a few small eateries serving local specialties, such as Soba Noodles and Katsu-don (breaded pork cutlet on rice). For a unique experience, try Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum’s café, where you can enjoy a quick snack surrounded by outdoor sculptures and sweeping views of the valley below.
Verdict
The Venus Line is an exceptional motorcycling route that captures the essence of Japan’s natural beauty. Its mix of challenging curves, breathtaking vistas, and high-altitude sections make it a must-ride for those seeking a longer, scenic experience. Whether you’re looking for solitude, spectacular views, or a chance to immerse yourself in nature, the Venus Line delivers on all fronts. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway for riders wanting to experience Japan’s stunning mountain landscapes.
Score (out of 5)
Stylish Rank: Smokin’!
Scenery: 5
Technicality: 4
Road Quality 5
Challenge: 4
Accessibility and Traffic: 3.5
Connecting /Nearby Routes
For an extended journey, here are three additional scenic routes that connect well with the Venus Line to create a full-day adventure in the highlands of central Japan.
1. Azumino Skyline (Prefectural Route 304)
The Azumino Skyline is a beautiful road that runs along the foothills of the Northern Japanese Alps, offering fantastic views of the mountains and the rural landscapes of Azumino.
- Location: Runs from Azumino City and connects toward Matsumoto and Tateshina, easily joining the Venus Line.
- Search Terms: "Azumino Skyline Route 304" or 安曇野スカイライン 国道304号
- Route Number: Prefectural Route 304
- Tip: Stop at Daio Wasabi Farm, one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, which offers a unique and refreshing stop along the way.
2. Kusatsu-Shirane Route (Route 292)
Route 292 takes you through the mountainous Shirane-Kusatsu area, connecting Kusatsu Onsen with Shiga Kogen and offering views of volcanic landscapes, high-altitude scenery, and a variety of hot springs.
- Location: Connects Kusatsu Onsen to Shiga Kogen, with access to several scenic spots in the surrounding mountains.
- Search Terms: "Kusatsu Shirane Route 292" or 草津白根 国道292号
- Route Number: National Route 292
- Tip: Stop at Yugama Crater Lake, a striking turquoise lake at the top of Mount Shirane.
3. Echo Line (Route 84)
This scenic road is famous for its lush forests, peaceful meadows, and sweeping mountain views.
- Location: Connects Matsumoto with Norikura Kogen and intersects with the Venus Line near Utsukushigahara.
- Search Terms: "Echo Line Route 84" or エコーライン 国道84号
- Route Number: Prefectural Route 84
- Tip: The area is especially lush in summer, and the falls are a perfect spot to take a short break from riding.
Planning Your Own Japan Motorbike Tour?
If you're planning your own motorbike tour through Japan, renting a bike is a great option. Our friends at Rental819 are a fantastic choice for foreign riders—they offer a wide selection of well-maintained bikes at reasonable prices, with locations all across Japan. They're also known for being very foreigner-friendly, making the process easy even if your Japanese isn't perfect.
Whether you're after a quick weekend trip or a full-blown tour, Rental819 has got you covered. And if you need any tips or advice along the way, feel free to reach out! At Shogun Motorbike Adventures, we're always happy to help fellow riders experience the incredible roads and rich culture that Japan has to offer.
Experience This Route On A Shogun Motorbike Adventure:
Our Fuji Explorer Tour, with 7-day and 10-day options both running in May and October 2025 and 2026, will feature a full day exploring the Venus Skyline and surrounding area, including a sunset ride - check it out and book your adventure!
As well as the Fuji Explorer Tour, in 2026 we will be running the Volcanic Voyage Tour, Mountain Strider Tour and Wilderness Expedition Tour. These are brand new tours that you can read up about and register interest for right now.
