Cycling from Abiko to Ushiku Daibutsu | About 31 km by Cross Bike

I rode a cross bike from Abiko to Ushiku Daibutsu.

The bicycle I used was a KhodaaBloom RAIL LIGHT (400 mm) cross bike.

The distance was approximately 31 km one way, and the ride took about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Since the route heads toward suburban areas, it was relatively easy to ride, and there were no extremely steep hills.

On the other hand, compared with routes heading toward Tokyo, there are fewer convenience stores and bicycle shops along the way. It is therefore necessary to prepare for replenishing drinks as well as possible flat tires or mechanical problems.

In this article, I will introduce the route I actually took, road conditions, hills, places to rest and replenish supplies, and bicycle parking around Ushiku Daibutsu.

Distance and Travel Time

On the route I took, the distance from Abiko to Ushiku Daibutsu was approximately 31 km.

The ride took about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Compared with routes heading toward Tokyo, there are fewer areas with consecutive traffic lights like those found in urban areas, making it relatively easy to maintain a steady pace.

However, travel time will vary depending on traffic lights, road conditions, and rest breaks, so it is better to allow plenty of extra time when planning the ride.

The Route I Took

The general route I took was as follows.

Abiko City → Prefectural Route 170 → Cross the Tone River near Fusa → Prefectural Route 4 → Prefectural Route 48 → Ushiku Daibutsu

Unlike routes from Abiko toward Tokyo, this route takes you away from urban areas and into the suburbs.

Because you do not have to spend a long time riding through urban areas with heavy traffic and frequent traffic lights, I found this route relatively easy to ride.

Relatively Easy to Ride Because the Route Heads into the Suburbs

This route heads from Abiko toward the suburban areas around Ushiku.

Unlike routes toward Tokyo, traffic and traffic lights do not continue to increase as you approach the destination.

As a result, if you pay attention to the road conditions, it is relatively easy to maintain a steady pace.

On the other hand, there are fewer shops as you travel farther into suburban areas, so while the route is easier to ride, it becomes more difficult to replenish supplies or deal with bicycle trouble.

Ushiku Daibutsu Becomes Visible as You Enter Ushiku

Ushiku Daibutsu is extremely large, so once you enter the Ushiku area and are only a few kilometers from the destination, you can begin to see the statue from a distance.

This makes it easier to determine the direction of the destination, and once the statue becomes visible, it is relatively difficult to get lost.

You can check the route using a map application on your smartphone, and during the final few kilometers, you can also use the distant Ushiku Daibutsu as a landmark.

Are There Any Hills?

There were no extremely steep hills on the route I took.

Since this is not a course with a series of major climbs, the hills themselves are not a major burden.

Therefore, the approximately 31 km distance and the limited number of places to replenish supplies in suburban areas are more important points to keep in mind than the hills.

There Are Fewer Convenience Stores and Other Places to Rest or Replenish Supplies

Since this route heads into suburban areas, there are fewer convenience stores and restaurants compared with routes toward Tokyo.

It is not impossible to replenish supplies along the way, but you may not always find a convenience store immediately when you need one.

For this reason, it is better to prepare a reasonable amount of drinking water before departure.

Temperatures can become particularly high during the summer, so I recommend carrying enough drinks to avoid dehydration.

There Are Fewer Bicycle Shops, So Preparing for Trouble Is Important

On a route heading into suburban areas, there are fewer bicycle shops as well as fewer convenience stores.

If you get a flat tire or experience a mechanical problem, there may not be a bicycle shop nearby where you can immediately take your bicycle.

Therefore, when riding a long distance, it is reassuring to carry basic equipment for dealing with minor problems, such as a puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, and portable pump.

It is also important to check the tire pressure, brakes, chain, and other parts of the bicycle before departure.

Bicycle Parking Around Ushiku Daibutsu

Ushiku Daibutsu does not have a large dedicated bicycle parking area.

When I visited, there was space near the entrance where bicycles could be parked.

If you visit by bicycle, it is a good idea to check where bicycles can be parked around the entrance after you arrive and then leave your bicycle there.

You Cannot Ride a Bicycle Right Up to Ushiku Daibutsu

Ushiku Daibutsu looks extremely large even from a distance, but you cannot ride your bicycle right up to the base of the statue.

An admission fee is required to enter the Ushiku Daibutsu facility, so you cannot simply continue riding your bicycle inside and approach directly beneath the statue.

If you visit by bicycle, you need to leave your bicycle in the parking space near the entrance and continue on foot if you wish to enter the facility.

My Impressions of Cycling from Abiko to Ushiku Daibutsu

From Abiko to Ushiku Daibutsu, the route I took was approximately 31 km one way and took about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

There were no extremely steep hills, and the route did not have the same level of heavy traffic or frequent traffic lights as urban areas, making it a relatively easy cycling course.

Ushiku Daibutsu is also extremely large, and once you are only a few kilometers from the destination, you can see it from a distance, making it easier to determine your direction during the final section of the route.

On the other hand, because the route heads into suburban areas, there are fewer convenience stores and bicycle shops.

It is better to prepare drinks in advance and be ready to handle minor problems such as flat tires or mechanical trouble yourself.

After arriving at Ushiku Daibutsu, you can park your bicycle in the space near the entrance. Because admission is required to enter the facility, you cannot ride your bicycle right up to the statue itself.

If you would like to cycle from Abiko toward a suburban destination, this approximately 31 km route to Ushiku Daibutsu is one relatively easy option.