Hadano lies in a basin at the southern foot of the Tanzawa mountains, west of Tokyo, and for Kanto riders it means one thing: the Yabitsu Pass. Prefectural Route 70 climbs north from Hadano over the Yabitsu Pass into the Tanzawa and down to Lake Miyagase, a narrow, twisting road through dense forest, with countless tight bends and steep gradients. It is a legendary road among motorcyclists and cyclists, and on weekends it is busy with both.
Hadano has a long agricultural history. It was once famous for tobacco, grown on the slopes of the basin, and today it is known for its peanuts, sold roasted in shops around the town. The Tanzawa mountains are popular with hikers, and the trails up to the peaks of Tōnodake and Ōyama offer views over the Kanto plain and Sagami Bay. Ōyama, to the east, is a sacred mountain with a shrine near its summit, a pilgrimage site since the Edo period.
The Yabitsu Pass road demands respect. It is narrow, with blind corners, damp patches under the trees and gravel washed down from the slopes. Oncoming traffic can cut corners, and cyclists climb slowly. The road is sometimes closed after heavy rain or landslides, so check before you go. Wildlife, including deer, monkeys and wild boar, is common.
As a photo stop and finish, the view over the Hadano basin from the lower slopes, with the town spread out below and the sea beyond, is lovely. Fuel and food are available in Hadano. The local hot spring at Tsurumaki is a good place to soak after a ride.