In May 2025, I took part in SSTR once again.
This year’s journey spanned three days: Day 1 was the main SSTR rally, Day 2 was for sightseeing, and Day 3 was the return trip. In total, I covered about 1,200 km.
This article covers the 500 km I rode on Day 1, from my departure point to the goal at Chirihama.
If you’re thinking about joining SSTR or just curious about the experience, I hope this report helps give you a feel for the event.
- What is SSTR?
- Departure from Tokyo’s Shinkiba – Yet Another Rainy Start
- My Route for SSTR 2025
- Prepared for the Cold
- Expressway Breaks
- On to National Roads and Roadside Stations
- And Finally, the Chirihama Goal – Wrapped in the Sunset Glow
- Tonight’s Accommodation: Kyukamura Noto-Chirihama
- Wrap-Up | Reflections on SSTR 2025 Day 1
What is SSTR?
SSTR stands for Sunrise Sunset Touring Rally, a motorcycle event created by legendary adventurer Shinji Kazama.
Participants start at sunrise from a self-selected point along Japan’s eastern coastline, then aim to reach Chirihama on the Sea of Japan by sunset.
It’s not a race—it’s a personal rally. Each rider follows the same rules but chooses their own theme and route. The spirit of the event lies in sharing the road with others who value the same kind of journey.
Along the way, riders collect points—similar to a stamp rally or orienteering event—at service areas, parking areas, and roadside stations. This encourages riders to take proper breaks while still progressing toward the goal.
To complete the rally, you must stop at at least one designated roadside station and one reconstruction support point, and collect at least 15 points in total.
All tracking is GPS-based and managed through a smartphone app, making it user-friendly and efficient.
The whole system reflects years of refinement—simple, smart, and well-organized.
Departure from Tokyo’s Shinkiba – Yet Another Rainy Start
With the SSTR sticker on my bike, I was ready to go.
Unfortunately, it was raining again—heavier than in my 2023 attempt—which put a bit of a damper on the mood.
I set off from the same location as before: near Shinkiba. Sunrise was supposed to be at 4:28 a.m., but the sky remained overcast.
Assuming we caught the sunrise, I checked in via the SSTR app at 4:35:58 a.m. and officially started my journey to Chirihama Nagisa Driveway in Ishikawa Prefecture.
My Route for SSTR 2025
This time, I chose the following route:
This time, I took the Shuto Expressway and Chuo Expressway from Shinkiba IC to Ina IC in one go.
From there, I traveled through Gifu, Toyama, and Ishikawa Prefectures using national and local roads to reach the goal.
I also planned stops at various roadside stations to enjoy the scenery and collect points.
Prepared for the Cold
Despite the rain, the ride felt more comfortable than last time.
Thanks to the new front screen I installed on my CB1300SB, wind fatigue was noticeably reduced.
The coldest spot was near Hara PA on the Chuo Expressway—around 10°C (50°F).
Remembering the chill from my last SSTR ride, I wore full winter gear this time. It worked perfectly; no cold stress at all.
Most of the morning stayed around 13–14°C (55–57°F), which wasn’t extreme, but the gear was just right.
Expressway Breaks
I stuck mostly to my plan for rest stops, taking short breaks at:
- Ishikawa PA
- Shakado PA
- Yatsugatake PA
- Lake Suwa SA (finally had a proper meal here)
- Tatsuno PA (final stop before exiting the expressway)
It rained all the way to Lake Suwa.
Soaked rain gear made indoor breaks uncomfortable, so I mainly stopped to use the restroom, quickly logged points via the app, and moved on.
I had brought some easy-to-eat food—bread and rice balls—from the day before. That turned out to be a smart move.
Even in the rain, I saw plenty of other SSTR riders at Ishikawa PA and Yatsugatake PA.
On clear days, Yatsugatake PA offers great views of the Yatsugatake Mountains, but they were completely hidden in the clouds.
Coincidentally, just like in 2023, the rain stopped around Lake Suwa.
Maybe it’s just luck, but this place always seems to clear up the skies for me.
After drying off, I finally had a hot meal—kitsune udon with a giant piece of fried tofu. It looked great and tasted even better. Highly recommended.
On to National Roads and Roadside Stations
After exiting at Ina IC and refueling, I officially began my overland SSTR leg through northern Gifu to Toyama, stopping at several roadside stations along the way.
Roadside Station: Hiyoshi Kiso-Komakogen
First stop: Hiyoshi Kiso-Komakogen on Route 19.
I grabbed a point and took a short break. Many other SSTR riders were also stopping here.
Then I took Route 361 into Gifu Prefecture.
Passing Through Kaida Highlands
Though I didn’t take any photos, passing through the Kaida Highlands on Route 361 was a highlight.
The scenery was beautiful, and the fresh spring air made it a memorable ride. I’d like to come back here for a dedicated trip.
One of the joys of SSTR is discovering new roads and landscapes every time—even with the same start and finish points.
Roadside Station: Hida Takane Kobo
After crossing into Gifu, I stopped at Hida Takane Kobo and collected another point.
Roadside Station: Hida Asahi Village
Next was Hida Asahi Village, just a short ride away. Another point collected.
Roadside Station: Alp Hida Furukawa
After riding through Takayama, I reached Alp Hida Furukawa.
The fried chicken set meal was delicious—though I forgot to take a picture!
Roadside Station: Sora Dome Kamioka (Designated Station)
My last Gifu stop was Sora Dome Kamioka, an official SSTR checkpoint.
It was packed with fellow riders, and the motorcycle parking area was full.
I also visited the Hida Space Science Museum “Kamioka Lab” next door and learned about Super-Kamiokande.
They’re detecting neutrinos launched from Tokai Village in Ibaraki here in the mountains—pretty mind-blowing stuff. I’d love to return for a deeper visit when I’m not on the clock with SSTR.
Before leaving, I received a special SSTR sticker at the booth—another small joy of the ride.
Roadside Station: Himi Fishing Port Market (Designated Support Point)
My next destination was the designated support point, Roadside Station Himi Fishing Port Market.
I arrived around 5:00 p.m., but unfortunately, most of the shops were already closed.
It seemed like there were many souvenir stores, and I had hoped to do some shopping, but considering the route from Tokyo, it was realistically impossible to make it in time.
I should have taken this into account more carefully during the planning stage.
After a restroom break and collecting the point, I quickly set off toward the goal.
And Finally, the Chirihama Goal – Wrapped in the Sunset Glow
The goal at Chirihama greeted me with clear skies.
Thanks to the rain in the morning, the sand was firmly packed, making for a smooth final ride.
After completing the roughly 500 km journey, the beauty of the sunset and the warm “Welcome back!” greeting washed away my fatigue.
Tonight’s Accommodation: Kyukamura Noto-Chirihama
Last time, I stayed at a hotel in Kanazawa, but this time I chose Kyukamura Noto-Chirihama in Hakui City.
Just five minutes from the goal, it offered natural hot springs and included both dinner and breakfast—an excellent choice.
Many fellow SSTR riders were also staying there.
Both dinner and breakfast were delicious, and I fully enjoyed the hot spring bath.
If I participate in SSTR again, I’d like to stay here once more.
Wrap-Up | Reflections on SSTR 2025 Day 1
Once again, I completed the ride safely this year.
A day that began in rain and ended with a sunset.
The sense of accomplishment from finishing the ride, and the sights and atmosphere experienced along the way—these are the true charms of SSTR.
In the next article, I’ll share my touring experience in Shiga Prefecture on Day 2, the day after SSTR.
FAQ
Q. What is SSTR?
A. The Sunrise Sunset Touring Rally (SSTR) is a motorcycle touring event where riders from all over Japan depart at sunrise and aim to reach the goal at sunset.
Q. What is the goal point “Chirihama Nagisa Driveway”?
A. Located in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, it’s the only beach road in Japan where motorcycles can ride directly on the sand.
Q. How should I choose accommodation for SSTR?
A. Lodging near the goal is recommended. Because the ride is physically demanding, minimizing post-ride travel makes the experience much more comfortable.
