Hatomachi Pass

Overview

Hatomachi Pass is a Category 2 climb in Japan (JP) covering 8.7 km. It gains 587 m net elevation, starting at 1015 m and topping out at a summit of 1602 m. At 6.73% average gradient over its full length, it sits firmly in territory where sustained aerobic effort matters more than raw punch, but the numbers on paper only tell part of the story.

The gap between the net elevation gain of 587 m and the total ascent of 778 m is the key detail. That 191 m difference means the road drops and climbs again repeatedly on its way up. You are not riding a single smooth ramp; you are absorbing false flats and short descents that break your rhythm. Every metre you give back on a descent has to be reclaimed, so the effort you feel exceeds what the net gain suggests.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 6.73% average is a blend, not a constant. Undulation pulls the mean down, which means the climbing sections are steeper than 6.73% to compensate for the flatter and descending stretches. The steepest ramp reaches 17.72%, so at least one pitch will spike well into double figures and force a hard gear change.

• Flatter and recovery sections where the road eases or briefly descends, accounting for part of the 191 m of undulation
• Repeated short climbs that each reset your effort and prevent a settled rhythm
• The steepest ramp at 17.72%, a sharp spike that demands your lowest gear

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, chase even effort rather than even speed. If you hold a constant pace, you will overshoot on the steep ramps and coast the flats, burning matches you cannot afford. Instead, anchor your climb to your sustainable power output and let speed vary with the terrain: ease slightly on the 17.72% pitch, then push back to threshold on the flatter recovery sections rather than freewheeling. Know your number before you start; the FTP estimator will give you a target to pace against so you arrive at the 1602 m summit without blowing up on the mid-climb ramps.

Gearing

The 17.72% maximum gradient dictates your setup. On a pitch that steep, an under-geared bike forces you out of the saddle at low cadence and wastes energy you need for the undulations ahead. Run a compact (50/34) or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 low gear will keep your cadence workable when the road bites. Check your setup before the ride; discovering you are over-geared on the steepest ramp is a mistake you make only once.

Summary

• Length: 8.7 km
• Average gradient: 6.73%
• Maximum gradient: 17.72%
• Net elevation gain: 587 m
• Total ascent: 778 m
• Category: 2

Hatomachi Pass rewards riders who respect its undulation. Pace to effort, gear for the 17.72% ramp, and treat the 191 m of extra ascent as the real cost of the climb.