Imogatouge

Overview

Imogatouge is a Category 3 climb in Japan. It runs 8.8 km from a start elevation of 89 m to a summit at 485 m, delivering a net elevation gain of 396 m at an average gradient of 4.52%. On paper that reads as a moderate, steady ascent — the kind of gradient most riders can hold in the saddle without drama.

The number that changes the picture is total ascent: 547 m against a net gain of 396 m. That 151 m difference means the road gives back roughly 151 m of descent across its length before you reach the top. Those dips aren't free — every metre lost has to be reclaimed, so the climbing you actually do is heavier than the net figure suggests. Treat this as an undulating climb, not a smooth grind, and budget your effort accordingly.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 4.52% average is a blend, not a constant. With a maximum gradient of 12.99%, the profile clearly stacks its work into short, sharp ramps separated by easier terrain, and the descents baked into the total ascent confirm the road rolls rather than climbs uniformly.

• Flatter and recovery sections where the road eases or tips downhill — chances to spin and eat before the next effort
• Repeated short climbs that punch above the 4.52% average, each demanding a burst before the grade relents
• The steepest ramp near 12.99%, roughly triple the average — the pitch that will spike your heart rate if you hit it in the wrong gear

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, chasing even speed is a trap: you'll overcook the steep ramps trying to hold a target pace, then coast the descents. Instead, ride to even effort. Anchor your pacing to your sustainable power output, let your speed rise on the flats and fall on the pitches, and keep power in check on the near-13% ramp so you don't blow up early. If you don't know your ceiling yet, run the FTP estimator before you go so your effort targets are grounded in real numbers.

Gearing

The steepest gradient governs your gearing choice, and 12.99% is steep enough to demand a bail-out gear. Run a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 will let you keep cadence up on the near-13% ramp instead of grinding to a standstill. Check your chainset and cassette before the ride; discovering you're under-geared on the steepest pitch is not the place to find out.

Summary

• Length: 8.8 km
• Average gradient: 4.52%
• Maximum gradient: 12.99%
• Net elevation gain: 396 m
• Total ascent: 547 m
• Category: 3

Imogatouge is a moderate climb with an undulating character that makes it harder than its average gradient implies. Ride to effort, gear low for the steep ramp, and respect the 547 m of total climbing hidden inside a 396 m net gain.