Kagikake Pass

Overview

Kagikake Pass is a Category 2 climb in Japan that runs 12.6 km from base to summit. It gains 519 m of net elevation over that distance, starting at 348 m and topping out at 867 m. On paper, that produces a modest 4.1% average gradient, the kind of number that suggests a steady, manageable effort.

The average, however, undersells the work. While the net gain is 519 m, the total ascent is 904 m. That 385 m gap means the road does not climb cleanly: it rises, gives some of the elevation back, and climbs again. Every metre of descent inside the climb is a metre you have to re-earn, so the actual pedaling load is closer to a 900 m climb than a 500 m one. Budget your legs accordingly.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 4.1% average on a road with 385 m of hidden re-ascent tells you the gradient is anything but constant. The flat and descending sections pull the average down, which means the climbing sections must be considerably steeper than 4.1% to compensate. The steepest ramp bites at 16.25%.

• Flatter and false-flat recovery sections that drag the average down and let the profile give elevation back
• Repeated short climbs where you re-earn the metres lost on the descents
• A steepest ramp of 16.25%, far above the average, where cadence will collapse if you are overgeared

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, even-effort pacing beats even-speed pacing. Chasing a constant speed forces you to spike hard over every rise and coast the descents, burning matches you will want later. Instead, anchor your effort to a target power or heart rate and let your speed float with the terrain.

Pace the climbing sections to a level you can hold for the full 12.6 km, ideally at or just below your sustainable power output. Do not attack the 16.25% ramp; ride it as steadily as the grade allows and recover on the flatter stretches. If you do not know your ceiling, run the FTP estimator before you go so you have a number to hold to.

Gearing

The 16.25% maximum gradient governs your setup, not the 4.1% average. At that pitch, an undergeared bike forces you to grind at low cadence and torch your legs early. Fit a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 low gear gives you a spinnable option for the steepest ramp. Confirm your chainrings and cassette before the ride; the summit is a poor place to discover you are one sprocket short.

Summary

• Length: 12.6 km
• Average gradient: 4.1%
• Maximum gradient: 16.25%
• Net elevation gain: 519 m
• Total ascent: 904 m
• Category: 2

Kagikake Pass rewards riders who read past the average. Pace to effort, gear for the 16.25% ramp, and treat the 385 m of hidden re-ascent as the real cost of the day.