Japan Destination

One of the most famous and fascinating area of Japan's main island, Honshu, has been selected as the setting for the first DRE Adventure ever held in Japan.

Two professional riders, Beppe Gualini (record-holder of African rally-raids with 65 participations), a private rider with 10 editions of the Paris-Dakar to his credit, and Jun Mitsuhashi, first Japanese rider to finish the same race in 2016, lead students who were looking to try their hand at off-road racing.

The group, led by the two masters of excellence, explored Mount Asama's unpaved paths on the DesertX, savouring its handling on all types of terrain.

Mount Asama, whose slopes are home to Onioshidashi Park, which was formed by the volcanic eruption of 1783, makes a perfect setting for the Japanese DRE Adventure. It is an area where rare patches of vegetation attempt to make their way among jagged rock formations.

The Japan Meteorological Agency classifies Mount Asama as an active volcano. Furthermore, it is 8425 ft high and situated on the border between Gunma and Nagano Prefectures. The area is an excellent starting point for several hiking trails that provide stunning views and breathtaking panoramas.

It is possible to enjoy “Momijigari” in the Mount Asama area. Literally “going leaf-peeping”, this is one of the most eagerly anticipated activities by many Japanese people and visitors during the autumn season.

Onioshidashi Park's dense maple vegetation provides spectacular foliage during this time of year, just as the famous cherry blossoms in the spring.