Izu Climbing

Heda is a small fishing port, flanked by steep mountains on both sides, with a long, narrow sandspit lined with pine trees stretching out into the sea.

From there, a road climbs steeply up to the starting point of the Nishi-Izu Skyline, a route that runs north to south at around 800 meters above sea level.

Starting from Heda Port, the road reaches Heda Pass at about 700 meters in elevation after roughly 10 kilometers. This gives an average gradient of 7%. But an average is only an average—the nature of the climb changes dramatically between the first and second halves. In that sense, it is similar in structure to the climb to Nishina Pass. Compared by distance, Heda Pass is more compact, but in terms of severity it is no less unforgiving. After a gentle 200-meter gain over the first 4.6 kilometers, the road climbs another 540 meters in the remaining 5.4 kilometers. That means an average gradient of 10% in the second half. In reality, it holds closer to a relentless 12%, with only occasional stretches that ease off to 7–8%, but it never gets any gentler than that.

Less than a kilometer from the start in Heda town, you’ll reach Michi-no-Eki Kurura. In addition to selling local products, it offers a footbath and even a public hot spring, making it a great place to stop and relax if time allows.
https://kururaheda.net/

Beyond Kurura, houses grow sparse, the mountains close in, and the road narrows into a valley. Following the Ōkawa River on the left, the road curves sharply across the stream and the gradient begins to bite. After a few bends, the slope steepens further, demanding more strength from your legs—this is where Heda Pass truly begins. The 10% ramps continue without respite, and when you glance upward, you can see the road snaking toward the high ridges above you.

Keep grinding and you’ll eventually reach a fork where you must continue straight. The slope remains merciless, often hitting 12%, and never offering the kindness of a 5% grade.

Yet as the altitude increases, the views begin to open up. You’ll see the ridgelines of the Nishi-Izu mountains, or the valley you’ve just climbed out of spread below. The road clings to the steep slopes, winding back and forth as it gains elevation. When Suruga Bay, hidden until now by the mountains, finally comes into view, you’ll know the pass is only about a kilometer away. The sky feels closer, and to the right you can see the faraway ridges of western Izu as you battle the last brutal ramps. The pass itself is a cut in the ridge, but a large parking area just before it can serve as a finishing point—it’s as good as summiting. From there, the town of Heda is hidden by the mountains in front, but you can look out over Suruga Bay and across the Shizuoka plain beyond.

After catching your breath, you may descend toward Shuzenji.

Or continue climbing onto the Nishi-Izu Skyline, where even higher elevations and magnificent views await.

The joy beyond the pain is a supreme reward granted only to those who conquer the climb.

STRAVA root : https://www.strava.com/routes/3408006470790831326