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Pass Spots in Japan

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  • Torii Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Kiso-gun Shiojiri-shi
    Located at an elevation of 1,197 m between Yabuhara, Kiso-mura, Kiso County, and Narai, Shiojiri City, in Nagano Prefecture, this mountain pass was once known as a difficult point along the Nakasendo Highway, and was often the scene of battles in the Middle Ages, as it bordered Shinano and Mino. Today, the area is popular as a historical spot and as a hiking course where visitors can enjoy nature, including a group of horse chestnut trees.
    Torii Pass image
  • Shirabiso Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Idashi Kamimura
    At an elevation of 1,833 meters, Shirabiso Pass is known as the mountain gateway to the Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains). It’s a popular tourist spot with magnificent views overlooking the Southern Alps, Northern Alps and Central Alps. From spring to early summer the fresh leaves create a picture of green, and in the autumn the changing colors of the leaves of the maple and white birch trees are simply divine. Please note that the pass is closed during the winter (late November to early April).
    Shirabiso Pass image
  • Kagikake Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Tottori Pref. Hinogunkoufuchou Okawara
    Located in Kofu Town, Hino County, Tottori Prefecture, Kagikake Pass is known as a famous sightseeing spot for seeing the spectacular southern face of Mt. Daisen from its vantage point at 910 meters above sea level. The sight of the vast forest of beech trees, one of the best in Western Japan, against the backdrop of the steep mountain face of Mt. Daisen is something to behold. Visitors to the pass can enjoy the beautiful countryside all year round with fresh verdure in the spring and maple trees and beautifully colored leaves in the autumn. The autumn leaves are at their best from late October to mid-November. Kagikake Pass is a popular spot visited by many tourists. There is an observation deck, toilets and car park.
    Kagikake Pass image
  • Fujimi Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Gunma Pref. Kitagunmagunshintoumura Uenohara
    This pass at the foot of Mt. Haruna in Shinto Village, Kita Gunma County, Gunma Prefecture hosts one of Kanto’s best view points. There’s a small parking lot at the pass offering an unbroken view of the townscape stretching from Maebashi City to Shibukawa City. Especially known for its beautiful night view, the sight of the countless lights sparkling below like jewels is breathtaking. You can see it all from your car, making it a popular dating spot.
  • Shioritoge Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Uonumashi
    This mountain pass is along National Route 352 in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture. At its highest point you'll find the start of the trailhead to climb Mt Echigo-Komagatake, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains. Every October the Uonuma City Tourist Association offers a shuttle bus called Unkai and Takigumo, a prime spot for photography. Also, from mid-October to early-November take time to enjoy the various autumn colors painting the scenery as you travel along this beautiful mountain pass. The pass is open to traffic from mid-June through early-November. During the winter the pass is closed due to snow and you will be unable to use it to access Fukushima.
    Shioritoge Pass image
  • Mikuni-toge Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture
    The pass is 30-minutes by car from the Yuzawa Interchange. The pass connects Yuwaza Town, Minamiuonuma County, Niigata and Minakami Town, Tone County, Gunma Prefecture as was once a vital point along the ancient Mikuni-Kaido Road between the provinces of Echigo and Joshu. In the pass three deities, the Mikuni Gongen, have been enshrined, Ueno Akagi, Shinano Suwa, and Echigo Yahiko, and there is also a stone monument bearing the names of famous personalities who have passed through. There are numerous hiking courses along the old Mikuni-Kaido Road branching out from Mikuni-toge drawing plenty of hikers who enjoy walking along through historical landmarks and alpine scenery.
    Mikuni-toge Pass image
  • Amou Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu prefecture Hida city
    A pass connecting Hida City and Shirakawa Village in Gifu Prefecture which has been designated Amou Prefectural Natural Park. The pass was also designated a Gifu Brand New Treasure in 2011. Overflowing with virgin beech forest and alpine plants, visitors can find Asian skunk cabbage growing in the areas high moors. Seasonal flowering plants delight the eye until around mid-September, while from early October onward visitors can enjoy the changing colors of beech and maple trees. A mountain climbing route start at the pass’ parking area leads to the Amou Marsh and up Mt. Mominuka. Note that the pass is usually closed to through traffic in winter.
    Amou Pass image
  • Ogawara Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Saku, Nagano Prefecture
    A pass located in Kasuga, Saku City. The pass can be accessed from the Tateshina Skyline and the Karasawa Forest Road. Situated 2,093 meters above sea level, the highest point in Saku City, the pass is also the starting point of one of the trails leading up Mt. Tateshina. Depending on the time of day, visitors can get a commanding view of the Saku Plain nightscape, star-filled sky, and beautiful sunrise scenery.
    Ogawara Pass image
  • Shiojiri Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Okayashi
    "A pass located on the border between Shiojiri City and Okaya City in Nagano Prefecture. The pass has a hiking course and observatories from which visitors can get sweeping views of the Hida Mountains (Northern Alps), Lake Suwa, and Mt. Fuji. The pass was famously depicted in renowned print artist Hiroshige's ""Shiojiri Pass in Shinano"" and many mountain climbers come here seeking the beautiful scenery."
  • Misaka Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Achi village in Nakanoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture
    "A pass 1,569 meters above sea level located in the southern half of the Kiso Mountains in Achi Village, Shimoina County, Nagano Prefecture. Also known as the ""Hill of the Gods,"" the pass is famous for being the most perilous one along the ancient Tosando highway. The pass' rigorous Hill Climb Course for bicycle riders is quite popular. The Misaka Pass Site at the top of the pass is a registered Historic Site."
    Misaka Pass image
  • Uchiyama Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Pref. Sakushi Uchiyama
    A pass known as the trailhead of Mt. Arafune located on the border between Kanra County, Gunma Prefecture and Saku City, Nagano Prefecture along National Route 254. Visitors can view picturesque rock formations such as Himeiwa Rock, Byobuiwa Rock, and Napoleon Rock as well as lush natural, seasonal scenery, and the pass has been selected as possessing one of the 100 most picturesque sunsets in Nagano.
    Uchiyama Pass image
  • Jizo-toge Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Tohoshi City, Nagano Prefecture
    A pass located on the border between Nagano Prefecture and Gunma Prefecture in the center of the Yunomaru Highland. The pass is a popular destination to enjoy scenic driving and cycling; there's also a lift which hikers can use to get to the Yunomaru Highland. Some 100 Jizo and Kannon statues stand along the pass. The area is dotted with parking areas and lodging facilities.
    Jizo-toge Pass image
  • Yashajin Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Prefecture Minami Alps City Ashin Ashikura
    This mountain pass is located at the southern tip of the three peaks of Ho-o Sanzan, the vanguard of the Southern Japan Alps. It is highly recommended for its beauty, especially in May due to the fresh green leaves and from mid to late October due to the fall foliage. The route is also easily understood and can be climbed in an hour, making it a popular destination for mountain climbing with the whole family. Its great location gives the pass a head-on view of the three peaks of Shirane sanzan.
    Yashajin Pass image
  • Kuresaka Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Gunma Agatsuma-gun Nakanojomachi Iriyama Kokuyurin
    Kuresaka Pass image
  • Ryofu Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukushima Yama-gun Kitashiobaramura
    A pass on the Bandai-Azuma Lake Line, which runs through wooded lands, giving visitors a view of the three lakes (Lake Hibara, Lake Onogawa, and Lake Akimoto) that were formed by the eruption of Mt. Bandai. From the 870-meter above sea level pass, Lake Hibara and Lake Onogawa can be seen straight ahead. The area's autumn leaves are especially beautiful. The road is closed between mid-November and late April.
    Ryofu Pass image
  • Wada Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Kofu Wadamachi Shimobinacho
    This scenic overlook area, situated along Prefectural Route 104, offers unbroken views on clear days of the Kofu Basin, Mt. Fuji, and the majestic Southern Japan Alps. Also known for its spectacular night views, in the evening visitors can take in star filled skies and a glittering, seemingly jewel encrusted cityscape.
    Wada Pass image
  • Miyama Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sorachi-gun Kamifuranocho
    A magnificent lookout with a sweeping view of the majestic Tokachi Mountain Range. In summer, visitors can see sunflowers and lavender carpeting the area as far as the eye can see.
    Miyama Pass image
  • Natagiri Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamagata Mogami-gun Mogamimachi Mitsuzawa
    This pass connects Mitsuzawa in Mogami Town, Mogami County and Obanazawa City. The pass is mentioned in Matsuo Basho’s “The Narrow Road to the Deep North,” and is known as the most isolated region mentioned in the work. The path that Basho is thought to have used is now known as the “Historic Road,” and is maintained as a footpath that snakes its way through a primeval beech forest.
    Natagiri Pass image
  • Tori-toge Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Mie Kumano-shi Kiwacho Yanokawa
    This mountain pass is located in Kiwa-cho, Kumano City. The entrance to the pass is situated on Prefectural Route 40 and leads down to the area near Maruyama-bashi Bridge. Used by locals as part of everyday travel in the area since ancient times, historic remnants such as stone paving and a late Edo period statue of Kshitigarbha (Jizo), guardian of children, can be found along the pass' road. Visitors can also enjoy the scenery of the Maruyama Senmaida from a lookout along the pass.
    Tori-toge Pass image
  • Matsumoto-toge Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Mie Kumano-shi Kinomotocho
    This mountain pass connects Kinomoto-cho and Odomari-cho in Kumano City. The entrance to the pass is on National Route 311 and it connects to the Hama-kaido Route. Stretches of moss-covered paving stones laid in the Edo and Meiji periods can be found along the pass, as well as a large Kshitigarbha (Jizo) statue bearing the scars of ancient gunshots and a spot with a sweeping view of Shichiri Mihama Beach. In addition, the pass leads down to Onigajo, an area which is included in the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range World Heritage listing.
    Matsumoto-toge Pass image
Travel / Tourism Nature Pass

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