Japan’s Highest Road Mountain Passes

Japan is renowned for its mountainous terrain and engineering marvels, including a network of high-altitude mountain passes that offer stunning vistas and challenging drives. These high-altitude mountain passes in Japan offer not only thrilling driving experiences but also access to some of the country’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you’re a driving enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, exploring Japan’s mountain passes promises unforgettable experiences and memories to cherish. Here are some of Japan’s highest road mountain passes:

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

• Location: Toyama Prefecture
• Passes: The route includes several high-altitude passes, including Tateyama Pass (2,450 meters) and Murodo Pass (2,450 meters). Murodo Pass is the highest point reachable by road in Japan.
• Highlights: Spectacular views of the Northern Japan Alps, the famous Snow Walls (Yuki-no-Otani) in spring, and the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a scenic mountain route through the Northern Japan Alps. It’s renowned for its breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, imposing cliffs, and deep valleys. The route is particularly popular during the spring and summer months when visitors can enjoy hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

The route features various modes of transportation, including cable cars, buses, and a unique trolley bus that runs through the famous Kurobe Dam, one of the route’s highlights. The dam, standing at an impressive height, offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the turquoise waters of the Kurobe Reservoir.

• Location: Gifu Prefecture
• Pass: Norikura Pass (2,715 meters)
• Highlights: Panoramic views of the Northern Alps and the Central Alps, alpine flora, and access to Mount Norikura, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.

The Norikura Skyline is a scenic mountain road located in the Northern Japan Alps, near the city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture. It’s renowned for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests, making it a popular destination for tourists and driving enthusiasts alike.

The road stretches for about 6.5 kilometers (approximately 4 miles) and winds its way through the picturesque landscape, reaching elevations of over 2,700 meters (nearly 9,000 feet) above sea level. Along the route, there are several viewpoints and rest areas where visitors can stop to admire the panoramic vistas and take photographs.

Mount Fuji Subaru Line

• Location: Yamanashi Prefecture
• Pass: Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (2,305 meters)
• Highlights: Access point for climbers ascending Mount Fuji, stunning views of Japan’s highest peak, and the Fuji Five Lakes region.

The Mount Fuji Subaru Line, often referred to simply as the Subaru Line, is a scenic toll road that provides access to the fifth station of Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s most iconic and revered mountains. The Subaru Line starts at the base of Mount Fuji and winds its way up the mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and, on clear days, unparalleled vistas of the majestic peak itself.

Hakusan Super Rindo (Forest Road)

• Location: Ishikawa, Toyama, and Gifu Prefectures
• Pass: Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road (2,172 meters)
• Highlights: Scenic drive through the Hakusan National Park, views of Mount Hakusan, and access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go.

The Hakusan Super Rindo, also known as the Hakusan Forest Road, is a picturesque mountain road located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It traverses through the Hakusan National Park, offering stunning views of dense forests, pristine rivers, and towering peaks, including Mount Hakusan, one of Japan’s three sacred mountains.

This forest road is particularly popular during the autumn months when the leaves change color, creating a vibrant display of reds, oranges, and yellows across the landscape. The Hakusan Super Rindo is renowned for its serene and unspoiled natural beauty, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Shiga Kusatsu Road

• Location: Nagano Prefecture
• Pass: Shiga Kusatsu Road’s Shiga Pass (2,172 meters)
• Highlights: Stunning alpine scenery, access to hot spring resorts in Kusatsu Onsen, and the picturesque Shiga Highlands.

The Shiga Kusatsu Road, also known as the Shiga-Kusatsu Kogen Highway, is a scenic toll road located in the central region of Japan, connecting the prefectures of Shiga and Gunma. This road is renowned for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and countryside, making it a popular route for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of Japan.

Utsukushigahara Skyline

• Location: Nagano Prefecture
• Pass: Utsukushigahara Plateau (2,034 meters)
• Highlights: Expansive views of the Nagano countryside, hiking trails, and opportunities for paragliding and camping.

Featured pic: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Kyodonews/ZUMA Press.