The BMW M340i is a truly enjoyable car. I can’t resist the urge to take my newly delivered companion for a drive. Before I know it, despite it being a weekday Friday, I’ve impulsively abandoned work and headed north on the Tohoku Expressway.
Indeed, on the weekday highways, the vehicles that stand out are work-related. From AD vans, Hiaces, large trucks, to trailers, everyone seems to be heading to work, while I’m off for leisure.
Upon reaching KAMIKAWACHI Service Area, I found myself getting hungry. Having risen early and eaten only a piece of bread, it was natural that it wouldn’t suffice. So, I decided to have breakfast here. In that case, I’ll try the Tonkikki gyoza set that I’ve been curious about for a while. Having gyoza for breakfast may seem unusual, but today I’ve thrown aside work commitments and taken the day off. I don’t have plans to meet anyone, so it doesn’t matter.
After escaping the Kanto region and entering the Tohoku region, I bid farewell to the Tohoku Expressway at Shirakawa Interchange and shifted onto Route 289. Ahead lies the Kōshi Tunnel, said to be the longest in Tohoku on a national road. Long tunnels like this are nothing but boring and tedious, but to proceed further, there’s no choice but to pass through here.
After emerging from the long tunnel, what awaited me was a magnificent view surrounded by majestic mountains. I’ve been here many times in the past, yet it never fails to captivate me. It’s easy to imagine how harsh the winters must be, with the area often blanketed in snow. I doubt I could endure living here myself, which only adds to its allure.
I’d like to find a place nearby with light traffic where I can enjoy driving my BMW M340i. Since it’s public roads, I can’t go all out, but even just cruising through the ups and downs and winding roads is enjoyable. I particularly love climbing uphill; it feels really good, and it’s something I greatly enjoy.
I might have been looked at strangely by the people working in the fields as I went back and forth in the same area for a while.
Prefectural Route 131 stretches from Shimogo Town to Aizu-Wakamatsu north to south. Because there’s the Ouchi-juku halfway, it’s best to avoid it during tourist season. However, today being a weekday outside of the season, there shouldn’t be many cars, no matter what. As expected, there are very few cars, allowing for a comfortable drive in the M340i.
I briefly considered touring Ouchi-juku by myself, but upon seeing several tour buses parked in the parking lot, I swiftly passed through as if on a bullet train. I could see not only tour buses but also quite a few cars parked in the lot. While it’s off-peak season and likely less crowded, when I’m out driving alone, tourist spots are generally a pass.
Even after passing through Ouchi-juku, there was not a single car in sight ahead. The BMW continued to push forward without disrupting its own pace, truly resembling a blue bullet.
Prefectural Route 131 descends in altitude towards the Aizu Basin after crossing the Ouchi Dam. Along with the rapid drop in elevation, the seasons visible through the window also seem to progress rapidly. Up to this point, there was not a trace of cherry blossoms in bloom, but as we descend from the mountains, it’s already spring all around. The temperature rises, and cherry blossoms bloom in the surroundings.
Transitions between seasons can be incredibly enjoyable, as they allow you to either leapfrog ahead or backtrack through the seasons by embarking on long-distance journeys. Isn’t this also one of the joys of long drives?
I’ve just arrived in the Aizu Basin, but my BMW M340i, with no business in the urban area, is once again heading towards the mountains on Route 401. This highway is a major road connecting Aizuwakamatsu and Showa Village, but along the way, there is a difficult pass called Hakase Pass. It used to be closed for winter, causing obstacles to the region’s economic activities and medical services. However, I’ve heard that a tunnel has finally been drilled through it, so I’m tempted to take a ride and see for myself.
Turning away from the vibrant spring of Aizuwakamatsu, the BMW rushes towards the mountains once again on National Route 401. With no sharp curves, the well-maintained two-lane road quickly gains altitude towards the peaks. Pulling off just before the brand new Hakase Tunnel, the air feels colder than expected. The outside temperature gauge of the M340i reads 10°C. Once again, it seems like a reversal of seasons.
In no time, I emerged from the tunnel and arrived at Showa Village. I confirmed that the junction for the old Hakase Pass is just before the tunnel, but at this point, it’s closed for winter. Perhaps, it might become inaccessible for regular vehicles altogether. There’s no real need to venture further, but it’s a bit sad to see the challenging switchback pass known as a difficult spot gradually disappearing.
Having passed through the brand new Hakase Tunnel and reached Showa Village, I decided to stop for a light lunch at the “Michi-no-Eki Karamushiori no sato Showa.” This place serves delicious tempura soba, which I’ve enjoyed many times in the past. However, this time, I wasn’t in the mood for tempura, so I opted for the “100% Buckwheat Noodles” instead.
After satisfying myself with the consistently delicious soba noodles, I headed north on Prefectural Route 32. Somewhat belatedly, I decided to steer towards the Aizu-Kitagata direction. Today, I threw work to the wind and left my wife behind to come for a solo drive. I’ll have to buy some souvenirs before I can head back home.
The Aizu area is reaching its cherry blossom peak, with blossoms in full bloom everywhere. It seems that cherry blossom festivals are also being held, but I have no intention of going to crowded places like that, so I’ll just pretend I didn’t see any signs.
Next, I browsed for souvenirs at the roadside station. I bought some sweet treats that my wife would likely enjoy, ensuring a peaceful journey home.
All that was left was to return home, so I had intended to obediently take the highway. However, as I caught sight of the majestic Mount Bandai nearby, I couldn’t resist the urge to dash up to Urabandai for one last time. Before I knew it, my M340i was speeding towards Mount Bandai.
As the clock hands had already passed 5 p.m., there were no cars heading towards Urabandai at this hour. I encountered a few vehicles descending, but those ascending were only a handful, each resembling a blue bullet. The M340i, boasting BMW’s 3-liter inline-six engine under the hood, effortlessly surged up the steep incline as if it were driving on level ground. The exhilaration was indescribable, and I struggled to resist the urge to keep pushing the pedal to the floor.
Near the “Michi-no-Eki Urabandai” at the top of the ascent, snow still lingers off the roads, hardly a scene one could call spring-like. The temperature remains in single digits, arguably more wintry than springlike. Well, well, it seems today has been a day of toggling between winter and spring.
Continuing through Urabandai without pause, I finally began my journey home from the Bandai Inawashiro Interchange. For a late-night meal at the Asaka Parking Area along the way, I had the garlic miso stir-fried pork belly set, which turned out to be surprisingly delicious.
When I arrived back home, the odometer read 1,773 kilometers, just a little more and the break-in period will be over.
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