At the end of July, after the rainy season had ended and consecutive scorching days persisted, I left home at 5 a.m. and zoomed through the Shuto Expressway onto the Chuo Expressway in my BMW. It was remarkably comfortable. Opting for an early morning departure on a non-holiday weekend turned out to be the right decision, as it helped us avoid traffic congestion.
Taking occasional breaks, the BMW exited at Ina Interchange from the Chuo Expressway onto local roads. From here, it followed the familiar route through the Gombei Tunnel on National Route 361. Emerging from the tunnel, there was a spacious parking area, so we slipped in there. It seemed to double as a chain installation and removal area during winter. Stepping out of the car, we were greeted by refreshing weather. While the Kanto region continued to endure sweltering heat that felt life-threatening, the high-altitude mountains offered a different experience altogether. The temperature at this time was only about 24°C.
The BMW cruised along National Route 361, where traffic was as sparse as usual. Driving comfortably under the clear blue sky, the driver of the BMW felt delighted to be behind the wheel.
National Route 361 always has light traffic, allowing for a comfortable drive, and its scenic views make it a favorite route. While heading towards the Hida Takayama area, there’s sometimes a temptation to explore different routes, but before you know it, you find yourself back here again. It’s so appealing to drive along this road, so I highly recommend giving it a try.
After driving for a while, we stopped at the “Michi-no-Eki Hida Takane Koubou” along the national highway for lunch. It’s our first time dining here, so I’m quite looking forward to it. I opted for the grilled fish set meal from the menu of the ticket vending machine. I originally wanted to try the keichan teishoku, but unfortunately, it was marked with an ‘X’ indicating it was not available for sale.
After a brief wait, the meal was served, and it wasn’t what I had expected. When I ordered the grilled fish set meal, I had imagined something like saury, but what came out was slices of salmon. However, it was delicious nonetheless. As I peeked into the kitchen, I saw what seemed to be an elderly couple preparing the food, which gave it a homely feel and earned my appreciation. I definitely want to eat here again.
We checked into our destination and accommodation for the day, Route Inn Grandia Hida Takayama. The time was just past 3 p.m. We checked in shortly after the reception opened and decided to take it easy and relax.
The purpose of this tour is to stay at Route Inn Grandia Hida Takayama. While one might expect a luxurious accommodation, the reason for choosing Route Inn is because I love their buffet-style meals. It’s not like they offer anything particularly fancy; each dish is rather ordinary. However, for some reason, they perfectly suit my taste, and they are incredibly delicious.
The next morning, breakfast starts at 6 a.m. After eating to our heart’s content and feeling satisfied, we set off. We connected from National Route 158 to Prefectural Road 90, and at the Otori Pass, the temperature was a mere 20°C. It was not just cool; it was downright chilly. Despite the Pacific high-pressure system wreaking havoc with scorching temperatures across the region day after day, it felt like a lie. Furthermore, perhaps due to the lower humidity, it was exceptionally refreshing. I felt like I could stay here forever…
The BMW left the cool mountainous area and cruised through the city, speeding along Prefectural Route 75 towards the “Michi-no-Eki Sky Dome Kamioka”. Along the way, there was a rundown handcart and a station sign by the roadside. On the opposite side, there was some space, so we parked the BMW and took a look. However, it was completely unclear what this was for. There were old handcars and rail bikes fixed there, but what was the purpose? It left us feeling puzzled.
At the “Michi-no-Eki Sky Dome Kamioka,” you can visit a replica of the Super-Kamiokande. I’ll spare you the explanation of what the Super-Kamiokande is, but there were explanations and games available, allowing us to unexpectedly enjoy ourselves.
After being overwhelmed by the replica of the Super-Kamiokande, we decided to head towards Lake Arimine through the Takayama Oyama Large-Scale Forest Road. Straying from the national highway, the traffic was practically nonexistent. No, I mean truly zero. This wasn’t our first time coming to Lake Arimine. A few years ago, I came here once, gripping the steering wheel of an E46 M3, but to be honest, I don’t remember much about it.
In my previous memory, I ascended the Arimine Forest Road from the Toyama Prefecture side, but this time it was the opposite. As mentioned earlier, the Takayama Oyama Large-Scale Forest Road had zero traffic, with ample road width, making it easy to drive. I could ascend at my own pace and felt like I could do this loop multiple times. However, beyond that, when we entered the paid Arimine Forest Road, the situation changed drastically.
After passing the toll booth, the pavement was good for a while, making it easy to drive, but beyond that, the road suddenly narrowed although still allowing for passing, becoming steep with tight curves and poor visibility, making it quite unpleasant. However, once through that, we were greeted by the magnificent scenery of Lake Arimine. Despite being somewhat higher in altitude than the lowlands, it was still hot. If it weren’t for this year’s abnormal heat, it might have felt much cooler.
Around here, there seemed to be hiking trails developed, as there were occasional signs of people, but the surroundings were very quiet. If the temperature were a little lower, it might have had the atmosphere of a relaxing resort area.
The Arimine Forest Road, which descends from Lake Umou to the lowlands, is a two-lane road where tourist buses can comfortably pass. The pavement is smooth and easy to drive on. From here on, it’s downhill, with the altitude rapidly decreasing, and as if inversely proportional, the outside temperature displayed on the BMW’s thermometer rises. Stepping out of the car, it feels like stepping into a scorching inferno.
From here, it’s just a matter of heading home on the expressway. After a bit of driving, you’ll see the Tonami Interchange of the Hokuriku Expressway. Then, it’s just a comfortable drive home with cruise control taking care of everything. Let’s head back home.
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