The driving route we will be introducing this time is the road that leads to Tokuyama Dam.
The journey takes only a few minutes, but it offers many interesting sights, including a castle and a meeting place for wild monkeys.
So let’s go for the first time.
This road is actually a branch from National Route 303, which I introduced earlier.
Approach from National Route 303
Previously, we approached from west to east, but this time we will approach from the east side.
Climb up the side of the management office next to Yokoyama Dam.
I just noticed that there is a mysterious tunnel on the right.
I wonder what this is…
Now, I usually turn left at this intersection and cross the bridge, but this time I went straight.
Be careful of cars coming from the left.
There is a perception that “most cars cross bridges,” so if you drive straight if you are brain dead, you risk an accident.
So far, it has been a long straight national highway, but from here on it changes completely.
The road is narrow and the road becomes extremely bumpy.
Also, perhaps it had something to do with the time around 5:30 a.m. There were an unusually large number of stray monkeys.
A swell that looks like it’s twisting into a big twist.
There were really monkeys everywhere, and it felt like a natural zoo.
If you go to a mountainous area, there are always deer, so you don’t have to worry about wild animals.
This place is amazing.
Aim for the tightness of the driving lines and corners on the narrow roads, and drive at a pace that rivals the locals.
My monkey collection continues.
After walking a little further, you will see a bridge in the distance.
It seems to be called “Shinkawajiri Bridge”. Head north along the river.
From this bridge, you can see a view of the natural Grand Canyon covered with moss.
It’s hard to see just by driving on the road, so please keep this in mind if you’re going there.
Because the altitude is high, you can feel the clouds very close to you.
I feel comfortable driving around the left curve with this kind of scenery.
There will be more tunnels in the future.
Even if we go further north, there are only dams and uninhabited areas, but it seems to be quite expensive.
The tricky road continues.
I thought it was a long straight line,
Suddenly there is a sharp curve. There is almost no room for road width.
A very mysterious building. Part of the glass appears to be broken, and the interior is exposed.
A bridge where the center line suddenly disappears at the end of a sharp curve.
Be careful of oncoming traffic.
A tunnel, or rather a structure that looks like a guard against landslides, also appears.
A mysterious iron bridge-like structure. One of the charms of this area is that there are so many things like this.
As if someone had crashed into it in the middle of the night, reflective tape had been stuck to the concrete block.
I’m still buzzing as usual.
What appeared in the back seemed to be some kind of concrete factory.
There is Tokuyama Castle ahead, so I decided to turn right and go there.
Turn right here.
Personally, I love old, large factories, so I couldn’t help but take a photo of them.
I don’t think it shows more detailed information than what you see on Street View, so I want to believe that there is no problem.
This looks like a structure where something could be brought in by truck, but the entrance is blocked off by a guardrail.
It’s really interesting and I never get tired of watching it. she loves it.
Well, for a while I drove along the side streets of the factory-like grounds.
It’s okay, this is probably a public road.
A castle can be seen in the background.
There is a campsite around here. Apparently there is also a hot spring facility, but I don’t know the details.
Around Fujihashi Castle/Nishimino Planetarium
The parking lot here had vending machines, restrooms, and restaurants, making it a perfect place to take a break, but there was a sign saying, “Closed due to a bear sighting.”
There was a sign that parking was prohibited, but since it was at a time when no one was coming, I took just one photo.
In addition to Fujihashi Castle, there is also a planetarium and the Fujihashi History and Folklore Museum.
Once the heat subsides, I’d like to come here at some random moment.
Now, let’s go back.
If you turn left here, you will be on the main road, but this time we will take a detour to see the bridge.
This is it. Apparently it’s called a bridge.
The top is decorated with orange, giving it a very special look.
It looked like there was a campsite ahead, so I retreated so as not to disturb them.
After passing through a sharp U-shaped curve, I returned to the main road.
Turn right here, but be careful as it is a bit dangerous.
From the north side, there is a downhill slope where you can ride the speed. Visibility is poor from the south side, but the corner opens with high turning speeds. It’s the worst location.
Open the window, listen to the sound, and step on the accelerator firmly.
Furthermore, if you are caught up by a faster car right after you enter, we recommend that you yield immediately.
Around Tokuyama Dam
From this point onwards, the path no longer follows sharp curves, and we ascend to the top of the dam using tunnels and bridges.
Tokuyama Dam is on the right side of this area. It was closed this time, but if it’s open, you can enter the parking lot.
It’s good to have a feeling of “the ultimate end” ahead.
After passing through a fairly long tunnel…
What came into view was “Tokunoyama Hattoku Bridge”.
Finally, we have arrived at Lake Tokuyama.
There is a sign that says “Please refrain from parking,” but the low traffic volume and the good view make you want to park. I didn’t stop though.
Being able to come this far gives you a wonderful feeling of being in a secluded area.
Our destination this time is ahead, so we’ll continue straight ahead.
Walk a little further and you will come to an intersection.
In fact, if you turn right here, you can access Route 157 after passing through a narrow mountain pass.
This is the path I took in this article. I might come again.
Now, the mountain surface in the back left is illuminated by the morning sun, creating a very beautiful scenery.
Every time you pass through a tunnel, the scenery changes slightly and it’s great.
Apparently there’s a public toilet here.
I’ve been here before, and I feel a bit bothered by the feeling of having to go back this long, but the words “feeling like I’m at the end” really suit me.
It’s a pretty long straight line.
In fact, if you turn right here, you can go to a spot called “Kashihara Observation Deck”.
We managed to climb a road that was barely wide enough for one car to pass.
Even the Prius size doesn’t have much room.
I came. It’s not that big of a deal, but it’s a spot worth stopping by.
It’s a little hill where you can see a view like this.
It seems that there was a village in this area as well, and now it is at the bottom of the dam lake.
Nowadays, it is also a photo spot.
Now, let’s go deeper and deeper.
This last tunnel is the demon gate, and its existence is a haunted spot.
Although the length is quite long, the “mist” from the middle onwards is the most haunting point.
The left curve at the beginning is still good.
No matter when I go, visibility is poor because of the fog, and it’s so long that I can’t see the end. I feel like my spirit is being destroyed.
Even if you make it all the way to the back, the road ahead is closed due to construction, and it becomes a truly remote area that you wouldn’t want to drive on as a “road” in the first place.
Ahead of this is Kanzan Pass. National Route 417 is hell.
I had no choice but to make a U-turn between construction vehicles.
There are some points where you can see this kind of scenery.
The trees on the shore are distinctive.
Well, let’s go home.
(Additional note: This section was opened at a later date.)
As a bonus, I decided to stop by the Tokuyama Hall.
I returned to the big bridge from earlier.
Turn right just before the entrance to this tunnel.
Cross a slightly narrow bridge.
Although the road is not wide enough, it is refreshing to be able to see the lake up close.
Once you pass through the narrow road for a moment, you will see Tokuyama Kaikan.
Well, I don’t have time to do it right now.
I wanted to buy a drink from the vending machine, so I stopped by the parking lot.
I bought a cola with an unusual flavor and took in the scenery.
I think it’s common for people to take photos like this for no reason.
Apparently you can also eat dum curry. Due to its location, business days and hours are limited, but I would like to visit someday.
Even so, the car was inexplicably dirty. What was the influence?
It’s a perfect location for a short visit from the Nobi Plains.
Why not come sometime?
P.S: Stop at Tokuyama Dam
The last time I drove there, the gate was closed due to the time of day, but I went to Tokuyama Dam later.
Let’s be clear. That’s wonderful.
As I looked out from the observatory while being battered by the rain and enduring the light wind, I was overwhelmed by the size of the dam.
It’s a sight to behold because of the water being sprayed.
Exhibition of Bridgestone tires.
Although vehicles are not allowed to enter, it is possible to walk over the dam on foot.
I went down to a small observation deck, but to be honest, it was a bit strange.
I don’t think it’s necessary to go all the way because the trees will get in the way and the altitude will be low.
