Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to the Jomo Sanzan Panoramic Highway in Gunma Prefecture. The Jomo Sanzan Panoramic Highway is a road that connects the three mountains of Mt. Akagi, Mt. Haruna, and Mt. Myogi, and is approximately 400 to 450 km long. This road is winding and scenic, making it an attractive course for motorcyclists. This time, I would like to introduce some of the recommended routes and highlights.
The Jomo Sanzan Panoramic Highway is a road that connects three mountains in Gunma Prefecture: Mt. Akagi, Mt. Haruna, and Mt. Myogi. These mountains have long been known as sacred sites for mountain worship, and are also symbolic to Gunma Prefecture residents. Mt. Akagi and Mt. Haruna are volcanoes, and there are hot springs and lakes in their surroundings. Mt. Myogi has many strangely shaped rocks and steep cliffs, creating an impressive landscape. The Jomo Sanzan Panorama Road is a popular course that allows you to fully enjoy the charm of these mountains.
Route to Jomo Sanzan Panorama Highway
This time, we will introduce the route from central Tokyo to Jomo Sanzan Panorama Kaido. My favorite car is a Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide.
The starting point is Nihonbashi Hakozakicho. From here, take Shuto Expressway 6 and head north. Shuto Expressway Route 6 is an expressway that runs along the coast of Tokyo Bay, where you can enjoy views of Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and more. After driving approximately 8km on Shuto Expressway Route 6, take the Shuto Expressway Kawaguchi Line at Horikiri JCT. The Shuto Expressway Kawaguchi Line is an expressway that connects to the Tohoku Expressway and is used when heading to Saitama Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture, etc. After driving approximately 12km on the Shuto Expressway Kawaguchi Line, turn onto the Tohoku Expressway.
The Tohoku Expressway is Japan’s first full-fledged expressway, connecting approximately 700km from Tokyo to Aomori. On this expressway, you can see a variety of scenery such as the Kanto Plain and the Kanetsu Tunnel. After driving approximately 62km on the Tohoku Expressway, enter the Kita-Kanto Expressway at Iwafune JCT. The Kita-Kanto Expressway is an expressway that traverses the northern Kanto region, including Gunma and Tochigi prefectures, and is used to access the Jomo Sanzan Panoramic Highway. After driving approximately 39km on the Kita-Kanto Expressway, exit at Isesaki IC.
From Isesaki IC, enter Jobu Road. Jobu Road is a road developed as a bypass of National Route 17, connecting the southern and northern parts of Gunma Prefecture. After driving about 4km on Jobu Road, turn right at Idoi-cho and enter Gunma Prefectural Route 114. Gunma Prefectural Route 114 runs along the south side of Mt. Akagi, and is the entrance to the Jomo Sanzan Panoramic Highway. After driving approximately 12km on Gunma Prefectural Route 114, turn left onto Gunma Prefectural Route 16. Gunma Prefectural Route 16 runs on the west side of Mt. Akagi, and is about 10 km from Mt. Akagi Panorama Observatory.
Highlights of the Jomo Sanzan Panorama Road
The highlight of the Jomo Sanzan Panoramic Highway is the view of the three mountains. Each mountain has its own unique spots and specialties. Here, we will introduce some of the recommended ones.
Mt. Akagi is a volcano with an altitude of 1,828m, and has been an object of worship since ancient times. There are many lakes and ponds on Mt. Akagi, the most famous of which is Akagi Onuma. Akagi Onuma is one of the largest crater lakes in Japan, and there are hiking trails and campgrounds surrounding it. Akagi Onuma also offers activities such as canoeing and fishing. In addition, Akagi Shirakaba Farm, located a little far from Akagi Onuma, offers farm experiences and sells dairy products. Akagi Shirakaba Farm’s soft serve ice cream is exquisite.
Another highlight of Mt. Akagi is the Miharuyama Observation Deck. Miharuyama Observatory is an observation deck located at an altitude of 1,400 meters, and if the weather is clear, you can see Mt. Fuji and Mt. Tsukuba. From the Miharuyama Observation Deck, you can see not only Gunma Prefecture but also Ibaraki Prefecture and Tochigi Prefecture. There is also a restaurant and a shop at Miharuyama Observation Deck.
Mt. Haruna
Mt. Haruna is a volcano with an altitude of 1,449m, and is characterized by two peaks called Futamimine. There is an artificial lake called Lake Haruna on Mt. Haruna, and there are amusement parks and hot springs in the surrounding area. At Lake Haruna, you can enjoy sightseeing on the lake by sightseeing boat or rental boat. In addition, the Takane Observation Deck, located a little away from Lake Haruna, is an observation deck located at an altitude of 1200 meters, and you can see Lake Haruna and Mt. Haruna’s twin peaks. From the Takane Observation Deck, you can see not only Gunma Prefecture but also Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo. There is also a restaurant and a shop at the Takane Observatory.
Another highlight of Mt. Haruna is Haruna Shrine. Haruna Shrine is a shrine located halfway up Mt. Haruna, and has been worshiped as the god of volcanoes since ancient times. Haruna Shrine is home to many cultural properties and natural landscapes. For example, there is a bronze bell, which is a national treasure, and the main shrine, which is an important cultural property. There is also a waterfall called Haruna Otaki in the precincts of Haruna Shrine, and you will be overwhelmed by its volume and power. At Haruna Shrine, you can also get amulets and goshuin stamps.
Mt. Myogi
Mt. Myogi is a mountain with an altitude of 1104m, and has many strangely shaped rocks and steep cliffs, making it suitable for rock climbing and hiking. There are many attractions on Mt. Myogi, the most famous of which is Sanbonmatsu Pass. Sanbonmatsu Pass is a mountain pass on the south side of Mt. Myogi, and on top of it is the ruins of a castle called Sanbonmatsu Castle. Sanbonmatsu Castle is a place where the Hojo clan and Uesugi clan fought during the Sengoku period, and it has great historical value. From Sanbonmatsu Pass, you can see the strangely shaped rocks of Mt. Myogi and the surrounding countryside.
Another highlight of Mt. Myogi is Ryumonbuchi. Ryumonbuchi is a valley on the north side of Mt. Myogi, and within it there is a waterfall called Ryumon Falls. Ryumon Falls is a waterfall that is 30m high and 20m wide, and you will be impressed by its spray and sound. At Ryumonbuchi, you can also enjoy playing in the river and having a barbecue. In addition, Myogi Shrine, located a short distance from Ryumonbuchi, is worshiped as the deity of Mt. Myogi. At Myogi Shrine, you can also get amulets and stamps.
Motorcycle parking lot on Jomo Sanzan Panorama Kaido
When riding a motorbike along the Jomo Sanzan Panoramic Highway, we recommend using the motorbike parking lot. Motorcycle parking lots are located at each spot and can be used for free or for a fee. Please use the parking lot in advance according to your destination.
Summary
This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to the Jomo Sanzan Panoramic Highway in Gunma Prefecture. The Jomo Sanzan Panoramic Highway is a road that connects the three mountains of Mt. Akagi, Mt. Haruna, and Mt. Myogi, and has a distance of approximately 400 to 450 km. This road is winding and scenic, making it an attractive course for motorcyclists. Each mountain has its own unique spots and specialties. At Mt. Akagi, recommended places include Akagi Onuma and Miharuyama Observation Deck. Lake Haruna and Haruna Shrine are recommended spots on Mt. Haruna. On Mt. Myogi, recommended spots include Sanbonmatsu Pass and Ryumonbuchi. Motorcycle parking lots are located at each spot and can be used for free or for a fee.
This is my touring report from Tokyo to the Jomo Sanzan Panoramic Highway in Gunma Prefecture. I hope this article is helpful to you. Well then, I hope you enjoy your bike life next time.
*”Gumma Prefecture Jomo Sanzan Panorama Road” is called “Gumma Prefecture Jomo Sanzan Panorama Road” in English.
