Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I took a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Oyaru Pass, the highest road pass in Japan in Yamanashi Prefecture. Otaku Pass is located on the main vein of the Oku-Chichibu Mountains, and the entire area is designated as Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. The altitude is 2,360m, and there are famous peaks such as Mt. Kinpu, Mt. Kokushigadake, and Mt. Kitaokusenjodake in the surrounding area. This time, I would like to introduce its charm, road conditions, motorcycle parking, etc.
What is Daisuru Pass?
Oyaru Pass is a mountain pass on the border between Kawakami Village in Nagano Prefecture and Yamanashi City in Yamanashi Prefecture, and is the highest point on the Kawakami Makioka Line forest road. This forest road branches off from the Katsunuma Bypass and passes through the Fruit Line and Crystal Line to reach Oyuri Pass. This route is rich in natural scenery, including orchards, vineyards, valleys and forests, making it ideal for motorcycle touring.
There is a parking lot at Otaku Pass, which leads to the mountain trail and observation deck. Along the mountain trail, you can see flower fields and alpine plants called the “dream garden.” From the observation deck, you can see spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and Mt. Yatsugatake.
Route to Otaku Pass
This time, I entered the Chuo Expressway from central Tokyo via the Shuto Expressway Inner Loop Line and Shuto Expressway No. 4 Shinjuku Line. On the Chuo Expressway, exit at Katsunuma IC and enter the Katsunuma Bypass. At the Katsunuma Bypass, turn left onto the Old Koshu Highway and enter the Fruit Line.
At the Fruit Line, turn right at Nakamaki Shrine North and enter the Crystal Line. After that, on the Crystal Line, we continued straight and arrived at Otaku Pass.
The entire trip was about 200km and took about 3 and a half hours. It will take a little longer if you take a break and enjoy the scenery along the way, but I think it’s still a distance that can be enjoyed as a day trip.
Highlights of Oyaru Pass
The highlight of Otaku Pass is its altitude and view. About a 15-minute walk from the parking lot, you will arrive at an observation point called the “Garden of Dreams.” Flowers such as rhododendrons and daylilies bloom here from June to July, and the leaves turn beautiful in autumn. From the observation point, you can see mountains such as Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and Mt. Yatsugatake. If the weather is nice, you can even see the Sea of Japan and Sagami Bay in the distance. The air is so clear that you feel as if you are floating in the sky.
If you continue along the mountain trail from the observation point, you will arrive at trailheads such as Mt. Kinpu, Mt. Kokushigadake, and Mt. Kitaokusenjodake. Although these mountains are over 2,500 meters above sea level, they are relatively easy to climb due to the short approach from Otaku Pass. Of course, you will need sufficient equipment and physical strength to climb the mountain, but it is recommended for those who want to experience the atmosphere of high mountains.
Motorcycle parking lot at Ohsuru Pass
The parking lot at Daisuru Pass is paved and has space for approximately 30 cars. However, since many climbers and drivers visit, it is likely to be full, especially on weekends and during the season. In that case, you will have to park on the shoulder of the surrounding road, but be careful not to disturb other vehicles by ensuring the road is wide enough.
Summary
This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Oyaru Pass in Yamanashi Prefecture. Otaku Pass is the highest road pass in Japan, and is surrounded by famous peaks of the Oku-Chichibu Mountains. From the observation point, you can see spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps. You can also enjoy running along the Fruit Line and Crystal Line. You can also taste Yamanashi Prefecture’s special products and go mountain climbing. I think it’s the perfect spot for bike touring.
However, please be aware of road conditions and parking lot congestion. In particular, the forest roads on the Nagano Prefecture side are dirt and rough, making them difficult to ride on regular motorcycles. Also, it is closed during the winter, so be sure to check when it is open before heading out.
The above was sent to you by _hiroyuki.ta. Next time we look forward to!
Odarumi Pass: Odarumi Pass
