【Hidden Drive】Let's go see the autumn leaves at the Rokuhōzawa Bridge on the Kirifuri Highland Road! Also enjoy the soft serve ice cream at Ozasa Farm

Speaking of autumn leaves, while Nikko is famous for it, as someone who struggles with crowds, I'd prefer to enjoy the foliage leisurely at a hidden spot. This time, I've set the Kirifuri Highland Road, which avoids the major Oku-Nikko, as a hidden driving route and conducted an investigation.

Want to avoid the crowds! Exploring hidden gem autumn foliage driving routes

This time, we will be enjoying the autumn leaves while driving from the vicinity of Tobu Nikko Station along Prefectural Route 169 and the Kirifuri Highlands Road. We aimed to find a route that allows for a comfortable drive while avoiding the crowded areas around Lake Chuzenji, which tends to get busy during the autumn foliage season.

Heading towards the freely opened Kirifuri Highlands Road

Starting from near Tobu Nikko Station. This was a weekday in mid-October, and although there were many tourists around the station, the center was indeed crowded. If we continued straight to the left, we would arrive at the Shinkyo Bridge and the approach to Nikko Toshogu Shrine, but we made a right turn to enter Prefectural Route 169, heading towards the Kirifuri Highlands Road.

After proceeding for a while, we saw the blue sign for Kuriyama and Kirifuri Highlands. Originally, Route 169 was a toll road, but it was made free in 2006 and has since become a local road.

The altitude keeps rising, and we're now in a landscape typical of a highland, but the autumn leaves are still on the way. Expectations are high for the scenery in the highland area at its peak.

We arrived at the Kirifuri Highland Rest House near the peak. It was bustling with hikers. Although the weather was good that day, this area was foggy, resulting in unfortunate visibility.

There is an observation deck connected by 1,445 steps known as the Sky Corridor, where many people come to see the views from above. If conditions are right, a beautiful sea of clouds can be seen, making it a popular spot. Some of the trees around here were slightly colored with autumn leaves.

Excellent views, autumn leaves spot: Rippōzawa Bridge.

We arrived at the Rippōzawa Observation Deck just ahead of the rest house. It is a very pleasant place with a great view. Perhaps because it is not the peak period for autumn leaves, there were fewer tourists, so it was quiet.

From this vantage point, it seems that the autumn leaves are still yet to reach their peak. However, the view from the Rokuhouzawa Bridge ahead is known as a great spot for viewing autumn foliage, which builds anticipation for the scenery.

I was able to see the landscape I was looking forward to from the bridge. The autumn colors spread out in a panorama, creating a very beautiful scene. At mid-October, it seems to be somewhat at its peak, so it looks like it will become more colorful as we head into November. This could be said to be a leaf-peeping driving route that avoids congestion.

Ending with rich soft-serve ice cream unique to the ranch

As I proceed down the slope past the Rokuhou Bridge, the scenery becomes pastoral. It seems that there is a ranch ahead. This area also offers a beautiful view with good visibility. Although the Kitakaruizawa Highland Road is nearing its end, it is easy to drive and has many highlights, making it a very attractive driving course. Let's indulge in ranch cuisine after enjoying the autumn foliage.

Arriving at the Oosasa Ranch Rest House. Since it is not crowded here either, it seems we can spend time comfortably. Soft-serve ice cream is being sold, so I placed an order.

Very rich, with a rather modest sweetness. The condensed flavor reminiscent of yogurt with no acidity is unique, and it's delicious. I was also happy that there was a large quantity, giving it a sense of volume.

There are more interviews lined up, but as a survey of hidden fall foliage routes, I think it turned out to be quite fulfilling. Please use it as a reference for your autumn foliage drive.

Interview & Text by Kazuma Tanaka

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