CAR & BIKE

2026.05.09

【Attraction of Forest Roads】Conquering the "Okumusashi Green Line" across the ridges of Saitama Prefecture! A carefree drive towards Kamabukiko - Sadamine Pass

As spring has arrived and the mountains have become easier to traverse, I took my Jimny to the most picturesque forest road. While searching for a challenging route, I became interested in experiencing the Okumusashi Green Line, which offers approximately 30km of forest roads extending from Iruma, Hannō, to Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture. What kind of scenery can be seen here?

The Okumusashi Green Line "Kamakita Lake to Saito Pass" route is perfect for driving

Spring is the season when freezing and road closures disappear, making forest road drives enjoyable. To explore a driving course that is ideal for the Jimny, known for its mountain capabilities, I headed towards the "Okumusashi Green Line" located in Saitama Prefecture. Although the official starting point is unclear, it is a paved road running about 30 km along the ridge from Kamakita Lake to Saito Pass. It offers an excellent route to experience the refreshing air of nature overflowing with greenery.

First, I went to Kamakita Lake, which is famous as a spot for fishing for crucian carp.

Kamakita Lake is an artificial lake created for irrigation water to supply farmland in the Iruma area. Its modern architectural style of the water intake management tower on the lakeshore was quite rare at the time of its construction in 1935.

Also known as a mecca for crucian carp fishing, many anglers are lined up along the pier by the lakeshore. The Okumusashi Green Line continues beyond this lakeside road where fishermen are gathered. The fact that the route name is clearly indicated on the sign suggests that this may be the starting point.

From Gongen-do Line to Oku-Musashi Green Line

Oku-Musashi Green Line is situated along the ridge and is a route where you can connect from National Route 299 and various other locations. We head along the ridge starting from this Gongen-do Line.

Soon, a steep forestry road appears, and in no time we reached a breathtaking view. There were many hikers and cyclists on the narrow path, and moving slowly is essential. While we were going at a crawl, there was a scene where an elderly hiker ahead of us nodded in greeting, making this a solitary drive, yet it felt like an unexpected connection.

Perhaps there were still few cars passing through, as fallen trees were scattered here and there. The road has various dangers, including falling rocks, but it is in such places that the unique charm of nature can be found.

This is where the Gongen-do Line, Sasagou Line, and Oku-Musashi No. 2 Line converge. The route we aim for is Oku-Musashi No. 2 Line, but there is a recommended stop spot if you go down the Sasagou Line towards the Ogose area.

The "Blue Seal" at the complex facility New Sunpia Ogose

New Sunpia Ogose also offers accommodation and leisure facilities, as well as day-use hot springs in Ogose Town. Here, there is a Blue Seal, which is famous as an ice cream shop from Okinawa. New Sunpia Ogose has a campsite, and I have visited a few times for the campsite, but it was my first time eating Blue Seal.

I chose the most popular "Shio Chinsuko" and my favorite "Chocolate & Cookies." There are seats inside, but there are also benches outside, which seem convenient to use. Let's replenish our sugar and aim for the goal.

Blue Seal New Sunpia Saitama Ogose
Location / 700 Furuike, Ogose Town, Iruma District, Saitama Prefecture
Business hours / 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM *May close at 5:00 PM depending on the store's situation.
Closed on Wednesdays *Closed if Hotel New Sunpia is closed.
TEL / 049-299-7624

The spectacular view from the Heikuro Chaya at Kakubun Pass and "TODA Cola" from Chichibu.

Arrived at the Heikuro Chaya at Kafuburi Pass, where the legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune remains. It's a place where you can enjoy meals and take a break while viewing the spectacular scenery, and the parking lot is for customers of the shop.

Greeted warmly by an elderly mother reading a magazine as I entered. While they serve light snacks centered around udon and soba, I ordered a locally sourced bottled cola for a short break. It’s a product from Toda Dairy, a beverage manufacturer with over 90 years in business located in Ogano Town, branded as “TODA Cola,” a name reminiscent of Coca-Cola. Refreshed with a crisp taste and a warm atmosphere, I replenished my energy.

Heikuro Chaya
Location: 1562 Nagasawa, Hannō City, Saitama Prefecture
Phone: 042-978-1525
Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Closed: None

The unique artificial structures and landscapes in the mountains are exciting.

You might think, "A forest road is the same anywhere, right?" but there are sceneries unique to the Oku Musashi Green Line. Personally, the most striking for me was this fire safety sign. The font and its wear are perfect. Upon closer inspection, the sign was made from a repurposed road sign.

If you turn left here, you can join Route 299, which has a magnificent solitary cherry blossom spot along the way.

We have arrived at the Kuroyama Observatory, where we can take in a panoramic view of the city. It suddenly appeared after what seemed like an unremarkable curve, prompting us to stop in haste. The journey is mostly through a dense forest road, but as we head toward the peak, the bright scenery that comes into view is quite pleasant.

There is also art that utilizes moss. I want to take photos, but it's tough as it seems like I might block the road with the car. This is something found around the area past the Hanatate Matsuno Pass, but it also exists near the Karibazaka Pass.

After crossing the Iimori Pass, we encountered a hairpin turn with an elevation difference. This area is the midpoint of the route, and perhaps due to changes in vegetation, the fresh greenery stands out, creating a refreshing atmosphere. The variety might be the charm of the Oku Musashi Green Line, making it "never boring to drive."

Karibazaka Pass, the confluence point of National Route 299 and Oku Musashi Route 1.

Karibazaka Pass, where it merges with Oku Musashi Route 1. It's a point at the northern end of Hannō City, as indicated by the sign for Hannō. It connects to the revered Shōmaru Pass from Initial D, so many visitors might come as a set. You can also descend to National Route 299, making it a significant junction. I feel like other cars, aside from mine, have become more noticeable.

Arrived at Difei Pass! Completed the Oku Musashi Green Line

Arrived at Shiraishi Pass. It is the starting point of Oku Musashi Route 1, and I thought this was the endpoint of the Oku Musashi Green Line, but after running along the Natarra Line heading towards Difei Pass, it seems that the area near the tea house at the pass can be considered the endpoint. I couldn't find formal information about the starting and ending points or the official Oku Musashi Green Line details, but looking at the Saitama Prefecture website, it became clear that this route was originally a "pilgrimage path" to visit temples along the ridge, and it was a very prosperous place (road). The tea houses that are scattered along the route might be a remnant of that.

Finally arrived at the tea house at Difei Pass. I thought 30 km would be long, but surprisingly I was able to complete it easily. With this, I have fully run the Oku Musashi Green Line.

The cold brew coffee at the tea house at Difei Pass is exquisite. This time I opted for hot. I'm also healed by the warm hospitality of the owner. The Oku Musashi Green Line is a route that is satisfying to run but has many branching points, so it's a nice feature that you can change your destination based on your mood. You can also enjoy the wild feel characteristic of forest roads, making it an excellent driving route. I would like to drive my Jimny here as a break from writing.

Difei Pass Tea House
Location: 311 Shiraishi, Higashichichibu Village, Chichibu County, Saitama Prefecture
Phone: 0493-82-0659
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Regular Holidays: None

Interview/Text by Kazuma Tanaka

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