【#Let's Stick Forest Road Signs with Our Beloved Cars】A drive in my Jimny to Saitama Prefecture to quietly search for aesthetic appeal

Inspired by the hashtag "#Let's Stick Forest Road Signs with Our Beloved Cars" I saw on X, I aimlessly drove to capture my beloved car: a JA22 Jimny with the forest road signs around Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture. I encountered landscapes different from the usual ones.

The course aims for compactly hopping between forest road signposts

The overall picture of the intended course starts from the Amanohashidate Pass located in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, then goes to Karibasaka Pass, turns back towards Sho-maruyama Pass, and returns again towards Lake Naguri. Since the objective is the forest road signs, the plan is to compactly hop between passes that merge with forest roads for photography.

The starting point is Amanohashidate Pass

Amanohashidate Pass is located on Prefectural Road 395, which merges as you travel along Prefectural Road 53 along the Iruma River. The well-known (for car enthusiasts!?) "Pass Sticker" was just released in January 2026, making this spot increasingly popular. Although there is no forest road sign at the entrance, there is a sign indicating road information.

This pass has a narrow road width and an elevation difference, with a route that continues with tight winding roads. The surface is marked with countless tire tracks, indicating that many car (driving) enthusiasts have visited.

Near the peak, the atmosphere is quiet and full of local charm; however, descending further connects to the main road, Route 299.

I got the "Kono-Yama Line" sign standing alongside the worn-out signboard

I discovered the "Kono-Yama Line" sign that leads to Kono-Gongen at Yamadera. The aged signs lined up create a very nice atmosphere. The Kono-Yama Line, aiming for Kono-Gongen, has become well-known as a road bike hill climb course, also famous for its "steep slopes" exceeding a gradient of 20%.

Although there were several signs in the residential area ahead, it was difficult to stop on the narrow roads, so I passed through in my Jimny. I continued ahead and merged onto Route 299.

I arrived at the sign for the Karibasaka Line at the junction of the Seiomaru Pass and Karibasaka Pass. The green inverted triangle and the mountain road combined with my beloved car gives a wild vibe and looks great. For now, I plan to head towards the top of the Karibasaka Line and then return here to head for the Seiomaru Pass.

I was surprised by the number of oncoming cars, even on a weekday. After overcoming a series of hairpin turns with elevation changes, there was a view overlooking a deep valley. Along the way, there was also moss art, which made me understand why this route is popular for driving.

I have arrived at the top of the Karibasaka Pass!

At the summit, there is also a breathtaking view, and while stopped, motorcycles and cars come one after another. This is a popular spot where you can see the stunning scenery toward Ogose. You can enjoy the sense of achievement from getting the forest road sign and the refreshing mountain air of spring, making it very rejuvenating.

Kamba-zaka Pass is the confluence point of the Okumusashi Green Line, and most of the vehicles that come are heading toward the end point of Route 2 in Okumusashi. The Green Line, which runs along the ridge, is perfect for a refreshing spring drive, and since it merges with various forest roads, it might be a good idea to head there in search of forest road signs. On this day, I'm aiming for Shomaru Pass, so I will return the way I came.

The road closure at Shomaru Pass has been lifted, heading toward Naguri.

Arriving at the top of Shomaru Pass, where Okumura Chaya is located. The road leading toward Naguri had been closed until November 2025. I visited this place during a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Initial D when it was closed, but it's been a while since I can head this way again.

Obtained charming wooden signs for "Nagai Valley Line" and "Shobugai Line."

There is a forest road sign at the point where it merges with Prefectural Road 53 again. This Nagai Valley Line seems to be a hiking course, and there were maps and various signs.

The signs around here are made of wood, which makes them blend well with nature. It is interesting to find that there are variations in the forest road signs when you take a look around.

I also discovered a wooden "Shobuga-Iri Line" sign nearby, and that concluded my search for signs here. There were several others on the way back to Prefectural Road 53 heading to Lake Naguri, so it seems easy to hop from one forest road sign to another if you run around the Hannō area. It might be a hidden gem for forest road signs.

Enjoying yamame at the diner at the Arima Valley Tourist Fishing Spot

I might have visited at a bad time, as I couldn't find a place to eat. In such a situation, the diner at the Arima Valley Tourist Fishing Spot was open. I came looking for wild boar udon, but unfortunately, it was no longer being served. They said they had either grilled yamame or rainbow trout, so I ordered the yamame.

I have been to this cafeteria several times, and I am always comforted by the cheerful service from the staff and the beautiful scenery of the valley. The taste of the freshly grilled Yamame, prepared after ordering, is fragrant and exquisite. By focusing on the forest road signs, I was able to gain "healing" rather than just "aesthetic appeal." When I decided on a theme and drove to familiar spots, I found it unexpectedly fun.

Arima Keikoku Tourist Fishing Spot
Location: 1811-1 Shimonaguri, Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture
TEL: 042-979-0569
Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: None

Interview and Text: Kazuma Tanaka

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