【Exploring with Jimny】Towards the steep forest road ahead! A yet unseen scenic spot at Chichibu's Kōreizan viewpoint

I headed to Higashi-Chichibu Village in my beloved JA22W Jimny to see a hidden scenic spot in Chichibu that I stumbled upon on SNS. Beyond a very steep and harsh forest road, there was a breathtaking scenic spot I had never seen before!

While stopping by the ranch, I headed towards the forest road

and arrived in Higashichichibu Village aiming for a scenic spot. Following the navigation, I found that a ranch view had suddenly spread around me, and it was already a good sight. However, I am worried because while the weather was nice until I got here, it suddenly became cloudy.

I stopped by a ranch along the road. I was surprised to find a cow shed right next to the parking lot! Unfortunately, this day was the regular holiday for the ranch facilities, but I could still see the cows relaxing right in front of me.

Originally, I was planning to see various animals and eat soft serve ice cream here, but unfortunately. The ranch is not too far from the center of Chichibu, so I decided to come back when they are open and continued on my way.

I thought it would be a casual spot, but… a harsh forest road was waiting.

The scenic spot was imagined to be very close after passing the ranch, so I thought it would be an easy place to access. However, a surprisingly steep forest road appeared, with a road width that made it difficult to pass. Additionally, there were very few curved mirrors installed, making visibility extremely poor. I proceeded cautiously while also being careful about potentially going off the road.

I have driven on many forest roads before, but this is one of the scariest.

As I continued along the forest road, the path suddenly opened up, and I arrived at the observation deck. At that moment, the sky suddenly became cloudy, and I was worried about the visibility due to the fog…

Nevertheless, a sense of openness spread out before me. Normally, I should be able to see a clear panoramic view of the mountains in sunlight, but this is still a splendid view.

For me, Chichibu is a familiar place, but I did not know there was such an open scenic spot.

At this Kōrei Mountain observation deck, there is a pink post that asks for donations. This post was also the reason I came here. Its retro shape and vivid pink color are cute.

It seems that being able to drive directly to the scenic spot without having to walk is thanks to the efforts of the locals.

On the way back, I took an even steeper forest road to the roadside station.

Since it wasn't interesting to return the same way I came, I chose a different path and encountered an unexpected ruggedness! I ended up taking a local road that only locals use, and I descended the mountain feeling more fear than on the way up.

It was a steep mountain road, but along the way, there was a beautiful stream and nature was stunning. There are various beautiful streams in Chichibu, making it enjoyable to drive around.

As I descended to the base, sweating cold, I stopped by a roadside station. Even though it was a weekday, there were many cars parked, and it was very lively.

There was a rest house attached, and next to it was an onigiri shop. Looking to the side, I unexpectedly discovered a poster for soft-serve ice cream that I had seen on a farm!

I was able to encounter the rich milk soft-serve ice cream that I had missed out on! The sugar was a blessing for my tired body after the mountain pass. The creamy milk flavor was delicious, just as the name suggested, and it uplifted my spirits.

What I intended to be a leisurely spot tour unexpectedly turned into a harsh drive. When you drive toward unseen scenery, it leaves an unexpected impression of the journey.

Interview/Article by Kazuma Tanaka

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