【Seeking Coolness】林道ドライブ！Touring from Kaburabushi Pass to Ryuonji on the Oku Musashi Green Line.

Heading towards the Okumusashi Green Line that runs along the ridges of the Chichibu Mountain Range. I've come here for a drive in search of coolness and beautiful scenery. Let's follow the popular course that leads to the breathtaking views at Kawabiridō and the moss-covered Ryūondō Temple.

Driving from National Route 299 to the Okumusashi Green Line and then to Kaburabushi Pass

To enjoy a carefree drive, I head towards Chichibu while running along National Route 299! This time, I aim for Kaburabushi Pass from the forestry road of the nature-rich driving course along Route 299, the Okumusashi Green Line.

After passing through the tunnel on the national road, the sign for Kaburabushi Pass appears, and the forestry road starts from where I turn right.

Though it is still June, it is a hot day like summer. As I turn the steering wheel to enter the forestry road from the scorching asphalt of the national road, a cool breeze flows in through the open window, and it feels really nice.

A breathtaking spot to enjoy at Kaburabushi Pass

As I drive along the mountain roads and pass through a settlement, I can see the tea house at Kaburabushi Pass. A few cars are parked along the road, and I can spot several drive customers and riders.

Beyond this path, several mountain passes line up, continuing all the way to the final point of Sekiho Pass. The Oku Musashi Green Line branches off in various places, allowing for different routes and scenery to be enjoyed, which is one of its attractions.

The view from Kaburaburi Pass is endlessly beautiful, and you can understand why this route is so popular.

Just a short detour from the national road, you can enjoy the abundant natural scenery at Kaburaburi Pass. Its name is believed to originate from the story of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who is said to have looked back at the beautiful view of this pass while fleeing to Oshu.

It seems like a good view can be seen from the tea house seats as well. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely time with meals and drinks.

Furthermore, we continue down the forest road, heading quietly to the moss-covered Ryuuonji Temple

We drive further along the forest road towards Ryuuonji Temple located in Ogose Town. I learned through social media that there are moss-covered temples like those in Kamakura, and when I arrived, the stone-paved approach with its charming atmosphere was truly lovely.

This temple is associated with Ota Dokan, a prominent warlord said to have built Edo Castle in the Kanto region. Perhaps due to his mastery of both martial and civil arts, the buildings in the precincts are beautiful.

Nearby, a mountain stream flows, and moss grows thickly in various places surrounded by mountains, creating a good atmosphere.

The grounds also feature a statue and a grave of Ota Dokan, allowing visitors to touch upon the history of the warlord's existence.

Although the town of Ogose is a personally familiar place, learning that it once had a splendid warlord made it all the more moving.

Based on information I happened to come across, I went for a drive from Kaburabushi Pass to Ryuonji, and I realized once again that there are still many unknown spots even in familiar places. I would like to go for a drive aiming for more spots that move my heart.

Reporting/Text by Kazuma Tanaka

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