Boundary between Bihoro and Teshikaga
Bihoro Pass An island in the lake, and the pass’s ageimo in my hand
At Bihoro Pass, I’d like to enjoy the view down over Lake Kussharo together with the local ageimo fried potatoes. On an autumn afternoon, I savour them slowly, bite by bite, while looking at Nakajima in the middle of the lake.
An autumn scene in early October. I’d like to look at the lake and Nakajima in the afternoon from the pass.
AutumnAn afternoon in early October
An autumn afternoon with ageimo and the lake
One afternoon in early October, I got out of the car at Bihoro Pass. Wearing my rose-coloured quilted jacket, I held the bag of ageimo I’d chosen at the roadside station. As I walked towards the lookout, the lake came into view beyond the slopes covered in bamboo grass.
Nakajima lay broad in the middle of Lake Kussharo. From the shore to the island, then to the mountains beyond, every shift of my gaze farther away helped me understand the lake’s size. Still holding the ageimo, I first found myself absorbed in the view.
A bite revealed a fluffy potato inside the coating. The autumn breeze on my cheeks and the warmth in my mouth felt just right together, making me want another bite. Looking at the lake and enjoying the potato: there was time to take both slowly.
Apparently this lookout is 525 m above sea level. Remembering the road I’d driven, then looking at the lake, gave me a sense of the height of the pass where I stood. After looking far into the distance, I liked watching the nearby bamboo grass sway in the wind too.
Under the right conditions, a sea of clouds can sometimes cover the lake here in the early morning. Today it was afternoon and the lake was clearly visible; I even noticed the shape of Nakajima’s shore. Thinking about what time to come next, I was also looking forward to the other ageimo in my bag.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Bihoro Pass ageimo fried potatoes
A much-loved speciality at Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass roadside station, sold 2 pieces to a bag. After a bite, the autumn breeze against my cheeks and the warmth in my mouth felt just right, and I wanted to keep eating while looking at the lake.
Highlights
The view of Lake Kussharo and Nakajima
From the lake’s surface to the island and the mountains beyond. I’d like to enjoy the caldera lake’s breadth while moving my gaze into the distance.
Ageimo at the pass
A local speciality featured by the roadside station. I’d like to pair a potato snack with a break to enjoy the view.
Road and trip details
Route 243 — Bihoro Pass
- By car from JR Mashu Station
- About 30 minutes
- Lookout elevation
- 525m
A pass overlooking Lake Kussharo on the boundary between Bihoro and Teshikaga.
A break at the pass on Route 243. The official guide estimates about 30 minutes by car from JR Mashu Station.
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