Gujo City and Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Along the Hida-Mino Seseragi Road A break among the autumn leaves—and a bottle of dressing with a red cap
I parked my motorbike at Pascal Kiyomi Roadside Station in late October. In the leaf-strewn car park, I held the little bottle I'd just bought in both hands and admired it. My ride to see the autumn leaves came with a tasty souvenir, too.
Come read about my late-October break and the things to enjoy along the road.
AutumnLate October
A break among the autumn leaves—and a bottle of dressing with a red cap
In late October, the mountains seemed to shift closer and farther away as I followed the Hida-Mino Seseragi Road. I kept looking ahead; around each bend, another stretch of trees came into view. The ride from Gujo Hachiman to Hida Kiyomi is about 65km. I'd been looking forward to taking a break along the way today, too.
When I parked at Pascal Kiyomi, the damp pavement glistened beneath my feet. Cold air slipped in at the collar of my grey jacket, and I hunched my shoulders a little. I took off my helmet and looked up to find autumn leaves stretching to the far edge of the car park. Even the rest stop was beautiful enough to take my breath away.
Pascal Kiyomi sits beside the Maze River. When I walked along the river and came back, I could still hear sounds I hadn't noticed while riding. I'd meant to stop just to look at the mountains, but getting out and walking made the road I'd ridden feel closer and more familiar.
For a souvenir, I picked up a bottle of Kiyomi dressing. Beside my motorbike, I held the little bottle with its red lid in both hands and turned it to catch the light. When I bought it, I'd been thinking about the salad I'd have at home. But now, just looking at the bottle brought the mountain road back to me. It was a little funny that it had already become a memory before I'd even tasted it.
They say the autumn leaves start turning at Nishiure Pass, high in the mountains, and the colour works its way down from there. That must be why the leaves look different along the route, even on the same day. I love trips built around a single view, too, but when the road itself is full of things to see, I find myself looking forward to every bend.
I tucked the little bottle away and straightened my jacket. I let myself think about what I'd put it on once I got home, then brought my focus back to the road before setting off again. Just before I put on my helmet, I took one more look at the trees. When I open that bottle, I know I'll remember today's cold air, too.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialties
Pascal Dressing
A popular original dressing sold in the Pascal Kiyomi shop. I picked one up as a souvenir, too. Just holding the little bottle had me looking forward to meals at home.
Hida Beef and Hoba Miso Set Meal
Pascal Kiyomi also serves a set meal featuring Hida beef with hoba miso. If I got hungry after a walk along the river, this warm set meal would be tempting.
Highlights
Following clear waters for about 65km
The road runs from Gujo Hachiman to Kiyomi in Takayama City, following the Yoshida, Maze, and Kawakami Rivers. When you pause by the river after the ride, the scenery you've passed through has time to sink in.
Choosing a souvenir at Pascal Kiyomi
The roadside station has a range of dressings and sauces. Holding the little bottle in both hands, I found myself wanting to decide what I'd eat with it when I got home.
Road info
Hida-Mino Seseragi Road
- Length
- About 65km
- Elevation change
- About 700m
From Gujo Hachiman, the route heads north along the river to Kiyomi in Takayama City.
There's an elevation difference of about 700m between Gujo Hachiman and Hida Kiyomi. It makes me want to look along the route for signs of the autumn colours spreading down from the passes.
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