A drive through the Higashi-Akatani arched road galleries Shade beneath the arches, sunlight across the road

On a June morning, I left Shibata and headed into the mountains along Prefectural Route 335, the Takidani-Kami-Akatani Line. With the roof down on my red car, I headed for the galleries ahead. Both hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, I drove in—and the air on my sunlit cheeks suddenly felt cool.

Ahead of me, concrete arches receded one after another. Openings like windows let light through, laying bright bands across the road. As I drove, one band slipped past, and the next arch's shade fell over me. It was such a different sight from an ordinary mountain road that I found myself sitting a little straighter.

Inside the galleries, the engine sounded louder than before. I kept my eyes on the road, watching the arches continue ahead and the bright exit in the distance. I could feel the air on my bare arms, with the concrete roof above my head. In an open-top car, you can really feel the difference between inside and out.

I learned that this was once part of the freight line for the Akatani Mine. After the railway closed, the route was turned into a road for cars. Now I'm driving where trains once ran. Thinking about that gives the arches ahead a whole new feel.

These galleries work like a roof, shielding the road from snow coming down the mountains. In June, I could see greenery through the openings, with sunlight reaching the pavement. As the bright exit drew closer, the outside air seemed to return. I meant to just drive through, but it became the kind of road I wanted to remember for its sounds and cool air, too.

Once I'm out of the mountains, I want to pick up sasa dango back in Shibata. The ones from Takadaya, made with plenty of mugwort, have caught my eye. I'm looking forward to unwrapping the bamboo leaves while talking about that morning's drive. Little detours like this leave me with more moments to share when I get home.