On the border between Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, and Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture
Heading to Konsei Pass Straightening My Sleeve by Konsei Tunnel and Looking Up at the Mountain
An autumn drive along Konsei Road, with a morning stop at the car park by the east entrance to Konsei Tunnel. I step out to straighten my sleeve and look up at the rocky mountainside above the autumn leaves. Route 120 links Oku-Nikko and Katashina, and I’d love to enjoy some Katashina hanamame bread along the way.
A scene from a late-October morning, when I step out of the car by the east entrance to Konsei Tunnel.
AutumnA late-October morning
Straightening My Sleeve by Konsei Tunnel and Looking Up at the Mountain
It was a late-October morning, and I’d driven up from Oku-Nikko on Route 120. I parked in the car park by the east entrance to Konsei Tunnel, where I could see the mountain’s exposed rock face ahead. I switched off the engine and stepped out, straightening the sleeve of my olive jacket. The air on my wrist was cold, nothing like the air inside the car. I think I’ll take a moment to look at the mountain in the morning light.
When I straightened my cuff and looked up, autumn leaves spread across the lower slopes. Higher up, bare rock stretched above the treetops. It was the same mountain, but it looked completely different higher up. My friend stepped out too and said, “The mountain feels so close.” I nodded and took another look at where the trees met the rock, standing in the car park.
The tunnel entrance is nearby, with lights leading into it. The tunnel is 755m long and, according to prefectural sources, opened in 1965. So part of the road over the mountain passes right through here. Suddenly, I couldn’t wait to see the road on the other side. For now, my friend and I paused to take in the morning view and remember it.
Konsei Pass is at an elevation of 2024m. Route 120 runs just below it and is said to connect Sugenuma in Katashina with Yumoto Onsen in Oku-Nikko. I pulled my jacket closer around the collar of my brown knit top. The pass itself is separate from the tunnel entrance where I’d stopped, but taking a break here made me feel like I was really out on this mountain road. The sunlit leaves swayed in the breeze as my friend and I talked.
Once we were back at the car, we could head toward Katashina next. Some flower-bean bread from Katashina sounded like a lovely souvenir for the way home. After making sure my sleeves were straight, I opened the door and talked over our next stop with my friend. I’m looking forward to the view beyond the tunnel, too. That morning’s pause to look up at the mountain was a lovely break before the next stretch of road.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
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On the border between Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, and Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture · Autumn
Local food to try on the trip
Katashina Hanamame Bread
The bread from Promenade Watanabe Confectionery is made with Katashina Village flower beans simmered until soft. I’d love to pick some up as a souvenir on the drive down to Katashina.
Highlights
Bare rock above the autumn leaves
I want to step out at the east entrance to Konsei Tunnel and look up at the mountain above the trees. Once my sleeves are straight, I love looking up at the mountain and taking in the morning air.
A national route linking Oku-Nikko and Katashina
National Route 120 runs just below Konsei Pass and forms part of the Japan Romantic Road. I’d love to enjoy the drive between Yumoto Onsen and Sugenuma.
Tunnel and pass facts
National Route 120 · Konsei Tunnel / Konsei Pass
- Konsei Tunnel length
- 755m
- Konsei Pass elevation
- 2024m
Yumoto Onsen in Oku-Nikko, the prefectural border, and Sugenuma in Katashina
Konsei Tunnel is 755m long; Konsei Pass is at an elevation of 2024m. Route 120 runs just below the pass, linking the two areas.
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