Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley A break at Shirabu Pass to take in the autumn trees and the lake

I parked the red car in the car park at Shirabu Pass and closed the door. Even with my jacket on and a scarf around my neck, the air outside felt cool against my cheeks. I cupped my hands near my mouth and blew into them. The autumn trees beyond the stone wall caught my eye, and I kept looking at them a little longer as my hands warmed up.

I drew the front of my checked jacket together and tucked my chin into my scarf. Through the autumn leaves, I could see patches of sky. As I followed the leaves swaying in the wind, I found myself reluctant to get back in the car. I got to see this view because I'd come all the way up to Shirabu Pass. I had only meant to stop in the car park for a short break, but I found I really loved standing there in front of those trees.

Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley, the road I'd driven to get here, runs 17.8km between Shirabu Onsen and the north shore of Lake Hibara. I kept my eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel through the bends as I climbed. My driving friend had arrived before me and asked, “Are your hands warm now?” “Yeah. I want to go to the lookout too,” I said. Then we headed off together to take in the distant scenery.

From the Shirabu Pass lookout, you can see Lake Hibara and Mt. Bandai. Just moments ago, the trees had filled my view; then the lake and mountain opened up in front of me, and I caught my breath. I hadn't known a view like this was waiting for me! I looked out across the lake and up toward the mountain, my heart full of gratitude that we'd made time to stop at the pass.

Even after I got back to the car park, I couldn't get into the car right away. I wanted one more look at the fall colors in front of me. My friend laughed and said, “You were just looking at them a minute ago.” “They look different after seeing the lake,” I replied. I'd driven the road, gone up to the lookout, and come back down. Standing in front of the same trees, I was much more reluctant to leave than when I first arrived.

Shirabu Onsen has 100% apple juice made from Yonezawa apples. If I picked some up as a souvenir on the way home, I could remember today's drive whenever I drank it. As we talked about bringing it home, I straightened my scarf one last time and returned to the car. I want to remember both the time I spent admiring the autumn trees up close and the surprise of seeing Lake Hibara from the lookout. Autumn at Shirabu Pass makes even a break along the drive feel like part of the fun.