Driving the Odaigahara Driveway Tighten your pack straps at the end of the road, then head into the autumn forest

I turned off National Route 169 onto the road to Odaigahara. As the road climbed from the streamside toward the ridge, I felt more and more like I was deep in the mountains. Keeping my eyes on the road and my hands on the wheel, I couldn’t wait to step out and breathe the mountain air at the car park. I’d been looking forward all day to a walk in the mountains in mid-October.

Once I’d parked at the end of the road, I could see autumn trees around the wooden building. When I opened the door, cold air brushed my cheeks. I was glad I’d brought my jacket. Just getting out of the car changed my whole mood; I hadn’t even started walking, and I already wanted to head straight into the forest.

I tugged both shoulder straps until the backpack sat snug against my back. Usually, I take in the scenery from the car; today I was setting off on foot to see what lay beyond. I laughed at myself for checking my boot laces in the car park. When I’m excited about a day out, I put extra care into even the little things before setting off.

Once I stepped into the forest at Higashi-Odai, even the sound of my footsteps changed. I stopped between the trees and looked up. The branches and leaves were so much closer than they’d looked from the car park. I started noticing details I’d never have spotted from the road, and before I knew it, my pace had slowed.

I’ve heard the view from the Hidegatake observation deck takes in the Omine and Daiko mountain ranges and the Kumano Sea. Just imagining the view that lay ahead made the forest trail part of the pleasure of the journey. As I wondered how far I might walk today, I kept taking in the trees one by one.

By the time I returned to the car park, even the spot where I’d tightened my backpack straps that morning already felt like a fond memory. It was the same building I’d seen on arrival, but after walking through the forest, it felt good to be back. I sank into the driver’s seat and let out a long breath. I left already wanting to drive back up into these mountains.