A Drive on the Okuizumo Orochi Loop Beyond the bends, the red arch of Miino Ōhashi

As I climbed the mountain road through Okuizumo, the next bend opened onto more trees in autumn color. With my hands on the wheel and my eyes on the road, I steered gently around each turn. The open top let in a cool breeze. Driving through the mountains in the afternoon sun was such a pleasure that I wanted to count the road itself among the day’s highlights, not just the destination.

The road stretched ahead, and beyond the next bend the red arch of Miino Ōhashi came into view. As I drew closer to the bridge, framed by trees, I felt the scale of the mountains. Each broad circle of the Orochi Loop lifts the road higher, tracing a shape like Yamata no Orochi coiled twice. I’d seen the shape on the map, but now I could feel it with every turn.

After a good stretch of driving, I got out at the roadside station. From the viewpoint, the red bridge stretched beyond the road, while a pedestrian bridge with white railings stood in front of it. I’d been focused on the road as it unfolded beneath me; now I wondered where the bridges led. Looking back over the route I’d just driven was like checking my answer, and it was so much fun.

The sun lit the trees on the slopes, while the depths of the valley stayed in shadow. After taking a photo, I lowered my phone. Instead of framing only the bridge, I found myself wanting to take in the mountain and the road together. Each bend seemed to hold the time it had taken to get here. I’d come to see the autumn leaves, but by the end of the afternoon, I’d fallen for the shape of the road, too.

The roadside station also offers light meals featuring Nita rice from Okuizumo, so I’d love to include a meal in the trip. After a mountain drive, a local meal would be enough to make me happy. It’s about 50 minutes from Tojo IC via National Route 314. Next time I come, I want to plan for the drive and the view along the way, as well as when I’ll arrive.