Heading for Yabitsu Pass When the wooden shop comes into view, pause for a breather in the Tanzawa Mountains

On a late-April morning, I drove up Prefectural Route 70 from Hadano. Each time I steered around a bend, the trees seemed to draw closer. A cool breeze brushed the sleeves of my black jacket, cooler than it had felt while I was getting ready that morning. With both hands on the wheel, I followed the road ahead. I was planning to stop for a break at Yabitsu Pass along the way.

A wooden shop came into view on the left, with a stone wall and a short flight of steps beside it. The doors were shut, and the wooden siding gleamed softly in the overcast light. I’d always pictured a big mountain view when I thought of a pass, but here the road, the shop and the forest were all close at hand. It felt as if I’d come right into the mountains, and I found myself smiling.

I pulled into the car park and switched off the engine. I could hear the wind stirring the leaves. When I got out, I drew my jacket closed. I could see a path leading up the mountain from the stone steps. Yabitsu Pass is a base for the Omote Ridge traverse, and I hear there’s a trail to Takenodai as well. There’s something lovely about knowing the place I’ve driven to can also be someone else’s starting point for a mountain walk.

I met up with my friend, and we looked back along the road from the car park. When I said, “The air feels different up here,” she took a deep breath too. This morning, rather than chasing views in the distance, I wanted to savour how close the forest felt. The wind slipped into the neckline of my lavender top, and I wanted to stay just a little longer.

On the way back, maybe I’ll pick up some Hadano peanuts to take home. I caught myself imagining my friend and me cracking open the shells as we talked about today’s drive. For now, I’m enjoying the mountain air, with a little something to look forward to when I get back to town. I’m sure the wooden shop and stone steps will come back to me as I taste the peanuts. Next time, I’d love to add a hike and come back to Tanzawa.