Abo Pass

A pass located between Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture and Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Situated 1,800 meters above sea level, the pass is a stunning place from which to view sweeping scenery of the Hida Mountains (Northern Alps). A parking area is located at the end of the pass’s climb, and the view from here is spectacular. Visitors driving along the pass can enjoy the beautiful forms of Mt. Yakedake and Mt. Hotakadake, selected as two of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains, and take pictures of mountains some 3,000 meters high. Currently the Abo-Toge Road is the primary pass route, but an older road is also style used by many for touring. Note that the pass is closed to traffic in winter from mid-November to May.