Nishi Azuma Sky Valley

Located between the northern shore of Lake Hibara in Ura-Bandai, Fukushima Prefecture, and the famous hot springs of Shirabu Onsen in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, this approximately 17.8 km tourist road runs through the mountains of Tohoku, surrounded by lush natural beauty, providing a thrilling and scenic driving experience. The autumn foliage along this road is particularly stunning, with a tapestry of red, yellow, and deep green creating picturesque landscapes that unfold beyond the car windows.

The route crosses a mountain pass, so drivers will encounter a series of hairpin curves that require careful attention. On the south side of Shirabu Pass, there is a famous spot known as "Higashi Hachiyama Nanamagari" (Seven Curves of East Hachiyama), where the artistic curves of the road are popular among driving enthusiasts.

There are several observation parking lots along the route, which takes about 45 minutes to travel. From the observatory at Shirabu Pass, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the lush mountains of Ura-Bandai and Lake Hibara below, as well as the distant Iide and Asahi mountain ranges on clear days. There are also observatories where visitors can appreciate the beauty of waterfalls such as "Aka-taki" (Red Waterfall) and "Kuro-taki" (Black Waterfall), as well as the beauty of the ravines. Enjoy a leisurely drive through the rich natural beauty of Tohoku.