After we departed from Iya no Kazurabashi bridge, our aim is to reach Mt Tsurugi to hike. It's a long journey, considering the windy roads. As we drove, we oohed and ahhed at the amazing scenery. Every opportunity we had, we would stop by the side, and stare at the mountains.
A pit stop [Google map link] We came through the tunnel, caught this beauty, parked a bit further up, and walked back for 20m to catch this shot.
We got to the bridge that crossed over to Ryugugake Park. For reference, we parked on the north-east side of the bridge. On the other side of the bridge (the south-west side), there is a handful of cottages. There are numerous reviewers raving about their unique experience staying there. [Link to Tripadvisor page]. Would you be up for staying there? Website: http://www.ryugugake.com/ It's listed on Agoda.
Driving around Iya Valley is pretty scary. The windy roads are narrow, with certain segments suitable enough for one car to pass through. Drivers here are courteous. Japanese drivers apparently flash their hazard lights twice to thank other drivers.
Another amazing pit-stop we found is much further east of Iya Valley, quite close to Mt Tsurugi. [Google map link] (Hopefully the link brings you to this exact spot)
We're now getting closer to Mt Tsurugi 剣山.