Hida Seseragi Kaido is a scenic driving route approximately 64 kilometers long, stretching from Hachiman-cho in Gujo City through the Meiho area of Gujo City to Mikka-machi in Kiyomi-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. The route offers beautiful seasonal scenery as well as numerous places where visitors can experience the region’s history and culture, making it ideal for scenic drives and motorcycle touring. It is also known as Hida-Mino Seseragi Kaido or simply Seseragi Kaido.
Following the clear waters of the Yoshida, Maze, and Kawakami rivers, the road is recognized as one of the Tokai region’s outstanding long-distance scenic driving routes. Visitors can enjoy magnificent natural scenery throughout the year, from fresh green foliage in spring and early summer to brilliant autumn colors.
The road runs roughly north to south through the central part of Kiyomi-cho, where lush forests and the gentle sound of flowing streams create a peaceful atmosphere. Natural forests of Japanese beech and mizunara oak remain along the route, allowing visitors to experience the changing seasons up close.
Parking areas are available at places such as Nishiu-re Pass and Komorebi Plaza, where visitors can stop for a break and enjoy forest bathing. The autumn foliage is particularly beautiful from late October through the end of November, while the fresh greenery of June and July brings a refreshing sense of coolness.
Hida Seseragi Kaido connects Gujo Hachiman with Hida Takayama, a historic destination often called a “Little Kyoto” for its streetscapes that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1868).
Notable attractions along the route include Okura Falls and the roadside station Pascal Kiyomi. Ski resorts, including Meiho Ski Resort and Outdoor Inn Motai Ski Resort, are also located nearby, making the area popular with visitors throughout the year.
The route consists of Gifu Prefectural Route 73 (Takayama-Kiyomi Line), National Route 257, National Route 472, and National Route 256.
Beginning at the junction with National Route 158, the road follows Prefectural Route 73 through Kiyomi-cho, Takayama City, as far as Naradani. From Naradani to Ohara in Kiyomi-cho, it follows National Route 257, which overlaps with National Route 472. From Ohara to Shimadani in Hachiman-cho, Gujo City, it follows National Route 472, before continuing along National Route 256, which also overlaps with National Route 472.
Before the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway was extended to Hida-Kiyomi Interchange, this road served as a major access route connecting the Gujo Hachiman and Gifu areas with Takayama. It once carried substantial volumes of traffic between these destinations.
The entire route passes through the mountainous forests of the Hida Highlands, following rivers and streams of various sizes. With an elevation difference of approximately 700 meters, it is a mountain road where main rivers, tributaries, and sometimes even headwater streams flow close to the roadside.
North of Nishiu-re Pass, the road follows the valley of the Kawakami River, a tributary of the Miya River, which forms the upper reaches of the Jinzu River. Around the midpoint of the route, near Roadside Station Pascal Kiyomi, the road follows the Maze River southward. It then crosses Sakamoto Pass through the Sakamoto Tunnel, near the boundary between Kiyomi-cho and the Meiho area of Gujo City, before descending along the Yoshida River valley toward Jonan-cho in central Gujo Hachiman.
Near both ends of the route, the road passes through towns and agricultural fields. There are relatively few sharp curves, while the areas around Nishiu-re Pass are characterized by extensive broadleaf forests. The road is widely known as one of Gifu Prefecture’s premier autumn foliage destinations. Near Nishiu-re Pass, the route’s highest point, visitors can also see forests of Japanese white birch and Japanese larch.
Traveling through the mountainous areas of northern Gifu Prefecture, visitors can enjoy clear rivers, forested slopes, and expansive mountain landscapes.
In autumn, the surrounding mountains turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The area around Nishiu-re Pass is especially famous for its spectacular views.
The route also offers opportunities to discover historic townscapes, old temples, shrines, and other cultural sites that preserve the atmosphere of earlier times.
The road is generally well maintained, with relatively few traffic lights and sharp hairpin bends. Its scenic stretches make it an appealing destination for both drivers and motorcycle enthusiasts. As with any mountain road, however, visitors should drive carefully and adjust their speed to road and weather conditions.
Located at an elevation of 1,113 meters, Nishiu-re Pass is the highest point on Hida Seseragi Kaido. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests from this scenic location.
With a drop of approximately 30 meters, Okura Falls is an impressive natural attraction. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of the waterfall and explore the surrounding forest trails.
This roadside station sells local specialties and souvenirs and features a restaurant, making it a convenient place to rest during a drive.
Gujo Hachiman Castle preserves the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese castle. From the main keep, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the historic town of Gujo Hachiman.
The Gujo Hachiman area has several well-known cherry blossom viewing spots, including Gujo Hachiman Castle. From late April through around Golden Week in early May, the moss phlox fields at the Kunita Family’s garden in Meiho are typically in full bloom, creating a vivid pink carpet across the landscape.
The Meiho area, located around the middle of the route, is popular for camping and other outdoor activities. At Roadside Station Meiho, located in Surusumi-no-Sato Park, visitors can sample local specialties and regional dishes.
Farther toward Hida-Kiyomi, Hida Kiyomi Lavender Park offers seasonal lavender and herb fields, providing another attractive stop during the summer months.
From mid-October to early November, autumn colors spread across the mountains along the route. One of the highlights is the gradual change in foliage between Nishiu-re Pass and Gujo Hachiman, where visitors can enjoy a succession of beautiful autumn landscapes.
Ski resorts and hot springs make the area appealing during winter. One notable destination is Meiho Onsen Yuseikan, the route’s only natural hot spring facility. Visitors can relax in its outdoor and indoor baths or enjoy the stone sauna.
The Meiho area has numerous restaurants where visitors can enjoy local specialties and traditional regional cuisine. At Roadside Station Meiho, visitors can purchase Meiho Ham, a locally produced ham, and sample dishes associated with Gujo’s food culture. The station is also a popular place for drivers to take a break and enjoy a meal.
Wood Forum Hida serves as a tourism information hub for the Hida Kiyomi area. Its grounds include a grassy open space and a café-restaurant, making it a pleasant place to stop, relax, and gather information about nearby attractions.
Located along this scenic route, Okura Falls Forest Park offers visitors the chance to experience the region’s rich natural environment. The park centers on Okura Falls, which drops approximately 30 meters, and provides opportunities to walk through the surrounding forest and enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery.