Mikuni Pass

The pass is located on the border between Kamikawa Town and Kamishihoro Town on Route 273, and the name Mikuni (“three provinces”) is said to have come from its location on the border between the old provinces of Ishikari no Kuni, Tokachi no Kuni, and Kitami no Kuni. The elevation of the pass is 1139m, making it the highest pass in Hokkaido that is passable by car. At the top of the pass, which overlooks the Tokachi side, there is a souvenir shop, toilets, and a parking lot, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the large sea of trees stretching over a basin that resembles a giant mortar. On the descent from the top to the Tokachi side, the road itself, with its large curves, is as beautiful as a picture.