Japan Snow Drive 4K | Matsumoto to Hirayu Hot Spring on Route 158

This drive follows Route 158 from Matsumoto IC (alt. 590m) in Nagano Prefecture to Hirayu Hot Spring (alt. 1,250m) in Gifu Prefecture. The route is an alpine mountain road featuring three massive dams and numerous tunnels. A notable point of interest is the Abo Tunnel, which penetrates an active volcano to link Nagano and Gifu. This is also the primary access route to Kamikochi, a glacial valley in the Northern Japan Alps that attracts many climbers and hikers. The turn-off for Kamikochi is at 1:01:13. Please note that the road to Kamikochi is closed in winter (typically from mid-November to mid-April), and private vehicles are prohibited year-round; only authorized public transportation is permitted to enter. 🗺️ Route Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:52 Matsumoto IC to Shin-Shimashima Sta. 18:58 Shin-Shimashima Sta. to Michi no Eki Fuketsu no Sato 33:07 Michi no Eki Fuketsu no Sato to Nagawado Dam 41:06 Nagawado Dam to Junction for Norikura Highland 46:51 Norikura Junction to Sawando 50:15 Sawando to Abo Tunnel 1:02:14 Abo Tunnel 1:06:40 Abo Tunnel to Hirayu Hot spring Date: Jan 11, 2026 Google Maps route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/87SSHkh61mEcJ... Music: Swans In Flight - Asher Fulero from YouTube Audio Library #国道158号 #平湯温泉