枝折峠, Mountain pass between Shizuoka and Kanagawa prefectures, Japan.
Shiori Toge is a mountain pass located in Niigata Prefecture in central Japan, crossing through high, rugged terrain. The road winds through sharp curves with steep slopes on either side.
During the Edo period, this pass was part of a key route linking major cities across Japan, used for trade and communication. Over time, the road was developed further to handle growing traffic.
The name of the pass refers to bare mountain peaks where vegetation grows thin at higher elevation. This open, rocky character is still visible today and gives the crossing its identity.
The road through the pass is narrow, with many blind curves fitted with mirrors to help drivers see oncoming vehicles. Take your time on each section and stay alert, especially when visibility is limited.
Beyond the pass, an unpaved track leads to abandoned transmission towers and the ruins of an old sulfur mine. Few visitors know about these sites, which show how the area was once used for industry.
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