World’s Eyes on Hokkaido Route 116 | Ancient Layers & Mikasa Geopark 北海道道116号 岩見沢三笠線 三笠ジオパークと地質の秘宝
Millions of years pressed into stone. Earth’s story told in layers. Time itself frozen beneath our feet. Step closer to the straa and feel the land formed by nature and the past. This is Hokkaido Route 116. Together with my Jeep Liberty Renegade, let’s discover what lies beyond this path. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] We are filming from Shin Shinotu direction. If you hit the Okay intersection, go straight. Then Hokkaido Route 116 officially begins. In May of 1993, Route 116 was recognized as the Iwamizawa Mikasa line as the prefectural road by the former Ministry of Construction. [Music] At this point, it crosses Okaido Route 30. [Music] Although you cannot physically see it actually on your right side, route 917 runs parallel to road 116. [Music] Oh, there is a green sign. This shows that the Mikasa interchange is ahead. On Japanese roads, you’ll often see both green and blue signs. The green ones point to entrances for expressways or tall roads, while the blue ones guide you along regular local roads. The color system is the same everywhere in Japan, even in Hokkaido. So just remember green means highway, blue means local road. So here is the highway. We have been driving east along route 116. And here we intersect with the Dooo Expressway A5 at the Mikasa interchange. On the right, the road follows the Ikushetsu River Basin. And we’re getting closer to nature. It now narrows to one lane each way. Here it comes. [Music] After passing by the road cutings, you can see the entrance of Mikasa City Museum on your right side. This museum introduces a number of fossils from the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era. You can also see some displays showing the process of how the coal industry developed in this area. And I’m very sure you will enjoy the exhibition at this museum. But since we’re exploring the road itself, so why don’t you view the backside of the museum and take a look at what ancient ruins actually have to tell us. [Music] Here are some spots we will briefly show you this time. We start from the city museum and end at Katrazawa Kamu Kota. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] There are still more spots to see. Go check them out. It’s worth it. Back on route 116. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] We are now driving through the Hakua tunnel to the other side of the mountain. Whoops. Don’t forget to look to your right for the old route. On the left, there is an abandoned road that connects to the former Yunisawa tunnel shown in red on the map. That tunnel was built in 1952 and still remains today, stretching 204 m. The purple line on the map marks the old route I mentioned earlier. It winds through the mountains in an S shape. Along this route, you’ll find a traditional hotring in called Yunamoto onen. I’ve heard their duck hot spot is amazing and I’d love to try it next time. Meanwhile, the green line indicates the forest road. So, here is a true paradise for road lovers. All right, let’s get back to the present Hakua tunnel. This one was completed in 2004 and is 157 m long. [Music] So, let’s hit the road and blast straight to Katsurawa Lake. [Music] Number [Music] three. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] [Music] In 400 m you will arrive at your destination. I hope you enjoyed this little journey with me from exploring the cretaceious layers to arriving here at Lake Katsurazawa. It has been quite a journey. This city, Mikasa, is certified as a geop park, and I feel there is still so much more to discover. Next time, I’d like to take you along the old road as well. So, please subscribe to the channel and stay tuned. [Music] [Music] [Music]
Mikasa City is certified as a Geo Park, and it shows you many sacred layers remained in a good condition. Hokkaido Route 116 (Iwamizawa Mikasa Line) , connecting between Mikasa city and Lake Katsurazawa, has several remarkable spots to visit. Take a look! It can be your next destination!
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