Ashiyu Driveway is a place my husband visits at least twice a week. I, too, recently made my debut at the Ashiu Driveway observation deck and am beginning to experience firsthand the charms of Ashiu. So today, my husband wrote an article on how to drive Ashiyu Driveway, which I would like to share with you.

Royu driveway

Ashiyu Driveway is a toll road consisting of about 37 corners, both large and small, and is about 10 km long. It reads, "routeIt is read as ""「"". Pronounced "ro-yu" or "ro-yu", some people say it with a slight elongation.

It was opened in 1962.Although it is a toll road, there are some residential areas in the areaIt is a rare road. In the old days, there used to be many runaways at night, and even now you can see the old runaways on YouTube, but there are fewer and fewer now, and the driveway is easily accessible from Osaka and Kobe with little traffic.

In addition, theMotorcycles are not allowed to run on weekends and holidays.So riders should be careful. This is a common regulation on other roads in the Rokko mountain range. It is time to review this kind of regulation.

I have been driving in Ashiyu for about 20 years and have been going there so often that even on weekdays I stop by before going to work.

toll

Fees may be a little complicated for first-time visitors. It costs 930 yen for a standard car to pass through the entire route, and 420 yen if you get off at the Hoden gate on the way.
Incidentally, if you go from Ashiya Gate to Higashi-Rokko Observation Deck where car lovers gather, turn around, and go out from Ashiya Gate again, the fee is 420 yen. This area is a little confusing, so let me try to clarify.

By the way.ETC and credit cards are not accepted, so don't forget to bring cash.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

Fee schedule for going to and returning from the East Rokko Observation Deck

interval	Charge
Ashiya Gate ⇔ ⑨Higashi Rokko Observation Deck	420 yen
(11) Hoden Gate ⇔ (9) East Rokko Observation Deck	420 yen
⑳有馬ゲート⇔⑨東六甲展望台	530 yen

Course Map

I made a course map for those who drive the Ashiu Driveway. And I looked up the name of each curve to explain it, but I couldn't find the information anywhere.We have taken the liberty of naming each area and corner.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.(I don't have a coda, so if you have a better name or know of one already, please comment)

(1) Ashiari Gate (Toll gate)

This is the entrance from the direction of Ashiya City.The road from the city to here is also winding, but not very enjoyable because the road is not wide and has many cat's-eyes.
The gate can be right-hand drive or left-hand drive.OKIt is. There's no bar, so you almost walk right past it.Don't forget to keep your transit tickets.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

There is a parking lot right next to the toll booth. Hikers and others may park their cars there. There are also restrooms and vending machines.
If there is a slower car in front of you, take a short break here and let them go ahead of you and wait until you get a clear lap.

(2) Akaike Corner

There is a small bridge over the creek that flows out of the Red Pond, which becomes a gentle corner at the point where the bridge is located.
In winter, the bridge can be icy.So, let's run carefully.

(iii) Okuike S

After passing Akaike Corner and continuing for a while, you will come to an S curve. Here, too, there is a bridge, so be careful of icy road surfaces in winter. After this, you will come to a residential area, so slow down.

(4) Okuike straight

This place is no longer a "I want you to think of it as 'pit road.The area passes through a residential area called Okuike, with many pedestrian crossings and hikers.
Speeding here, especially early in the morning, can be very annoying.There are still constant complaints, and occasionally a police officer comes up to the observation deck due to a neighbor's report.
This is always the place to be.Slow down, use a higher gear and pass quietly without revving the engine.If you have a 991 GT3RS, use the "Pit Speed Switch Speed Limit Function".
Also, sometimesSpeeding rat patrols and motorcycle cops can be lurking around.Therefore, you should drive safely and slowly here.

(5) Shakego Corner

The main course of Ashiu Driveway starts here.It is safe to say that it will be a It is a mid-speed corner that turns left at almost 90 degrees. It is very pleasant to drive with a car with good suspension.
The name "Shakego" is taken from the name of a place called Koshimizu Shakego Mountain in Nishinomiya City.

(6) Sha-Ye-Go Straight

After exiting the Shakego corner, a long uphill straight that includes a gentle right curve appears. On the way, there is a shelter where you can park your car and take pictures. It is especially beautiful when the leaves change color.

(7) Sha Sha Jia Gou hairpin

As you gain elevation, there is a large, gentle hairpin turn. It is one of the most scenic and very pleasant corners.

(8) Ashiyuri Loop

A circular curve of about 90R.
There is a Kanai Tunnel in the middle of the loop, and as soon as you exit it, there is an entrance/exit to the observation deck, so please be sure to go very slow.

Higashi Rokko Observatory (Oyama)

aliasOyamaWhen they say, "Today we are going up the mountain," it means, "Today we are going to the Higashi Rokko Observatory in Ashiu. When we say, 'Today I will go up the mountain,' it means, 'Today I will go to the Higashi Rokko Observation Deck in Ashiari.
Every Sunday from around 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, car enthusiasts in the Kansai region spontaneously gather at this observatory.
There is Ashiya RouteCafe here, open only on weekends and holidays, where coffee and light meals can be taken.

The night view from here isLocation of the drama Hanzawa NaokiIt is also famous for having been used as a "K" in the "K" in the "K" in the "K". It commands a panoramic view of the Osaka Plain, and under the right conditions, the Kansai International Airport, the mountains of Wakayama, and Abeno Harukas can also be seen. At night, the night view from the Osaka Plain to a part of Kobe is very beautiful.

(10) Hoden S-Curve

A gentle S curve continues.To some extent, the "fun" of a car can be determined by whether or not it can be driven lightly and comfortably here.
It is nice to run with a light flow.

(11) Hoden Gate (Toll Gate)

Exit at this tollbooth.Rokko if you go to the left, Nishinomiya City and Takarazuka City if you go to the right.You can go to
It costs 420 yen for a standard car to enter through the Ashiya gate (1) and exit here.

⑫Ashiyu Tunnel

The longest tunnel in Ashiu. Be aware that the road surface inside the tunnel is often wet even on sunny days.
Also, invariably, the car's fenders get a little dirty from the water spray.

⑬Ashiyu Esses

I named it because the section reminds me of the mountain area (The Esses) of the Mount Panorama Circuit (lol).
There is a series of fine curves that are somewhat narrow and have elevation changes, and there are also cat's-eyes, so careful steering is necessary. Do not try too hard here.

⑭ Eighteen Corners

Two almost 90-degree corners in succession along the 18-chome mountain lead to the Arima Tunnel tunnel.

(15) Arima Corner

When viewed from above, the road forms a large letter C. It is a gentle corner where you can drive comfortably.
There is a small Arima observatory on the way, from which you can see the Arima Onsen area and the direction of Sanda City.. There are also vending machines, and this is often a gathering place for people who want to enjoy the ride more. There is also a small retreat called the "Hokusetsu Observatory," which is a smaller version of the Arima Observatory, just ahead.

⑯ Arima Hairpin

It is a little scary when coming up from the Arima direction because of the reverse bank. This is a technical corner where car performance and skill come into play.

Arima Square

It is similar in shape to the corner on the Nürburgring where the mini-carousel is located, but when viewed from above, it is named after the square shape it appears to be.
At the entrance of the corner, there is a slightly larger retreat called "Kinzenji-ko Observatory," which I often use as a photo spot and consider to be like the "Goshono-iri Parking Lot" on the Hakone Turnpike.

S-Chuan, Jinqingqiao S-Chuan

It's an S-curve near a road bridge called Kim Kyung Bridge. There are some elevation changes and it is very enjoyable.
The Kankei Bridge is similar to the Hozuki Bridge on the Hakone Turnpike, but much smaller. It could be called a "mini Hozuki Bridge. It is said to be the only road bridge in Japan where aluminum alloy was used as a structural strength material.

(19) Zuihoji Curve

A few gentle curves continue towards the Arima gate. It is very easy and pleasant to drive. On the way, there is a blue sign that says "Toll booth 200m ahead.

⑳有馬ゲート（料金所）

Once you leave here, it is a short drive to Arima Onsen. Passage from the Ashiya gate (1) to here will cost 930 yen one way for a standard car.

Let's protect this one.

While the Ashiu Driveway is a pleasant road to drive on.Not on the circuit, of course.The road is a public road. It is a public road on which tourists, buses, and local residents' cars also drive. Needless to say, one wrong move could result in a serious accident.When driving, allow plenty of safety margins and drive in a manner that does not inconvenience other vehicles.As anyone who has driven on a circuit knows well, it is really dangerous to fly insanely on public roads.

Also, as mentioned above, especially the section of (4) Okuike StraightNever, ever, ever skip it........ We strongly urge you to drive as quietly and slowly as possible, as it will disturb the neighborhood.

Ashiu Driveway isA true "holy land" for car lovers in the Kansai region.It is.
I hope that this sacred place will continue to be a social gathering place for car enthusiasts for many years to come, and I hope that you will enjoy the event while observing the rules and manners.

Click here for Google Map version.