Solo Touring in a Porsche 911

To visit the Porsche Experience Center Tokyo, my family had come to Yokohama with the Cayenne and 911 (991 early model Carrera 4 GTS), but the next day, our family trip officially ended with everyone going their separate ways at the hotel in Yokohama.

As soon as I finished breakfast at the hotel, I quickly packed my belongings into the 911, checked out alone, and left my family behind. Suppressing my excitement, I sped through the streets of Minato Mirai in the 911, heading straight for Shinshu.

That weekend was just after the state of emergency had been lifted, so the highways were very congested.

There were accident-related and natural traffic jams here and there, making progress slow and frustrating.

Google Maps’ navigation guided me through unfamiliar backstreets in Sagamihara City, but I wasn’t convinced it was actually saving time.

For now, I got on the Chuo Expressway at Sagamiko IC after the traffic jam ended, aiming for Kobuchizawa IC. As I headed north, traffic thinned out and I enjoyed a comfortable cruise. Compared to the 981 Boxster, the 911 is a bit quieter at highway speeds, and with the sport exhaust off, the cabin is surprisingly comfortable for a sports car.

When the road opens up, switching to Sport mode and pressing the accelerator brings the raucous GTS sound roaring from the rear. Even in the coupe, the sound symposer lets you hear it clearly inside. The intake, exhaust, and mechanical noises blend in perfect harmony—a true “6-cylinder orchestra.” Enjoying this symphony, the 911 eagerly headed toward the Yatsugatake Kogen Line.

Driving Around Yatsugatake

Traffic was heavy around Yatsugatake since it was Saturday. Slow cars ahead blocked the way, but the autumn leaves lining the roads were at their peak, making it a perfect scenic drive.

Taking Route 141 past Lake Matsubara, I climbed elevation on the Yatsugatake View Road. I had driven this route before in a Note e-power NISMO S, but the 911 gave it a completely different feel. The overwhelming stability of the Carrera 4 makes uphill corners feel like flat roads.

The PTM (Porsche Traction Management system) instantly adjusts torque distribution front to rear, making corner exits feel free of any drive loss. Thanks to PTV Plus (Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus), the car’s orientation changes instantly as if it were a mid-engine, easily clearing every corner. Driving the Carrera 4 GTS almost tricks you into thinking you’ve become a better driver.

Around Kusamugi Pass, snow was piled beside the road and the outside temperature had dropped below 7°C. Since grip on summer tires drops significantly below 7°C, I slowed my pace and descended toward Tateshina.

To Utsukushigahara via Venus Line

From Tateshina, I climbed again toward the summit on the Venus Line. Every scenic lookout was crowded, so I passed them by except for Fujimidai, which was surprisingly empty, where I took a short break.

Indeed, this road is one of Japan’s finest. Both the scenery and the road are superb.

From Kirigamine, I headed toward Utsukushigahara. With dusk approaching, I couldn’t linger long.

There were few cars heading to Utsukushigahara at this hour, so the Venus Line was almost all mine. I passed a bright red Mazda Roadster, which matched the scenery beautifully and left a lasting impression. Later, I found out via Instagram it was a blog reader. Encounters like this, where readers say “I saw you,” have been increasing every year, which is very encouraging.

Utsukushigahara was cold and windy, so I left early and headed back toward Suwa Lake, where I would stay for the night.

Heading Toward Toyama

On the morning of the second day, I was scheduled to meet a group including wata near Toyama. I figured arriving around noon for lunch would be fine, so I took some time to sightsee around Suwa Lake and detour along Shinonome Road before heading west on Route 158.

Then I received a message on my phone: the meeting was moved up to 11 a.m. The navigation showed I’d arrive around 12:15, so I was definitely going to be late.

I hurried on, but there was no way I’d make 11 a.m. Then I got word that one Porsche in the group was stuck at a gas station due to trouble.

Maybe I could still make it.

With that hope, I kicked up gravel racing up the old road of Abo Pass, shaking off a pursuing Impreza. Just as I merged back onto the new road after the pass, I got a message: “We decided to leave the broken car behind.”

It was over. I wouldn’t make it.

I apologized to the group and had to give up on meeting up. I regretted not leaving earlier and skipping detours, which might have gotten me there on time.

Arimine Forest Road

Refocused, I aimed for Lake Arimine. I had long wanted to drive the Arimine Forest Road. From Route 471, I entered the “Hietsu Kogen Ten no Yugao Road.” It’s a fantastic road. This was easily the best driving road of the trip.

Traffic was almost nonexistent up to the Arimine Forest Road toll booth. The pavement was good, with a mix of straight sections and winding curves, making it a joy to drive. In Sport mode, using the paddles, I blasted through 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears. The “Gwoooon!” sound from around 3000 rpm is unique to the GTS—a magnificent roar.

While the GT3’s thrilling sound only comes above 4000 rpm or higher, the GTS lets you enjoy great sound from around 3000 to 4000 rpm. Of course, the GT3 dominates at high revs, but being able to hear such a great sound at everyday speeds is an unmatched pleasure.

After paying the 1900 yen toll at the Arimine Forest Road booth, I entered the toll road section. The roads around the lake are somewhat narrow with many blind corners, so caution for oncoming cars is necessary. I encountered oncoming vehicles suddenly several times, so it’s best to drive carefully here.

Beyond Lake Arimine, heading toward Toyama, the road widens and becomes very comfortable. The autumn colors are beautiful, making it a wonderful sightseeing route.

From Noto Island to Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

Entering Toyama, I headed for Nanao City. Crossing the Notojima Bridge, I reached Noto Island. I wanted to explore Noto Island more leisurely, but since I wanted to arrive at Chirihama Nagisa Driveway by sunset, I kept sightseeing brief and enjoyed a spirited run on K257, crossed the Twin Bridge Noto, then took K48 and K249—all famous, very enjoyable roads.

By the time I arrived at Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, the sun was setting, painting a beautiful evening sky.

I had visited here before in a GT3, so the memory was fresh. This place is always amazing—one of the most spectacular scenic spots. With no guardrails and only the sea as a backdrop, it’s one of the few places in Japan where you can photograph your car like this.

I spent time quietly until the sun set. Being alone in the car, a private space, calming my mind and reflecting inward, was very soothing. It’s a great time to organize thoughts about work and life.

With the twilight-lit Sea of Japan beside me, I headed south on the Noto Satoyama Kaido toward a hotel in Hakusan City, ending the second day of touring.