Enjoying the Okayama Wide-Area Farm Roads from Tsuyama

Following up on the previous touring report, this time I’d like to share the wide-area farm roads of Okayama and Hiroshima.

Mornings in Tsuyama often bring thick fog. The last time was foggy as well, and this morning the mist is deep again.

After getting ready at the hotel, the fog cleared and the sun began to peek through by the time I was about to leave. The freshly washed 911, sleeping in the parking lot, was already damp with dew. I started the engine and warmed up the car lightly inside while checking the route on the touring map.

When in Tsuyama, you simply can’t miss driving the Mimasaka Yamanami Kaido, so naturally I planned to drive it, and from there I chose a route that also includes the Oku-Kibi Kaido and Kagura Kaido, the three famous roads of Okayama.

It was my first time driving the Yamanami Kaido early in the morning. The air was crisp and clear, and although this road already has very little traffic, in the morning it’s even quieter. With the road all to myself, I didn’t hesitate to push the 911 hard, blasting through in Sport Plus mode.

The temperature was quite low and the road was semi-wet, but the Pilot Alpin PA4 tires gripped the surface superbly without letting go. Shifting repeatedly between 3rd and 4th gears, then back down to 3rd and 2nd more than necessary, the thrill of driving was pure joy.

After that, I sped along the usual Oku-Kibi Kaido and then headed straight onto Kagura Kaido. After covering about 100 km of these “heavenly” roads, I was definitely full.

I was more than satisfied with how much driving I got in.

Heading Toward Hiroshima

I’ve been west from K33 a few times, but this area has many winding roads, making it tricky to decide on a route. There’s a high chance of accidentally getting stuck on narrow, hard-to-drive roads, so caution is necessary.

For now, I decided to head west on K106. I stopped the 911 at Bitchu Yasuragi no Sato and checked the route again.

It seemed that if I kept going this way, the roads wouldn’t be too challenging.

Passing through scattered villages here and there, the roads vary between one to one-and-a-half lanes, then suddenly open up into smooth two-lane stretches, offering a diverse driving experience. Traffic is light, so the two-lane sections are very comfortable and highly recommended for spirited driving.

I headed slightly north on the wide and easy-to-drive Route 182, then turned left onto the Jinseki Wide-Area Farm Road (also known as Momiji Kaido). This was my first time on this road. Near the pass, there was a light dusting of snow on the road surface, but it didn’t affect driving.

Passing through wide and pleasant winding sections on K25 and K26, I headed south. From around Mikawa Dam, I took the Fureai Road westward. Around here, Hiroshima’s wide-area farm roads really start to show their true character.

Partway through, I turned right onto the Fruit Road, a wide, mostly straight road that’s wonderfully enjoyable to drive.

I wandered a bit around the Sera area, and everywhere the roads were well maintained and very easy to drive. It’s truly an enviable region for driving enthusiasts. Unlike Okayama’s wide-area farm roads, which feature more winding roads, Hiroshima’s tend to be gentler, straighter routes—perfect for a relaxed drive.

Compared to the Boxster, the 911 feels great even on these straighter roads—or more precisely, it doesn’t feel stressful at all. The Boxster tends to crave more curves, so long stretches of monotonous straight roads can feel a bit dull.

However, the 911 feels more balanced in comparison, allowing me to drive comfortably and steadily whether on straight roads or winding ones.

I sped through several wonderful roads including K56, K45, and Route 376, then headed toward the Kōhoku Wide-Area Farm Road, famous for its long straight sections.

The Kōhoku Wide-Area Farm Road starts with some small-scale winding sections. It somewhat feels like a “mini Kagura Kaido.”

The road gradually widens, and then an impressive straight stretch over 1 km long appears ahead. Fortunately, no one else was driving that day, so I had it all to myself. I parked the 911 on the shoulder and took some photos.

Afterwards, I cruised along K322, heading south toward the TS Takata Circuit area. This road was also fantastic—a perfect stretch for spirited driving.

Heading to Shikoku

I checked the route at a convenience store along the way.

Should I continue west toward Yamaguchi Prefecture, or head south toward Shikoku? I decided to aim for Shikoku.

I headed straight south to the Shimanami Kaido. It’s been a while since I last drove this route, and it’s always stunningly beautiful. The 911 slowed down and cruised gently in the driving lane.

Normally, I like to get off at Omishima and enjoy the spectacular coastal drive, but this time I skipped it due to the late hour.

I arrived in Saijo City just as the sun was setting. I planned to stay here overnight and cross Shikoku the next day on my way home.

To be continued.