My husband wrote a follow-up article to his recent Boxster touring story. Please take a look if you’re interested.

Heading to Mt. Bandai in the Boxster

The morning in Aizuwakamatsu City greeted us with clear skies. According to the weather forecast, the good weather would hold through the morning.

Last time we came to Aizuwakamatsu, we visited around Lake Inawashiro but didn’t make it to Mt. Bandai. It was a spot I was determined to visit next time.

We left the hotel early, grabbed coffee at a nearby convenience store, and climbed up the Bandai-san Gold Line. Since it was early morning, there were no other cars. In Sport mode, carefully shifting and matching revs, we tackled corner after corner on the uphill.

The exhaust note from the sport exhaust was exhilarating.

Mt. Bandai has three main scenic routes: Bandai-san Gold Line, Bandai Azuma Lake Line, and Bandai Azuma Skyline. All are wonderful, but personally, I like the Gold Line best.

Along the way, Lake Inawashiro appeared here and there in the rearview mirror. We stopped at a parking area to rest. The view was stunning.

We headed north along the west shore of Lake Hibara on Prefectural Route 64, with the lake on our right—a fantastic driving road. Naturally, the Boxster’s soft top was down. It was an ultra-comfortable cruise. The contrast between the blue lake and the blue sky was beautiful.

Taking it all in with our senses, we leisurely circled the lakeside.

We stopped by the Morohashi Museum of Modern Art. I had seen photos of Porsches taken in front of this museum on social media and had bookmarked it on Google Maps as a shooting spot to visit someday. Luckily, the weather was perfect that day—ideal for photography.

Unseasonal Snow

After enjoying the Bandai Azuma Lake Line, we headed onto the Bandai Azuma Skyline. The weather suddenly worsened. The bright sky was replaced by heavy clouds, and large raindrops began to fall.

Before I knew it, it seemed we had gotten mixed into a convoy of MAZDA6 (Atenza) owners’ club? Surrounded front and back by MAZDA6s, the Boxster felt a bit out of place as we climbed the Bandai Azuma Skyline.

The highest elevation is about 1600 meters. As we climbed, the rain turned to sleet, and near the summit, it began snowing heavily.

Visibility dropped as we climbed, and the road started to get lightly covered. The outside temperature finally hit 0°C, and I began to worry about icy roads.

Driving cautiously, we managed to reach the summit area. I considered waiting it out, but if the snow kept falling, it would be dangerous. Since we had to descend from here, I figured the temperature would rise and the snow would ease, so we headed down toward Fukushima City.

I thought this would be a beautiful sightseeing road in good weather, as I drove the Boxster. As expected, the snow turned back to rain as we descended, and at the mountain’s base, the sun even peeked through.

From Fukushima to Kaminoyama

From Fukushima City, we took Prefectural Route 46, then National Route 113, and then Prefectural Route 13 toward Kaminoyama. This K13 is quite a fun road. It’s wide and well-paved, with some narrow sections and winding stretches. Using 3rd and 4th gears, I drove the Boxster spiritedly.

But no matter how much I drive the Boxster, it’s always fun.

Some readers might wonder, “What’s so fun about driving mountain roads?” But that’s like asking, “What’s fun about skiing or snowboarding down a slope?”

Driving mountain roads in the Boxster is essentially the same thrill as gliding down a ski slope. They share the same essence of exhilaration.

That’s why every winding road feels like getting off a lift and racing down the slopes with pure joy.

We hadn’t planned to go through Yamagata City, but somehow ended up driving through it, losing a bit of time. Along the way, I spotted a sign for ‘Tendo Mokko.’ It reminded me that the wood grain panels in my old Honda Legend were made by Tendo Mokko. I thought, “Is Tendo Mokko really here?” and felt a bit moved as we passed through Yamagata City.

The Thrilling Prefectural Route 30 in Yamagata

Then, we took Prefectural Route 30 heading toward Shinjo City. I hadn’t expected much from K30 at first, but it turned out to be the perfect choice. Traffic was minimal, and it’s a great driving route along the Mogami River.

This road, worthy of being called a country road, features rural scenery and riverside stretches with just the right amount of curves. It’s very enjoyable. Passing is easy, so you can drive at your own pace. The distance is decent, making it a perfect final stretch for the day.

Tomorrow, we plan to head north toward Morioka. Since I’m not very familiar with this area, I carefully studied the Touring Mapple before going to sleep.

This Trip’s Route Map