Japan pass guide
Mountain passes in Japan.
Japan's highest national highway crosses Shibu-tōge at 2,172 metres, linking the onsen towns of Yudanaka and Kusatsu.
Shibu-toge sits on the Shiga Kusatsu Kogen Route, a high national-highway crossing famous for its altitude, volcanic landscape, long winter closure, and the contrast between hot-spring towns below and exposed plateau near the top.
It is the highest point of any Japanese national highway, which is why it leads the page. Plan around the seasonal opening — the road is closed through winter — and pair it with onsen stops in Yudanaka, Shibu, or Kusatsu for a slower trip.
The highest summit below: Shibu-tōge (2,172 m). Each card opens a full profile with elevation, surface, season, gradient, nearby passes, and route notes.
Compare summit height alongside road character — a long paved through-road fits a different kind of day than a short, steep dead-end climb. Check season and surface before committing, then use the nearby-pass links to chain a longer route together.
