This is just before the final climb up to the summit of the road at a place called Tatamidaira. It's hard to see, but the white spot in the distance just above the green ridge (center left) is actually the bowl of a city, probably Takayama... where I would be later that day.

The photographic proof that both self and steed actually made it up here, with the "2700m" elevation clearly shown on the sign. (The other sign to the left asks people to be nice to alpine plants). The sun was blazing but it was nice and cool at the top - soon to be nice and FREEZING that night, so I didn't stick around.