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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Rugged Terrain and Winter Drives
### The Raw Splendor of Japan’s Northern Frontier
The frosty prefecture boasts a cross-island highway connecting remote settlements, traversing protected natural reserves and volcanic calderas. Cold months convert the landscape into a powder-covered realm, though drivers must navigate hazardous roads. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Highland Routes and Traditional Journeys
### The Switchback Highway: Japan’s Driving Mecca
This celebrated mountain road features numerous switchbacks with stunning panoramas of Mount Fuji. Unlike dedicated courses, it emphasizes scenic enjoyment over racing.
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## Shikoku: Coastal Wonders and Inter-Island Travel
### Shimanami Kaidō
Connecting two major islands via multiple architectural marvels, this extended pathway provides travelers and adventurers uninterrupted views of azure waters interspersed with architectural oddities like Kōsan-ji’s marble marvel.
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## Urban Adventures: Tokyo’s Expressways
### The Automotive Sanctuary
Beneath Tokyo Bay, this renowned congregation area welcomes customized cars ranging from classic Nissans to modern hypercars, illuminated by urban glow.
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## Unique Experiences
### Singing Asphalt
These engineered roads transform wheel friction into recognizable tunes when driven at precise pace. The Hakone musical road renders folk songs, converting ordinary drives into audiovisual experiences.
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### Touge Culture
These curving highland paths epitomize Japan’s car enthusiasm, immortalized in car culture media. Iconic routes like Irohazaka’s 48 bends attract drifters in every weather condition.
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## Essential Advice
### Climate Factors
Snow chains are mandatory for northern routes, while rainy season downpours demand flexible planning. The Alpine Route remains accessible during melting season, producing impressive icy canyons.
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### Driving Etiquette
Considerate conduct entails rarely honking, careful passing, and acknowledging Japan’s ETC card requirements. Kei automobiles handle tight roads more effectively than bigger vehicles.
