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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Rugged Terrain and Winter Drives
### The Unspoiled Charm of The Snow Country
This northernmost island showcases a 700-kilometer coastal route connecting coastal villages, traversing UNESCO-protected wilderness and ancient craters. Winter transforms the landscape into an icy paradise, though drivers must navigate treacherous conditions. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Highland Routes and Historic Pathways
### The Hakone Turnpike: Japan’s Driving Mecca
This celebrated mountain road boasts 68 hairpin bends with stunning panoramas of Japan’s iconic peak. Differing from traditional circuits, it focuses on scenic enjoyment over velocity.
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## Shikoku: Oceanfront Treasures and Island Hopping
### Shimanami Kaidō
Joining Honshu and Shikoku via engineering wonders, this scenic corridor offers travelers and adventurers uninterrupted views of azure waters punctuated by unique shrines like the Western-style Buddhist complex.
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## Urban Adventures: Metropolitan Highways
### The Underground Car Haven
Below the metropolitan waterfront, this iconic gathering place hosts tuned machines ranging from retro Japanese models to modern hypercars, bathed in neon lights.
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## Exceptional Adventures
### Musical Highways
These creative pathways transform wheel friction into musical compositions when driven at specific speeds. The Fuji melody stretch plays traditional melodies, converting ordinary drives into audiovisual experiences.
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### Mountain Pass Tradition
These winding mountain roads epitomize Japan’s vehicular culture, immortalized in driving anime. Legendary paths like Irohazaka’s 48 bends bring in motorsport enthusiasts in every weather condition.
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## Practical Tips
### Weather Precautions
Snow chains are essential for arctic conditions, while monsoon weather demand flexible planning. The Alpine Route only opens during melting season, creating 15-meter white walls.
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### Driving Etiquette
Considerate conduct includes rarely honking, methodical lane changes, and respecting Japan’s complex toll system. Compact vehicles navigate narrow streets more effectively than bigger vehicles.
