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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Rugged Terrain and Frosty Journeys
### The Raw Splendor of Japan’s Northern Frontier
The frosty prefecture showcases a 700-kilometer coastal route connecting coastal villages, passing through UNESCO-protected wilderness and volcanic calderas. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though motorists should heed challenging terrain. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Mountain Passes and Cultural Trails
### The Hakone Turnpike: Asia’s Answer to the Autobahn
This celebrated mountain road boasts dozens of sharp curves with dramatic vistas of Japan’s iconic peak. Unlike dedicated courses, it focuses on visual pleasure over velocity.
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## Shikoku: Oceanfront Treasures and Inter-Island Travel
### Shimanami Kaidō
Connecting Honshu and Shikoku via six suspension bridges, this 70km route provides road trippers uninterrupted views of turquoise seas accentuated through unique shrines like the Western-style Buddhist complex.
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## Urban Adventures: Metropolitan Highways
### The Automotive Sanctuary
Below Tokyo Bay, this iconic gathering place draws customized cars ranging from vintage Skylines to contemporary speed machines, lit up with urban glow.
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## Unique Experiences
### Singing Asphalt
These engineered roads change vehicle movement into familiar melodies when traveled using exact velocities. The Shizuoka sound path produces folk songs, converting ordinary drives into audiovisual experiences.
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### Touge Culture
These serpentine alpine routes epitomize Japan’s car enthusiasm, immortalized in car culture media. Legendary paths like Nagano’s mountain passes bring in motorsport enthusiasts through all seasons.
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## Practical Tips
### Weather Precautions
Winter tires are essential for northern routes, while summer typhoons necessitate contingency arrangements. The Toyama mountain pass remains accessible during spring thaw, producing 15-meter white walls.
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### Automotive Protocol
Respectful behavior involves rarely honking, methodical lane changes, and acknowledging Japan’s intricate highway payment network. Small cars manage tight roads better than larger models.