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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Wilderness and Snowy Road Trips

### The Untamed Beauty of Japan’s Northern Frontier

Japan’s Arctic gateway showcases a 700-kilometer coastal route connecting remote settlements, cutting across UNESCO-protected wilderness and volcanic calderas. Cold months convert 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 Fuji Circuit: Asia’s Answer to the Autobahn

This legendary 13km route features 68 hairpin bends with stunning panoramas of Mount Fuji. Unlike race tracks, it prioritizes visual pleasure over velocity.

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## Shikoku: Seaside Marvels and Inter-Island Travel

### The Seto Bridge Trail

Joining Honshu and Shikoku via six suspension bridges, this scenic corridor delivers cyclists and drivers continuous vistas of turquoise seas accentuated through surreal temples like Kōsan-ji’s marble marvel.

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## Urban Adventures: Metropolitan Highways

### The Automotive Sanctuary

Underneath the urban shoreline, this legendary meeting spot hosts tuned machines ranging from retro Japanese models to contemporary speed machines, illuminated by neon lights.

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## Distinctive Encounters

### Musical Highways

These innovative routes change wheel friction into recognizable tunes when traveled using specific speeds. The Hakone musical road plays traditional melodies, turning ordinary drives into multisensory adventures.

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### Drifting Heritage

These serpentine alpine routes epitomize Japan’s vehicular culture, celebrated in initial D manga. Iconic routes like Nagano’s mountain passes attract performance drivers through all seasons.

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## Essential Advice

### Climate Factors

Snow chains are crucial for arctic conditions, while rainy season downpours necessitate flexible planning. The Alpine Route only opens during melting season, creating impressive icy canyons.

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### Road Manners

Considerate conduct entails quiet driving, careful passing, and understanding Japan’s ETC card requirements. Kei automobiles manage tight roads more effectively than larger models.