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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Wilderness and Winter Drives
### The Untamed Beauty of Japan’s Northern Frontier
The frosty prefecture features a 700-kilometer coastal route connecting Rausu to Hakodate, traversing ecological treasures and volcanic calderas. Snowfall morphs 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 Cultural Trails
### The Switchback Highway: Japan’s Driving Mecca
This iconic toll path boasts dozens of sharp curves with breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic peak. Unlike race tracks, it emphasizes landscape appreciation over racing.
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## Shikoku: Oceanfront Treasures and Inter-Island Travel
### Shimanami Kaidō
Joining Honshu and Shikoku via multiple architectural marvels, this scenic corridor provides cyclists and drivers panoramic scenes of turquoise seas accentuated through architectural oddities like the Italian-inspired sanctuary.
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## Urban Adventures: Tokyo’s Expressways
### The Underground Car Haven
Underneath Tokyo Bay, this iconic gathering place draws customized cars ranging from vintage Skylines to contemporary speed machines, illuminated by city radiance.
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## Unique Experiences
### Musical Highways
These innovative routes change tire vibrations into familiar melodies when maintaining precise pace. The Fuji melody stretch renders traditional melodies, transforming mundane trips into musical voyages.
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### Mountain Pass Tradition
These winding mountain roads epitomize Japan’s car enthusiasm, commemorated in initial D manga. Iconic routes like Nagano’s mountain passes bring in motorsport enthusiasts in every weather condition.
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## Practical Tips
### Weather Precautions
Snow chains are mandatory for northern routes, while summer typhoons necessitate adaptable itineraries. The Alpine Route remains accessible during melting season, creating towering snow barriers.
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### Driving Etiquette
Considerate conduct entails quiet driving, methodical lane changes, and understanding Japan’s ETC card requirements. Compact vehicles handle constricted lanes better than bigger vehicles.
