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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Wilderness and Snowy Road Trips
### The Untamed Beauty of The Snow Country
This northernmost island features a 700-kilometer coastal route connecting Rausu to Hakodate, traversing protected natural reserves and volcanic calderas. Cold months convert the landscape into an icy paradise, though motorists should heed treacherous conditions. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Highland Routes and Cultural Trails
### The Switchback Highway: Asia’s Answer to the Autobahn
This legendary 13km route showcases 68 hairpin bends with breathtaking views of Fuji-san. Unlike traditional circuits, it emphasizes landscape appreciation over pure speed.
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## Shikoku: Oceanfront Treasures and Island Hopping
### Shimanami Kaidō
Joining mainland Japan with its southern neighbor via six suspension bridges, this extended pathway offers travelers and adventurers panoramic scenes of crystalline ocean interspersed with surreal temples like Kōsan-ji’s marble marvel.
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## Urban Adventures: Metropolitan Highways
### Daikoku PA
Underneath the metropolitan waterfront, this legendary meeting spot welcomes customized cars ranging from vintage Skylines to modern hypercars, illuminated by urban glow.
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## Distinctive Encounters
### Melody Roads
These creative pathways change vehicle movement into familiar melodies when driven at precise pace. The Fuji melody stretch produces folk songs, turning mundane trips into audiovisual experiences.
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### Mountain Pass Tradition
These winding mountain roads personify Japan’s car enthusiasm, immortalized in car culture media. Legendary paths like The Hakone Turnpike bring in performance drivers in every weather condition.
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## Key Considerations
### Weather Precautions
Winter tires are crucial for arctic conditions, while monsoon weather demand contingency arrangements. The Alpine Route only opens during melting season, producing impressive icy canyons.
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### Driving Etiquette
Considerate conduct involves minimal horn use, methodical lane changes, and understanding Japan’s intricate highway payment network. Compact vehicles manage narrow streets more efficiently than bigger vehicles.
