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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Wilderness and Snowy Road Trips
### The Raw Splendor of Japan’s Northern Frontier
The frosty prefecture features a cross-island highway connecting Rausu to Hakodate, traversing protected natural reserves and geothermal wonders. Winter transforms the landscape into an icy paradise, though travelers need to mind hazardous roads. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Highland Routes and Cultural Trails
### The Hakone Turnpike: A Motorist’s Playground
This legendary 13km route features numerous switchbacks with breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic peak. Differing from race tracks, it emphasizes landscape appreciation over velocity.
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## Shikoku: Coastal Wonders and Archipelago Exploration
### The Seto Bridge Trail
Joining two major islands via multiple architectural marvels, this 70km route delivers travelers and adventurers continuous vistas of azure waters interspersed with surreal temples like Kōsan-ji’s marble marvel.
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## Urban Adventures: Metropolitan Highways
### The Underground Car Haven
Below Tokyo Bay, this renowned congregation area welcomes customized cars ranging from retro Japanese models to cutting-edge supercars, illuminated by city radiance.
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## Unique Experiences
### Musical Highways
These engineered roads transform vehicle movement into recognizable tunes when maintaining exact velocities. The Shizuoka sound path plays traditional melodies, turning ordinary drives into musical voyages.
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### Touge Culture
These winding mountain roads personify Japan’s car enthusiasm, commemorated in driving anime. Iconic routes like Irohazaka’s 48 bends draw performance drivers year-round.
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## Practical Tips
### Seasonal Challenges
Studded wheels are mandatory for northern routes, while rainy season downpours require flexible planning. The Tateyama Snow Corridor remains accessible during melting season, forming impressive icy canyons.
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### Automotive Protocol
Cultural awareness includes quiet driving, patient overtaking, and acknowledging Japan’s ETC card requirements. Small cars navigate narrow streets more efficiently than larger models.