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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Wilderness and Snowy Road Trips
### The Raw Splendor of Hokkaido
Japan’s Arctic gateway boasts a cross-island highway connecting Rausu to Hakodate, cutting across UNESCO-protected wilderness and ancient craters. Winter transforms the landscape into an icy paradise, though motorists should heed challenging terrain. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Highland Routes and Cultural Trails
### The Fuji Circuit: Asia’s Answer to the Autobahn
This celebrated mountain road features 68 hairpin bends with stunning panoramas of Mount Fuji. In contrast to race tracks, it focuses on landscape appreciation over velocity.
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## Shikoku: Oceanfront Treasures and Inter-Island Travel
### Shimanami Kaidō
Joining mainland Japan with its southern neighbor via six suspension bridges, this extended pathway delivers road trippers continuous vistas of turquoise seas punctuated by surreal temples like Kōsan-ji’s marble marvel.
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## Urban Adventures: Concrete Jungles
### The Underground Car Haven
Beneath Tokyo Bay, this iconic gathering place welcomes customized cars ranging from classic Nissans to contemporary speed machines, lit up with neon lights.
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## Exceptional Adventures
### Singing Asphalt
These creative pathways change tire vibrations into recognizable tunes when driven at specific speeds. The Shizuoka sound path renders folk songs, turning mundane trips into musical voyages.
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### Mountain Pass Tradition
These curving highland paths epitomize Japan’s automotive passion, commemorated in car culture media. Legendary paths like The Hakone Turnpike bring in performance drivers in every weather condition.
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## Key Considerations
### Seasonal Challenges
Winter tires are crucial for Hokkaido’s snowy roads, while rainy season downpours require contingency arrangements. The Toyama mountain pass remains accessible during melting season, forming impressive icy canyons.
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### Driving Etiquette
Considerate conduct includes minimal horn use, careful passing, and acknowledging Japan’s complex toll system. Compact vehicles navigate constricted lanes better than larger models.