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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Rugged Terrain and Snowy Road Trips
### The Unspoiled Charm of Japan’s Northern Frontier
The frosty prefecture showcases a cross-island highway connecting coastal villages, passing through UNESCO-protected wilderness and volcanic calderas. Cold months convert the landscape into a powder-covered realm, though travelers need to mind hazardous roads. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Alpine Roads and Cultural Trails
### The Switchback Highway: A Motorist’s Playground
This iconic toll path showcases 68 hairpin bends with breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic peak. Differing from race tracks, it focuses on visual pleasure over velocity.
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## Shikoku: Coastal Wonders and Inter-Island Travel
### Shimanami Kaidō
Connecting two major islands via six suspension bridges, this extended pathway delivers 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
### The Underground Car Haven
Below Tokyo Bay, this legendary meeting spot draws tuned machines ranging from vintage Skylines to contemporary speed machines, lit up with city radiance.
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## Exceptional Adventures
### Singing Asphalt
These innovative routes convert wheel friction into musical compositions when driven at specific speeds. The Hakone musical road renders folk songs, converting mundane trips into multisensory adventures.
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### Touge Culture
These curving highland paths exemplify Japan’s automotive passion, commemorated in initial D manga. Legendary paths like Irohazaka’s 48 bends draw drifters through all seasons.
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## Essential Advice
### Seasonal Challenges
Studded wheels are mandatory for arctic conditions, while rainy season downpours require flexible planning. The Alpine Route remains accessible during April-June, creating 15-meter white walls.
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### Automotive Protocol
Cultural awareness involves rarely honking, methodical lane changes, and understanding Japan’s complex toll system. Compact vehicles navigate tight roads more effectively than bigger vehicles.