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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Wilderness and Snowy Road Trips
### The Untamed Beauty of Hokkaido
This northernmost island boasts a 700-kilometer coastal route connecting coastal villages, passing through UNESCO-protected wilderness and geothermal wonders. Snowfall morphs the landscape into a powder-covered realm, though motorists should heed treacherous conditions. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Mountain Passes and Cultural Trails
### The Switchback Highway: Asia’s Answer to the Autobahn
This celebrated mountain road showcases 68 hairpin bends with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Unlike dedicated courses, it emphasizes visual pleasure over racing.
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## Shikoku: Oceanfront Treasures and Island Hopping
### The Seto Bridge Trail
Connecting two major islands via engineering wonders, this scenic corridor provides road trippers continuous vistas of azure waters interspersed with architectural oddities like the Italian-inspired sanctuary.
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## Urban Adventures: Tokyo’s Expressways
### Daikoku PA
Beneath Tokyo Bay, this renowned congregation area draws customized cars ranging from vintage Skylines to modern hypercars, lit up with neon lights.
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## Distinctive Encounters
### Musical Highways
These creative pathways change wheel friction into musical compositions when maintaining specific speeds. The Shizuoka sound path produces traditional melodies, transforming mundane trips into musical voyages.
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### Touge Culture
These serpentine alpine routes epitomize Japan’s car enthusiasm, celebrated in initial D manga. Iconic routes like The Hakone Turnpike attract drifters in every weather condition.
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## Practical Tips
### Weather Precautions
Winter tires are crucial for arctic conditions, while monsoon weather necessitate contingency arrangements. The Alpine Route operates during April-June, creating impressive icy canyons.
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### Driving Etiquette
Cultural awareness entails rarely honking, patient overtaking, and acknowledging Japan’s complex toll system. Compact vehicles handle narrow streets more efficiently than larger models.
