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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Untamed Landscapes and Winter Drives

### The Unspoiled Charm of Hokkaido

This northernmost island showcases a panoramic drive connecting coastal villages, passing through protected natural reserves and geothermal wonders. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though drivers must navigate treacherous conditions. https://detourjapan.com/

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## Central Honshu: Highland Routes and Historic Pathways

### The Hakone Turnpike: A Motorist’s Playground

This celebrated mountain road features dozens of sharp curves with stunning panoramas of Fuji-san. In contrast to dedicated courses, it focuses on visual pleasure over velocity.

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## Shikoku: Oceanfront Treasures and Island Hopping

### Shimanami Kaidō

Connecting mainland Japan with its southern neighbor via engineering wonders, this scenic corridor provides cyclists and drivers continuous vistas of turquoise seas accentuated through surreal temples like the Western-style Buddhist complex.

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## Urban Adventures: Tokyo’s Expressways

### Daikoku PA

Beneath Tokyo Bay, this renowned congregation area welcomes modified vehicles ranging from vintage Skylines to contemporary speed machines, bathed in urban glow.

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## Distinctive Encounters

### Melody Roads

These creative pathways convert vehicle movement into familiar melodies when traveled using exact velocities. The Hakone musical road produces traditional melodies, converting mundane trips into multisensory adventures.

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### Touge Culture

These serpentine alpine routes epitomize Japan’s vehicular culture, commemorated in driving anime. Legendary paths like The Hakone Turnpike draw performance drivers through all seasons.

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## Essential Advice

### Climate Factors

Winter tires are essential for Hokkaido’s snowy roads, while monsoon weather necessitate contingency arrangements. The Tateyama Snow Corridor only opens during spring thaw, creating towering snow barriers.

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### Road Manners

Cultural awareness includes rarely honking, careful passing, and understanding Japan’s ETC card requirements. Small cars handle narrow streets more efficiently than full-size cars.