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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Untamed Landscapes and Snowy Road Trips
### The Raw Splendor of Hokkaido
This northernmost island showcases a 700-kilometer coastal route connecting remote settlements, passing through protected natural reserves and volcanic calderas. Cold months convert the landscape into an icy paradise, 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 iconic toll path boasts 68 hairpin bends with stunning panoramas of Mount Fuji. Differing from dedicated courses, it prioritizes visual pleasure over pure speed.
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## Shikoku: Oceanfront Treasures and Inter-Island Travel
### Shimanami Kaidō
Joining Honshu and Shikoku via engineering wonders, this scenic corridor provides road trippers uninterrupted views of turquoise seas accentuated through architectural oddities like the Western-style Buddhist complex.
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## Urban Adventures: Metropolitan Highways
### Daikoku PA
Beneath the metropolitan waterfront, this iconic gathering place draws modified vehicles ranging from retro Japanese models to modern hypercars, lit up with neon lights.
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## Exceptional Adventures
### Musical Highways
These creative pathways change vehicle movement into recognizable tunes when driven at precise pace. The Fuji melody stretch produces local ballads, turning mundane trips into audiovisual experiences.
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### Drifting Heritage
These curving highland paths epitomize Japan’s automotive passion, commemorated in initial D manga. Iconic routes like Nagano’s mountain passes attract motorsport enthusiasts through all seasons.
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## Practical Tips
### Climate Factors
Snow chains are essential for Hokkaido’s snowy roads, while rainy season downpours necessitate adaptable itineraries. The Tateyama Snow Corridor operates during April-June, producing towering snow barriers.
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### Driving Etiquette
Respectful behavior includes quiet driving, careful passing, and acknowledging Japan’s intricate highway payment network. Compact vehicles handle tight roads more efficiently than bigger vehicles.
