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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Wilderness and Winter Drives
### The Untamed Beauty of Hokkaido
This northernmost island showcases a panoramic drive connecting remote settlements, traversing protected natural reserves and ancient craters. Cold months convert the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though drivers must navigate treacherous conditions. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Mountain Passes and Historic Pathways
### The Switchback Highway: Asia’s Answer to the Autobahn
This iconic toll path boasts dozens of sharp curves with breathtaking views of Fuji-san. Unlike traditional circuits, it prioritizes landscape appreciation over velocity.
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## Shikoku: Oceanfront Treasures and Archipelago Exploration
### Shimanami Kaidō
Joining mainland Japan with its southern neighbor via engineering wonders, this scenic corridor provides road trippers continuous vistas of turquoise seas punctuated by surreal temples like the Western-style Buddhist complex.
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## Urban Adventures: Metropolitan Highways
### Daikoku PA
Underneath the urban shoreline, this renowned congregation area draws modified vehicles ranging from retro Japanese models to contemporary speed machines, bathed in city radiance.
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## Unique Experiences
### Musical Highways
These creative pathways convert tire vibrations into recognizable tunes when maintaining precise pace. The Fuji melody stretch renders folk songs, converting ordinary drives into musical voyages.
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### Mountain Pass Tradition
These curving highland paths epitomize Japan’s car enthusiasm, immortalized in car culture media. Legendary paths like Irohazaka’s 48 bends draw drifters in every weather condition.
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## Essential Advice
### Weather Precautions
Snow chains are essential for northern routes, while rainy season downpours require flexible planning. The Alpine Route operates during April-June, producing 15-meter white walls.
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### Road Manners
Respectful behavior entails quiet driving, careful passing, and respecting Japan’s intricate highway payment network. Small cars navigate constricted lanes more effectively than full-size cars.