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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Wilderness and Winter Drives
### The Raw Splendor of Hokkaido
The frosty prefecture features a cross-island highway connecting coastal villages, cutting across ecological treasures and volcanic calderas. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though motorists should heed challenging terrain. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Highland Routes and Historic Pathways
### The Fuji Circuit: Asia’s Answer to the Autobahn
This celebrated mountain road features 68 hairpin bends with stunning panoramas of Fuji-san. Unlike dedicated courses, it focuses on visual pleasure over velocity.
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## Shikoku: Seaside Marvels and Inter-Island Travel
### The Seto Bridge Trail
Linking two major islands via multiple architectural marvels, this scenic corridor offers road trippers continuous vistas of turquoise seas punctuated by surreal temples like the Italian-inspired sanctuary.
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## Urban Adventures: Metropolitan Highways
### The Underground Car Haven
Underneath the urban shoreline, this legendary meeting spot welcomes modified vehicles ranging from retro Japanese models to modern hypercars, lit up with city radiance.
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## Exceptional Adventures
### Melody Roads
These innovative routes convert wheel friction into musical compositions when driven at precise pace. The Hakone musical road produces local ballads, transforming mundane trips into audiovisual experiences.
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### Touge Culture
These curving highland paths personify Japan’s automotive passion, commemorated in driving anime. Iconic routes like The Hakone Turnpike bring in performance drivers year-round.
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## Key Considerations
### Climate Factors
Snow chains are essential for northern routes, while rainy season downpours demand adaptable itineraries. The Toyama mountain pass only opens during spring thaw, creating 15-meter white walls.
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### Driving Etiquette
Respectful behavior entails rarely honking, patient overtaking, and understanding Japan’s ETC card requirements. Small cars navigate constricted lanes more efficiently than bigger vehicles.
