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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Rugged Terrain and Winter Drives
### The Unspoiled Charm of Japan’s Northern Frontier
This northernmost island features a cross-island highway connecting coastal villages, cutting across protected natural reserves and geothermal wonders. Cold months convert the landscape into a powder-covered realm, though drivers must navigate hazardous roads. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Mountain Passes and Cultural Trails
### The Hakone Turnpike: Asia’s Answer to the Autobahn
This iconic toll path showcases dozens of sharp curves with dramatic vistas of Japan’s iconic peak. Unlike dedicated courses, it focuses on visual pleasure over velocity.
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## Shikoku: Coastal Wonders and Island Hopping
### The Seto Bridge Trail
Joining Honshu and Shikoku via engineering wonders, this 70km route provides road trippers continuous vistas of turquoise seas accentuated through unique shrines like the Western-style Buddhist complex.
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## Urban Adventures: Tokyo’s Expressways
### The Underground Car Haven
Beneath Tokyo Bay, this iconic gathering place welcomes tuned machines ranging from vintage Skylines to contemporary speed machines, bathed in urban glow.
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## Exceptional Adventures
### Musical Highways
These engineered roads transform wheel friction into recognizable tunes when maintaining specific speeds. The Fuji melody stretch produces traditional melodies, transforming routine journeys 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 Nagano’s mountain passes attract drifters year-round.
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## Practical Tips
### Weather Precautions
Studded wheels are essential for Hokkaido’s snowy roads, while summer typhoons require adaptable itineraries. The Toyama mountain pass operates during spring thaw, producing towering snow barriers.
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### Automotive Protocol
Considerate conduct includes rarely honking, careful passing, and respecting Japan’s intricate highway payment network. Compact vehicles manage tight roads better than bigger vehicles.
