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## Northern Japan: Hokkaido’s Wilderness and Winter Drives
### The Unspoiled Charm of The Snow Country
The frosty prefecture showcases a cross-island highway connecting remote settlements, traversing ecological treasures and geothermal wonders. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though travelers need to mind treacherous conditions. https://detourjapan.com/
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## Central Honshu: Mountain Passes and Traditional Journeys
### The Hakone Turnpike: Asia’s Answer to the Autobahn
This iconic toll path showcases numerous switchbacks with dramatic vistas of Mount Fuji. Differing from race tracks, it focuses on scenic enjoyment over pure speed.
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## Shikoku: Seaside Marvels and Island Hopping
### The Island Chain Route
Connecting Honshu and Shikoku via multiple architectural marvels, this 70km route provides travelers and adventurers uninterrupted views of azure waters punctuated by unique shrines like the Western-style Buddhist complex.
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## Urban Adventures: Tokyo’s Expressways
### The Automotive Sanctuary
Underneath the urban shoreline, this iconic gathering place welcomes customized cars ranging from vintage Skylines to contemporary speed machines, bathed in urban glow.
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## Distinctive Encounters
### Melody Roads
These engineered roads change wheel friction into familiar melodies when driven at specific speeds. The Fuji melody stretch plays local ballads, transforming ordinary drives into musical voyages.
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### Drifting Heritage
These curving highland paths epitomize Japan’s vehicular culture, immortalized in driving anime. Famous trails like The Hakone Turnpike draw drifters through all seasons.
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## Essential Advice
### Weather Precautions
Snow chains are essential for northern routes, while summer typhoons demand flexible planning. The Alpine Route operates during melting season, forming towering snow barriers.
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### Road Manners
Cultural awareness involves quiet driving, patient overtaking, and acknowledging Japan’s ETC card requirements. Small cars handle narrow streets more effectively than bigger vehicles.
