10 Must-Do Japan Road Trips for an Unforgettable Adventure
Japan is a land of mystique and wonder. From its stunning landscapes to its rich history and culture, Japan never fails to astound travelers from around the world. While exploring Japan by train is an excellent way to experience this amazing country, road trips offer an entirely different experience. With your own wheels, you’ll be able to get off the beaten track and see Japan in a way that most tourists never will.
Want to hit the open road in Japan? Here are ten must-do road trips for an unforgettable adventure:
1. Hokkaido’s Lavender Route
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island and is known for its stunning natural beauty. One of the best road trips to take in Hokkaido is the Lavender Route. This 65-kilometer (40-mile) journey takes you through rolling hills and fields of lavender, making for a picturesque and fragrant drive.
2. Iya Valley’s Remote Roads
Nestled in the heart of Shikoku Island, the Iya Valley is one of Japan’s most remote and unspoiled regions. The narrow, winding roads that traverse the valley offer stunning views of the verdant landscape and the turbulent Iya River below. For a truly unforgettable experience, stay in a traditional thatched-roof house or a mountainside hot spring ryokan along the way.
3. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a spectacular mountain crossing that takes you through the heart of the Japanese Alps. The route, which is only open from mid-April to mid-November, involves multiple modes of transportation, including cable cars, buses, and trolley buses. The journey culminates in a walk through a massive snow corridor, which can reach up to 20 meters (66 feet) in height.
4. Kyoto’s Bamboo Forest Drive
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most beloved cities for its stunning architecture, rich cultural history, and beautiful gardens. A road trip through the Bamboo Forest in the nearby Arashiyama district is the perfect way to experience all of this and more. The winding roads take you through verdant forest and alongside the Kyotaki River, with stunning views of the iconic Bamboo Grove.
5. The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route
The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route is a unique road trip that takes you across a series of islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The route is famous for its stunning views of the sea and the numerous bridges and tunnels that connect the islands. The journey can be done by car, but cycling is the best way to experience the route at your own pace.
6. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route
The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient trails that crisscross the Kii Peninsula in western Japan. The trails have been used by pilgrims for over a thousand years to visit the three grand shrines of Kumano: Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha, and Hayatama Taisha. A road trip along the Kumano Kodo allows you to experience Japan’s rich spiritual traditions and stunning natural beauty.
7. The Nichinan Coastline Scenic Drive
The Nichinan Coastline Scenic Drive takes you along the southeastern coast of Kyushu Island, offering stunning views of the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The drive takes you through quaint fishing villages, past rugged cliffs, and alongside verdant forests. Be sure to stop at the Udo Shrine, which is said to be the birthplace of Japan’s first emperor.
8. The Hokuriku Arch Pass
The Hokuriku Arch Pass is a 7-day train pass that allows you to explore the Hokuriku region of central Japan. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the historic villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama. The pass also includes access to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which takes you from Tokyo to Kanazawa in just 2.5 hours.
9. The Noto Peninsula Drive
The Noto Peninsula is a remote and unspoiled region on the northern coast of Honshu Island. The drive takes you through quaint fishing villages, alongside pristine beaches, and past fields of rice and soybeans. The peninsula is also known for its delicious seafood, including crab, squid, and uni (sea urchin).
10. The Oga Peninsula Coastal Drive
The Oga Peninsula is a rugged and stunningly scenic region on the northern coast of Honshu Island. The coastal drive takes you past towering cliffs, hidden coves, and stunning panoramic views of the Sea of Japan. The Oga Peninsula is also famous for its Namahage Festival, a centuries-old tradition in which demon-like creatures visit homes to scare children into behaving well.
In conclusion, these ten road trips are just a taste of the incredible experiences you can have while exploring Japan by car. Whether you’re seeking pristine natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, or mouth-watering cuisine, there’s something for everyone on Japan’s open roads. So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
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