Traveling through a foreign country is a great experience and finding the right path to get to the best places is half of the fun. Check out our article to discover the best road trips in Japan.
Visiting a foreign country is a great experience that can help you open your mind to a different culture. There are many places in Japan that you can visit to get the most out of your trip. The problem is that there are so many things to experience that it may become confusing as to what to do. We will look at some of the best places to travel by car in Japan. These areas have beautiful scenery and will lead you to other towns and cities that may pique your interest.
Roller Coaster Road- Hokkaido
This is one of the most well-known roads in Japan and is one that should not be missed. It is straight, 2.5 kilometers long, full of hills, and varies in altitude as you drive it, hence the name. As you look outside, you are treated to beautiful fields, and eventually, the area mountains come into view. This road has been featured in popular Japanese television programs and has become a popular travel spot for Japanese people as well. It is a sight that will improve any trip to Japan and is one that is sure to impress family and friends.
Aso- Kumamoto
This area of Kumamoto is home to one of the largest calderas in the world. A caldera is a basin that has been created through volcanic activity. The road here goes through the caldera and even appears to disappear into the clouds. This spot was used in popular animated movies from Studio Ghibli and looks just as picturesque. You will get to see green fields, beautiful lakes, and mountain ranges in their full natural state. It is worth the trip to experience such beautiful landscapes.
Metasequoia- Shiga
This is a long stretch of road in Shiga that is lined with redwoods from beginning to end. It is the perfect way to experience the changing of the seasons and to see some great Japanese landscapes. It looks like a scene out of a movie and can be a great way to show off your trip to friends and family.
Chirihama Drive Way- Ishikawa
This is a long stretch of beach that is 8 kilometers long. You are allowed to drive on the beach and take in some of the best views of the ocean.
It is a popular place to park your car, start the grill, and take a dip in the beautiful waters. It is best to drive there since public transport is hard to get around the area.
Venus Line- Nagano
This road is meant to be a mountain sightseeing route from Chino to Ueda city. There are many popular spots to see while you travel the road. It is best to rent a car to travel this road so you can take your time and enjoy all of its natural beauty.
Tsunoshima Road- Yamaguchi
The bridge her is one that would please any tourist and bridge fanatic. It is 1,780 meters long and is known not only for its great photo spots but for the rising and falling of the bridge. It is truly a wonderful sight to experience and can leave you with some great photos to help you remember your time in Japan.
Izu Skyline- Shizuoka
This 40-kilometer toll road runs through the mountainous peninsula of Shizuoka. You can travel by train or car but you will be able to experience the hot springs, natural food, and other great tourist attractions by taking a car. The observation platforms offer great photo spots and nice places to rest and enjoy the surroundings. The many tolls may be a little cumbersome but they ensure a smooth and easy drive along the roads.
Patchwork Road- Biei
This is a 14-kilometer road that has all of the best viewing spots in Biei. You can get some of the best views of Mt. Asahi and Tokachi and it is one of the most foreigner-friendly roads to travel. There are many photo spots to help you keep great memories of your trip to Japan.
Shikoku Karst- Ehime and Kochi
This area is known for its hills and sweeping landscapes that show off its limestone hills. It is rare to find natural formations like it anywhere else. Public transportation is difficult to get, so a car is the best way to experience it. Every season offers new views and you can try some nice forest bathing as well.
Bandai-Azuma Skyline- Fukushima
This 29-kilometer road showcases the natural beauty of Fukushima. It is also known as “the road that runs the sky.” It offers a great panoramic view of the area and offers some of the best scenery during every season. A car is recommended to truly enjoy the area.
These are some of the most popular places to drive in Japan, and there are even more spots that you can find and enjoy. It is all about the experience of seeing all the natural beauty of Japan. It will be an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.