What are the most spectacular roads in Japan?

Located along the Pacific coast of East Asia, Japan is an archipelagic country covering 377,973.89 km2 (145,936.53 sq mi). It’s the fourth-largest island country in the world. The country is known for its mountainous terrain, with about 73% of the land covered by mountains, and offers a wide range of spectacular mountain roads, being the most popular the Norikura Skyline Road, the highest public road in Japan, located in Nagano Prefecture.

Japan is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and prone to earthquakes. The country comprises 14,125 islands and countless bridges, some of them among the most spectacular bridges in the world. Popular with viral videos, Eshima Ohashi Bridge is a roller coaster road over the Lake Nakaumi. The bridge looks more like a roller coaster than a road. Another example is the Kawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge, a marvel of engineering that takes drivers through a dizzying 720-degree spiral. And for the bravest drivers, the horrifying Old Inunaki Tunnel is a famous spot associated with various urban legends and rumors of being haunted or cursed, where people have been killed or burnt to death, and many murders took place here.

Located in Tottori Prefecture in Western Japan, the Eshima Ohashi Bridge looks more like a roller coaster than a road. It is essentially a highway to outer space, a shortcut to inducing nausea, making driving over this thing one seriously thrilling car ride. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Old Inunaki Tunnel in Japan is a famous spot associated with various urban legends and rumors of being haunted or cursed, where people have been killed or burnt to death, and many murders took place here.

Kawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge, in Japan, is an example of how to build a bridge from one mountainside to another when the sides of the mountain are so steep that it is not possible to build a road at the same elevation on both sides. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Iroha-zaka is a pair of winding roads located in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, in Japan. They serve as the main access to connect the lower elevations around central Nikko to the higher elevations of the mountainous Okunikko region. Each corner of the road has a letter from the ancient Japanese alphabet, and you will encounter them in alphabetical order.

Located in Nagano Prefecture, in the central Chūbu region of Japan, the paved Norikura Skyline is a great road with stunning views.

Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707–08. At 3,776m (12,389ft) above sea level it’s the highest mountain in Japan.

Located in Japan's northern Tōhoku region, the Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline is a thrilling drive with 69 hairpin turns. It’s one of the most hairpinned roads in the world.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of the world's most spectacular drives. Located on the boundary between Toyama and Nagano prefectures in Japan, driving this route is a great experience.

The Shigi-Ikoma Skyline is a very scenic toll road in Japan, running along the ridge of Mount Ikoma and Mount Shigi. The route is popular for its breathtaking views of Osaka and Nara, especially at night.

Kenashi Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,910m (6,266ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Gunma and Nagano prefectures in Japan.

Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is a very scenic drive located in central Japan. It's a beautiful, scenic winding mountain toll road, especially in autumn as the leaves are changing.

Located in Fukushima-ku, in Japan, Gate Tower Building is a 16-storey office building famous for a highway that passes through three of its floors.

Located in central Japan, the infamous Hakone Nanamagari Route was one of the most crowded drifting spots, back in the 90s. It’s said to be the birthplace of drifting.

Located in Fukushima Prefecture, the Japan National Route 6 is a challenging drive through the tsunami-crippled Daiichi nuclear power plant, in Japan.

The Yamate Tunnel is an integral part of Tokyo's transportation infrastructure, carrying the Central Circular Route (C2) of the Shuto Expressway. It connects the Takamatsu on-ramp in Toshima to near the Ōi Junction in Shinagawa, ensuring smooth transportation within the city. It’s one of the longest tunnels in the world.

The Shimanami Kaido, a true gem in Japan's travel landscape, unfolds across six picturesque islands and spans the enchanting Seto Inland Sea. Do you dare to embark on this unforgettable journey?

Japan, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and technological advancements, offers an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking adventure and exploration. While bustling cities like Tokyo and Kyoto often steal the spotlight, the true essence of Japan lies in its diverse countryside and picturesque regions waiting to be discovered. Embarking on a road trip through Japan unveils a tapestry of experiences, from tranquil countryside vistas to vibrant coastal towns and historic landmarks. In this guide, we'll delve into some of the top routes to explore, each offering its own unique charm and beauty.

There are millions of roads in the world. Many of these roads cut across rural or uninhabited areas where numerous domesticated and wild animals wander freely. In this article, we reveal some of the most vulnerable animals and accident hotspots in 10 selected countries (based on most cars per capita).

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