The best road trips in Japan 2021
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When you say road trip, the first thing that usually comes to mind are those long, winding roads in San Francisco or California. These and more places in the US offer the best front-seat view of a lush scenery that constantly changes, with mind-boggling landscapes.
But did you even think that there are places in Japan where such road trips can be taken? Read on to discover the top three road trips that you can take when visiting the country.
Travelling to Japan 101
Located in East Asia, Japan is also known as the “Land of the Rising Sun”. Interestingly enough, the entire country is one of the few places in the world which managed to maintain the old while mixing it in with the new. The sights in Tokyo, one of the big cities where high-tech gadgetry and modern skyscrapers are present – are as dazzling as the sight of centuries-old temples, shrines and rock gardens.
It’s pretty typical to see geishas dressed in traditional Japanese garb, as it is to see young people wear trendy clothes which have traces of Pokemon or anime influences. This is the land of sumo wrestlers, age-old festivals, natural wonders, high-tech gadgets and an interesting modern/ancient culture – thereby pleasantly melding the old with the new.
Top 3 Scenic Driving Routes to Take in the Land of the Rising Sun
Some of the top places to visit in Japan include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya. But if you want to take an off-the-beaten-path route, there are three scenic driving routes that you can take. These will introduce you to an entirely different world where hot springs and winding rivers dominate, while giving you the chance to discover the more earthly side of Japan as well.- Nagasaki road trips in Japan
Located in the western side of the country, taking a road trip to Nagasaki is an unforgettable experience. You can first head through Yamaguchi-ken. Taking this route, some of the stops that you can make include the Kintai Bridge and the Iwakuni Castle. Take a ramen break in Fukuoka and drive through Futamigaura. A short distance more and you can head straight to your destination which is Nagasaki.- Naoshima road trips in Japan
Art lovers would have a blast following a driving trail through Naoshima. A one or two-day car trip here will give you a chance to discover what the local art scene is all about.- Shihoku road trips in Japan
Lastly, if you want to go on the ultimate summer escapade, head on out to Shihoku. There are four major points of interest here, including Ehime, Kochi, Kagawa and Tokushima.Start your road trip by driving to Shimanami Kaidou. This consists of a 60-kilometer series of seven bridges, all of which offer a great view of the Seto Inland Sea. While you’re there, check out the Dougo Onsen, one of the oldest and most famous hot springs in Japan.
Your next stop is Kochi where Shimantogawa, the longest river in Shikoku is located. In Kagawa, there’s a castle that you can explore in Tamamo Park. You can also visit the gardens in Ritsurin Park or check out the shopping and dining options in Sunport Takamatsu.
The grand finale of the drive is underneath the Oonaturo Bridge where the Naruto whirlpools can be seen. The whirlpools go at 13 to 15 – sometimes even 20 kilometers per hour. You can either view the whirlpools from the glass windows of the Uzu no Michi walking path. Or, you can take one of the boat tours to have a closer encounter with this marvel of a sight. You can head back to the mainland by driving over the bridge, via Awaji-shima.