Scenic Drive

Some of the best driving in Japan is less about reaching a specific destination and more about the road itself, and this section highlights routes chosen for the view from the driver's seat as much as anywhere they lead. Coastal highways along the Izu Peninsula, lakeside roads circling Mt. Fuji, and mountain passes through Hakone and Nagano all fall into this category, offering scenery that's best appreciated slowly, with frequent stops.

Scenic routes tend to reward a different pace than point-to-point road trips. Rather than planning around expressways and travel time, these drives often follow older, slower roads that curve along coastlines or climb through forested hills, with lookout points and rest areas built specifically for travelers who want to stop and take in the view. Some of the best light for photography comes early morning or late afternoon, which is worth factoring into timing.

Because scenic routes often prioritize views over efficiency, they can take considerably longer than a direct route between two points, and roads may narrow in sections with limited passing space. Checking seasonal conditions is also worthwhile, since some of the most photogenic routes, particularly in the mountains, are especially popular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.