Japan offers a wealth of breathtaking coastal drives that will captivate any road trip enthusiast.
The routes go from rugged shores to peaceful seascapes.
They show the country’s beauty and diverse landscapes.
Exploring Japan by car provides a unique and intimate way to experience its scenic coastlines.
You’ll encounter cliffs and beaches as you wind through these pretty routes.
Each drive promises a distinct experience.
Ready your camera and enjoy the ride!
Here are 7 coastal drives in Japan that you should try.
1) Hokkaido’s Shakotan Peninsula
The Shakotan Peninsula is located in western Hokkaido, near Otaru.
It juts out into the Sea of Japan and offers breathtaking coastal views.
You can enjoy diving and snorkelling in the clear blue waters or explore the area by sea kayak.
Guided tours offer the chance to see dolphins, whales, and other marine life.
The scenic coastal road, free from tolls, makes for a beautiful drive with ever-changing landscapes.
The area also offers hiking and skiing, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
2) Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa
The Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa offers stunning coastal drives.
The rugged coastline has dramatic cliffs and rock formations, such as the Ganmon Sea Cave, which create breathtaking views.
The Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is an 8 km-long beach road that offers a unique experience.
Safe for regular cars, it’s perfect for a scenic drive during sunsets.
The Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces, overlooking the Sea of Japan, add to the beauty.
3) Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka
The Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture offers some of Japan’s most stunning coastal drives.
Its winding roads and breathtaking views make it a perfect destination for a scenic road trip.
You can drive along the rugged coastline and enjoy picturesque views of Mount Fuji over Suruga Bay.
The roads also take you through charming towns and forests.
Stop by local seafood restaurants for fresh catches and experience the natural hot springs (onsen).
The Izu Peninsula has unique volcanic landscapes.
It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, which is known for its geology.
4) Nirai-Kanai Bridge, Okinawa
The Nirai-Kanai Bridge is a must-see on Okinawa’s main island.
This 1,200-metre bridge connects Prefectural Route 86 to National Route 331.
Driving on this bridge offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The smooth road and minimal traffic make it an enjoyable experience.
There is an observation deck at the highest point, perfect for taking in the scenery and capturing great photos.
5) Shimanami Kaido, Hiroshima to Ehime
The Shimanami Kaido is a stunning 60 km route connecting Hiroshima and Ehime.
This scenic drive passes nine beautiful bridges and multiple islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
Cyclists and drivers alike love the breathtaking views and well-maintained paths.
The road offers a unique way to explore Japan’s coastal beauty.
6) Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park
The park, Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, was established in 1972.
It covers a scenic part of Okinawa’s coastline, with white-sand beaches, stunning cliffs, and clear blue waters.
The park includes Onna Village and the famous Manzamo, known for its elephant trunk-shaped rock formation.
The drive through this park offers breathtaking views and peaceful scenery perfect for a leisurely trip.
7) Tanesashi Coast, Aomori
The Tanesashi Coast in Aomori offers a breathtaking drive along the Pacific Ocean.
You’ll see a mix of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and green forests.
The route is about 10 km long.
It takes you through diverse landscapes in a short distance.
The area is known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment, making it a perfect escape from city life.
