Japan’s coastline stretches over 29,000 kilometres — nearly three times the length of the mainland itself — and encompasses landscapes ranging from the rugged Sea of Japan cliffs to the tropical reefs of Okinawa. Several coastal road routes rank among Asia’s finest drives, combining dramatic scenery with fishing villages, seafood restaurants, and remote onsen.
Hokkaido’s Eastern Coast
National Route 244 and Route 335 along Hokkaido’s Okhotsk Sea coast between Abashiri and Shiretoko Peninsula offer stark, dramatic scenery — sea ice visible from the road in January and February, wildflowers covering the verges in July, and red foxes common year-round. The road through Shiretoko National Park ends at Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes) with views over Rausu volcano to the Russian-held Kunashir Island. Brown bears cross the road at dusk in summer — drive slowly and carry bear spray if stopping.
San-in Coast: Tottori to Kyoto
The San-in Kinki National Route along Honshu’s Sea of Japan coast from Tottori to Kinosaki Onsen passes towering sea cliffs, coastal sand dunes at Tottori, hidden coves, and fishing villages. This region is one of Japan’s least visited by foreign tourists despite containing several of its most beautiful landscapes. Uradome Coast near Iwami and the Kasumi fishing harbour at Hyogo Prefecture are particular highlights. The coastal city of Kinosaki has seven onsen bathhouses accessible on foot — the ideal end to a coastal drive day.
Ise-Shima and Kumano Coast
The Ise-Shima National Park road along Mie Prefecture’s Ago Bay crosses rias coastline with pearl cultivation rafts visible in sheltered inlets. The route continues south to the Kumano Kodo coast, where ancient pilgrimage trails meet the Pacific at Nachi Taisha waterfall shrine. The Kumano Hayatama Taisha at Shingu and Hongu Taisha inland are accessible on loops from the coastal road. This circuit works well from Nagoya or Osaka over two to three days.
Okinawa Coastal Drive
Okinawa Main Island’s eastern coast road passes mangrove estuaries, traditional Ryukyu stone-walled hamlets, and stretches of Pacific beach. Cape Hedo at the island’s northern tip offers views to the Yoron Islands on clear days. The Katsuren Peninsula road on the east provides access to several of the island’s best-preserved gusuku (Ryukyu castle) ruins. Hiring a car remains essential for exploring beyond Naha — public bus coverage is limited outside the main city corridors.
Practical Driving Tips
Japan drives on the left. International Driving Permits (IDP) based on national licences are required; obtain one before travel as Japan does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. ETC cards for electronic toll payment can be added to rental cars — essential for highway travel as cash toll queues add significant time. Many scenic routes are single-lane with passing places; allow extra time and carry a data SIM or ETC-compatible navigation unit for offline maps. Petrol stations become sparse along remote coastal routes — fill up in the last major town. See also the Japan road trip guide and coastal drives guide.