
Most Scenic Road Trips in Honchō, Chiba, Japan
1. Tohoku Expressway
A scenic drive along Japan's northern coast, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Sanriku coastline.
- Coastal Scenery: Provides uninterrupted views of the vast Pacific Ocean.
- Historical Towns: Passes through historical towns like Hiraizumi and Sendai.
- Seasonal Attractions: Offers cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage in fall.
2. Route 45 (Hachinohe to Hirosaki)
A picturesque drive through Aomori Prefecture, featuring stunning views of cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn.
- Cherry Blossom Tunnel: Famous for the beautiful cherry blossom tunnel in early May.
- Hirosaki Castle: Passes by the beautifully preserved Hirosaki Castle Park.
- Seafood Delights: Offers fresh seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan.
3. Shirakami-Sanchi
A UNESCO World Heritage site offering a scenic drive through pristine wilderness and towering mountains covered in lush forests.
- Primeval Forests: Features some of the last remaining primeval forests in Japan.
- Mountain Peaks: Offers stunning views of towering mountain peaks and deep valleys.
- Hiking Trails: Provides access to numerous hiking trails for nature enthusiasts.
4. Dewasanzan
A spiritual road trip through three sacred mountains in Yamagata Prefecture, offering breathtaking views and historical temples.
- Spiritual Journey: A journey of faith and self-discovery through three sacred mountains.
- Historical Temples: Visit numerous historic temples along the way.
- Mountain Peaks: Offers stunning views from the summit of each mountain peak.
5. Honchō Sanriku Coast Drive
A scenic drive along Honchō's rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan and the Sanriku Fukko National Park.
- Coastal Scenery: Features dramatic cliffs, deep bays, and charming fishing villages.
- National Park: Passes through the Sanriku Fukko National Park, a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers.
- Fresh Seafood: Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants along the way.
6. Ganryujima Circuit
A scenic drive around Ganryu Island, offering stunning views of the Sea of Japan and charming seaside towns.
- Island Scenery: Provides panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
- Historic Port Towns: Visit charming historic port towns like Ganryuji and Kajika-mura.
- Fresh Seafood: Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants along the way.
7. Oshika Peninsula Drive
A scenic drive through Oshika Peninsula, offering stunning views of the Sea of Japan, rugged coastline, and wildlife reserves.
- Coastal Scenery: Features dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches.
- Wildlife Reserves: Passes through several wildlife reserves for dolphin and seal spotting.
- Fishing Villages: Visit charming fishing villages along the way.
8. Route 46 (Higashine to Kesennuma)
A scenic drive along the Miyagi coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and charming fishing villages.
- Coastal Scenery: Features dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches.
- Fishing Villages: Visit charming fishing villages like Kesennuma and Onagawa.
- Seafood Delights: Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants along the way.
9. Route 45 (Hachinohe to Aomori)
A scenic drive through Aomori Prefecture, featuring stunning views of the Tsugaru Strait and the breathtaking Nebuta Festival in Aomori City.
- Tsugaru Strait: Offers breathtaking views of the Tsugaru Strait.
- Nebuta Festival: Passes through Aomori City, home to the famous Nebuta Festival in August.
- Seafood Delights: Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants along the way.
10. Kitakami Gorge
A scenic drive through a deep and narrow gorge carved by the Kitakami River, offering breathtaking views of the river and surrounding mountains.
- Natural Wonder: Features a deep and narrow gorge with stunning waterfalls.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for adventure seekers.
- Seasonal Attractions: Enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall.
11. Honchō Daito Kaido
A scenic drive through Honchō's rural countryside, offering breathtaking views of rice fields, mountains, and charming villages.
- Rural Scenery: Features stunning views of rice fields, mountains, and charming villages.
- Local Festivals: Experience local festivals like the Dewa Matsuri in Yuzawa.
- Traditional Inns: Stay at traditional Japanese inns along the way.
12. Honchō Nanbu Kaido
A scenic drive through Honchō's coastal region, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and charming fishing villages.
- Coastal Scenery: Features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and charming fishing villages.
- Seafood Delights: Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants along the way.
- Historical Sites: Visit historical sites like Hiraizumi and Sendai City.
13. Shiokawa Skyline Drive
A scenic drive along the Shiokawa Coastal Road, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sanriku coastline.
- Coastal Scenery: Features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Sanriku coastline.
- Fishing Villages: Visit charming fishing villages along the way.
- Seafood Delights: Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants along the way.
14. Hachinohe to Aomori
A scenic drive through the Tohoku region, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, mountain ranges, and charming towns.
- Coastal Scenery: Features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Mountain Ranges: Offers breathtaking views of towering mountain ranges.
- Charming Towns: Passes through charming towns like Hachinohe and Aomori.
15. Honchō Sanriku Coast Drive (North to South)
A scenic drive along Honchō's northern coast, offering breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan, rugged coastline, and charming fishing villages.
- Coastal Scenery: Features dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches.
- Wildlife Reserves: Passes through several wildlife reserves for dolphin and seal spotting.
- Fishing Villages: Visit charming fishing villages along the way.