Japan National Route 21, National highway in Gifu and Shiga, Japan
Japan National Route 21 is a highway that connects Mizunami in Gifu Prefecture with Maibara in Shiga Prefecture, running for over 100 kilometers. It passes through several important cities and links different regions across central Japan.
The road was designated as a First Class National Highway in 1952 and was reclassified as a General National Highway in 1965. These changes reflected the evolution of Japan's road system during the postwar period.
The route connects several regional centers in central Japan, enabling access to traditional festivals, crafts workshops, and local markets throughout the year.
This highway connects with other major routes, allowing easy transitions between different road networks in the region. Travelers should note that the terrain varies between mountainous areas and flat agricultural plains as you move along the route.
The road follows natural terrain variations between Gifu and Shiga prefectures, providing direct access to both mountainous regions and lowland agricultural areas.
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