Japan National Route 23

Japan National Route 23 is an overland road linking Toyohashi with Ise across a distance of roughly 214 kilometers through central regions. It crosses several cities in two prefectures and serves as a major connection between coastal areas and inland territory.

The road received its first official designation as a first class national highway between Yokkaichi and Ise in 1952. Extension to Toyohashi followed in 1975, greatly expanding its role as a transport corridor.

The road ends at the Ise Shrine, one of the most important sites in Shinto practice, where pilgrims have arrived for centuries. Today both believers and travelers use this connection to reach the shrine, which remains deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.

The route passes through several large cities including Nagoya, connecting industrial areas with port zones along the coast. Traffic can become heavy during rush hours, especially in urban sections.

The road crosses one of the main industrial zones in Japan and links manufacturing sites that produce electronics, automobiles, and textiles. Several ports sit along the route, enabling the flow of goods between factories and overseas markets.