Japan National Route 477, National highway in Mie Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Japan National Route 477 links Yokkaichi in Mie Prefecture with Ikeda in Osaka Prefecture, running through multiple prefectures in central Japan. The road passes through farmland, mountain passes, and lakeside areas with regular rest areas and service facilities for travelers.
The government established Route 477 in 1993 to improve connections between eastern and western regions of central Japan. This infrastructure project enabled better trade and movement of goods between prefectures.
Local communities along this route host markets and seasonal events that reflect the character of each prefecture. Visitors passing through can encounter regional crafts and celebrations that show how people in different areas maintain their traditions.
Traveling the entire route takes several hours and may require multiple stops for fuel and breaks. Visitors should check weather conditions before starting, especially for the mountain sections during autumn and winter.
A section crosses Lake Biwa using the Biwako Bridge, where the road surface produces musical tones when vehicles travel at specific speeds. This acoustic effect occurs unintentionally and surprises many drivers as they pass over the water.
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