Japan National Route 289, National highway in Niigata and Fukushima, Japan
Japan National Route 289 spans 275.4 kilometers connecting central Niigata with Iwaki in Fukushima through mountainous terrain. The road navigates through high peaks and deep valleys that required careful engineering to overcome.
The road received official designation in 1999, but construction faced major delays after the 2004 earthquake triggered landslides along the planned route. These setbacks reflect the difficulty of building infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions.
Roadside stations along the route serve as gathering places where travelers can purchase regional products and connect with local producers. These stops offer a window into what the mountain communities grow and create.
The route remains under construction in its central section, with an 18-kilometer gap currently blocking through passage between east and west. Check current conditions before planning a full journey across this road.
Upon completion, the road will create a direct link between the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, featuring multiple bridges and a 1.5-kilometer mountain tunnel. This project represents a rare east-west crossing through Japan's mountain heartland.
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