Usui bypass, road in Japan
Usui bypass is a road with over 180 hairpin curves winding through the mountains for about 18 miles between Nagano and Gunma prefectures. It follows partly the historic railway route and connects the tourist town of Karuizawa with the Kanto plain.
The pass served as a trade route from at least the 8th century and became part of the Nakasendo highway during the Edo period, connecting Edo to Kyoto. A rack-and-pinion railway operated from 1893 to 1997 before being replaced by the Nagano Shinkansen.
The historic railway route through the pass now draws walkers and history enthusiasts who connect with Japan's transportation heritage. The place has transformed from a vital trade corridor into a quiet walking path where visitors explore the traces of earlier eras.
The road is well-maintained and safe to drive, though parking spots are limited and roadside services are sparse. Best driving conditions occur in clear weather, especially during autumn foliage, and careful speed management through the many tight curves is advisable.
The route gained fame as a training ground for drift racer Keiichi Tsuchiya and was popularized by the manga and anime Initial D, making it highly popular with car enthusiasts and manga fans. Cyclists today favor it for light traffic and the technical challenge of navigating the many hairpin curves.
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