Japan National Route 20, National highway in Tokyo and Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Japan National Route 20 is a major arterial road stretching roughly 225 kilometers (140 miles) from central Tokyo to Shiojiri in Nagano Prefecture. It crosses Kanagawa and Yamanashi prefectures, linking urban centers with mountainous rural areas.
The road follows the path of the historic Kōshū Kaidō, a trade route from the Edo period linking Tokyo with Kōfu. In the 20th century the line was upgraded to a modern highway and now serves long-distance traffic between the capital and mountain regions.
The route passes through several old post towns where travelers once rested and which still serve as local centers today. Along the way you see traditional inns and smaller shrines that recall the times when merchants and pilgrims covered this stretch on foot.
The road crosses numerous expressways and national routes, making it accessible at different points. The section through Yamanashi runs through mountain terrain with tight curves, while the stretch in urban areas is wider and more heavily trafficked.
Parts of the stretch near Sakurada Gate by Tokyo Imperial Palace were temporarily included in marathon courses during major sporting events. The section thus offers a backdrop that combines athletic competition with urban infrastructure.
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Tokyo Tower
3.9 km
Tokyo Station
772 m
Tokyo Dome
3.1 km
Yasukuni Shrine
3.1 km
Tokyo Imperial Palace
2 km
Meiji Shrine
6.9 km
National Diet Library
2.8 km
Suwa taisha
157.9 km
Tokiwa-sō
9 km
National Diet Building
2.8 km
Mount Takao
48.5 km
Saitama Super Arena
26.8 km
Hikawa Shrine
29 km
Nippon Budōkan
2.4 km
Japan National Stadium
5.5 km
Kanda-myōjin
2.1 km
Zōjō-ji
3.8 km
Tamagawa Aqueduct
15.4 km
Nakagin Capsule Tower
2.3 km
Ueno Zoo
3.7 km
Sanrio Puroland
31.9 km
Rikugi Garden
6 km
Rainbow Bridge
5.4 km
Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame
3.1 km
National Art Center, Tokyo
4.8 km
Shinjuku Gyoen
5.8 km
Hie Shrine
3.3 km
Shibuya scramble crossing
7.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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