Japan National Route 18, National highway in central regions, Japan
National Route 18 is a major highway in central Japan that spans about 194 kilometers from Takasaki through multiple prefectures. The road travels through mountainous terrain connecting various towns and cities across Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata regions.
The road received its official designation as National Route 18 in 1965, creating an important link between eastern and western Japan. Construction and development of this route helped improve trade and travel across the mountainous central regions.
The route passes through towns like Karuizawa and Ueda, where you can see local shops selling regional products and taste area specialties at roadside restaurants. These communities reflect the way people have adapted to living in mountain valleys for generations.
Service areas and rest stops along the route offer fuel, food, and traveler information at regular intervals. The winding mountain sections require careful driving, so plan extra time for journeys through these areas.
A section of this route forms part of the Japan Romantic Road, a popular driving route between Ueda and Nikko that showcases mountain views. This corridor connects smaller traditional villages that many travelers discover only by driving this way.
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