Hairpins, Hot Springs, and 660cc: Four Kita-Kanto Drives Worth Flying For

Let's be honest: when Americans plan a Japan trip, they think Tokyo, Kyoto, maybe Osaka. Almost nobody books flights around Tochigi and Gunma — which is exactly why you should. The Kita-Kanto region, two hours north of the capital, packs some of the country's best driving roads into a compact, uncrowded area.

We've run these routes in everything from a kei van to a Civic, and here's our local's guide to the best of them.

1. The Irohazaka Switchbacks (Tochigi)

You've seen this road even if you don't know it — the Irohazaka's 28 hairpin corners climbing toward Nikko appeared in a famous anime street-racing series, and driving it live is a rite of passage. The descent route (one-way traffic on each half keeps it sane) serves up corner after corner with forest canopy overhead and the Kegon Falls area waiting at the top.

Honda tip: A compact hatchback is ideal here. You don't need power; you need brakes and visibility. Rental counters in Utsunomiya stock plenty of Fits and Vezels.

2. Nikko to Chuzenji Lake Loop

Pair the switchbacks with a full day: leave early, hit Tosho-gu Shrine before the tour buses, then climb to Chuzenji Lake for a slow, scenic circuit. The road hugs the water's edge, and the elevation keeps it cool even in August.

Maintenance note: This is where our service team would tell you the same thing they tell local customers — mountain driving means checking your coolant and brake condition before you go. Any rental will be fresh, but if you're buying a used kei vehicle for an extended trip, get an inspection first.

3. Gunma's Mikuni Pass and the Tone River Valley

The Mikuni Pass (Kan-Etsu Expressway's old route, National Route 17) is a genuine mountain crossing with sweeping views and a fraction of the traffic you'd find near Tokyo. Continue into the Tone River valley and you'll understand why Gunma is where Honda does so much of its testing — the roads are smooth, technical, and beautifully maintained.

Fuel stop: Gunma is yakiniku and soba country. Plan lunch around a riverside restaurant; the drives are short enough that you can linger.

4. The Haruna and Akagi Crater Lake Circuits

Two volcanic lakes, two very different vibes. Lake Haruna's loop is a tight, tree-lined gem — the same course that hosted real-world rally events. Mount Akagi's road is wider and faster, with a summit lookout that's popular with local car spotters on Sunday mornings.

If you want to see Kita-Kanto's car culture up close, that Sunday gathering at Akagi is your best bet. Bring respect, park properly, and don't rev at strangers — the locals are friendly but serious about etiquette.

Renting vs. Buying for Your Trip

For a one-to-two-week holiday, renting is the obvious play. Utsunomiya, Takasaki, and Maebashi all have counters with English-friendly booking, and a mid-size Honda (Fit, Vezel, Civic) runs roughly ¥6,000–¥12,000 per day depending on season.

If you're staying longer — say, a work stint or an extended stay — buying a used kei car locally can actually be cheaper than a long-term rental. The N-BOX and Tanto class of kei vehicles are everywhere here, cheap to run, and surprisingly comfortable on the expressway. Just budget for shaken (the biennial inspection) if you'll keep the car beyond your stay, or plan to sell it back through a local dealer before you fly home.

One non-negotiable: sort out your International Driving Permit before leaving the US. Japan doesn't issue them to arriving tourists, and rental counters will check.

Why These Roads Stick With You

There's a phrase drivers here use — toge, meaning mountain pass — and Kita-Kanto has some of the finest in the country. What makes the region special isn't just the roads, though. It's the combination: a hairpin corner, then a hot spring town; a crater lake, then a vending machine serving hot corn soup. You can drive all day and never feel rushed.

Come see it for yourself. And if you find yourself wanting to take a little Kita-Kanto home — well, you know where to find us.