With the official start of summer coming up in just a few weeks, many people are looking forward to road trips. Japan is no exception, especially since it is particularly rich in picturesque roads. From ocean and lake views to mountain paths and everything in between, the island nation is blessed with gorgeous drives providing visual enjoyment all year long.

Six most scenic summer drives

Here are six of some of the most scenic drives perfect for the summer months, according to the global leader in tires and rubber, Bridgestone Corporation.

Tsunoshima Bridge, Yamaguchi Prefecture

When it comes to spectacular scenic drives, Tsunoshima Bridge (角島大橋 Tsunoshima-Ōhashi) is a must. Located at the northwestern tip of Yamaguchi Prefecture, the second-longest bridge in Japan (1,780 meters) offers an exhilarating ride across white sandy beaches and emerald green waters. Crossing this bridge will give you a special feeling as if you're driving on the sea.

For more scenic drives in the Chūgoku area, see Bridgestone's official blog here.

National Route 134, Kanagawa Prefecture

If you're looking for a romantic summer drive not far from Tokyo, look no further than the coastal National Route 134 (国道134号). A 60-kilometer route that runs from 横須賀 Yokosuka to 大磯 Ōiso, National Route 134 takes you to 葉山 Hayama, 逗子 Zushi, 稲村ケ崎 Inamuragasaki, 七里ガ浜 Shichirigahama, 江の島 Enoshima, and other popular spots in the 湘南 Shōnan area that have appeared in movies, TV dramas, and hit J-pop song lyrics. Along this road, you'll also find numerous popular restaurants, fashionable cafes, and other side-trip opportunities, so you're sure to have a great time!

For more scenic drives in the Kanto region, see Bridgestone's official blog here and here.

National Route 161, Shiga Prefecture

The best way to enjoy the scenic Lake Biwa by car is to drive along the "Lake Biwa West Traversal Expressway" (琵琶湖西縦貫道路 biwako nishi jūkan dōro). This approximately 80-km route connects National Routes 161 and 303 from the Kinomoto Interchange (木之本IC) on the Hokuriku Expressway (北陸自動車道) to the Kyoto Higashi Interchange (京都東IC) on the Meishin Expressway (名神高速道路). The section between 北小松市 Kitakomatsu City and 高島市 Takashima City is known as the most scenic section along the shores of Lake Biwa. Here you will also find 白髭神社 Shirahige Shrine, which has been gaining popularity as a power spot and Instagenic spot in recent years. The oldest shrine in the Ōmi region, it's famous for its impressive torii gate which literally seems to float on the lake.

In fall, you'll also appreciate the Metasequoia redwood trees of マキノ高原 Makino Plateau, famous for their autumn foliage, if you continue north along this route.

For more scenic drives in the Kinki region, see Bridgestone's official blog here.

The Kawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge, Shizuoka Prefecture

The Kawazu Nanadaru Loop Bridge (河津七滝ループ橋 kawazu nanadaru rūpu bashi)is one of the most famous bridges in the Izu Peninsula and arguably one of the most scenic double loop bridges in the world. Located in the picturesque 天城山 Mount Amagi on National Route 414, it literally takes drivers for a spin up or down 45 m along a double loop measuring 80 meters in diameter and 1,064 meters in length. There is a parking space directly under the bridge, where visitors can enjoy the impressive sight. It's also on the way to the 河津七滝 Kawazu Nanadaru Waterfalls in the immediate vicinity, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as the refreshingly cooler mist-heavy air, a perfect respite from the hot summer weather.

Chirihama Beach Driveway, Ishikawa Prefecture

Situated in the 能登半島 Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, the Chirihama Beach Driveway (千里浜なぎさドライブウェイ chirihama nagisa doraibuuei, lit. "Chirihama Nagisa Driveway") is an 8-kilometer sightseeing road that runs from 羽咋郡宝達志水町今浜 Imahama, Hodatsu Shimizu-cho, Hakui District to 羽咋市千里浜町 Chirihama-machi, Hakui City. The sand grains are so fine that they absorb seawater and harden like a paved road, making it popular as the only road in Japan where ordinary cars can drive along the beach's lapping waves. It's also delightful in the dusk and early evening. Enjoying the view from your car as you drive along the sandy beach will surely be a wonderful memory. During the summer recreation season, speed limits and no-parking signs are posted on the beach. Also, be aware that traffic may be restricted depending on the weather conditions, such as on days when the waves are high.

For more scenic drives in the Chūbu region, see Bridgestone's official blog here, here and here.

Niji no Matsubara Pine Grove, Saga Prefecture

Niji-no-Matsubara (虹の松原, lit. "Rainbow Pine Grove"), located in 唐津市 Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, is one of the three most scenic pine groves in Japan. You'll find it along a 4.5-kilometer stretch of Saga Prefectural Route 347 (Niji-no-Matsubara Route). Approximately 1 million black pine trees densely populate the grove, providing a mysterious and memorable experience as you enjoy the sun shining through the trees. And if you're hungry, you can stop at からつバーガー Karatsu Burger, a local burger store that suddenly appears while driving through pine trees. The name "rainbow" comes from the shape of the grove that traces an arc, like a rainbow, as the road curves.

For more scenic drives in the Kyushu region, see Bridgestone's official blog here.

You can also enjoy snapshots from a selection of 90 scenic roads on Bridgestone's official Instagram account, if you search for the hashtag #ブリヂストン日本の道90選 (Bridgestone's selection of 90 Japanese roads).

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Driving in Japan as a tourist

If you live in Japan, as long as you have a car and a valid license, you can hop on the road and enjoy these scenic drives now!

Those who are looking forward to visiting Japan as tourists, however, may need to wait a little longer. As of June 2022, only tourists joining private tour packages are allowed into the country. However, once private tourism becomes available again, renting a car and enjoying Japan's scenic drives will surely be a memorable experience you'll want to consider for your future travel plans.

To drive in Japan as a tourist, you need to be at least 18 years old and have an International Driving Permit issued in your home country before you travel to Japan. The exception is for residents of Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Estonia, Monaco and Taiwan, who only need to bring their own country's driver's license and a notarized translation thereof.

For information on traffic rules, visit the Japan Automobile Federation's website here.