Head to head
Japan's two driving pilgrimages. Which one lives up to the hype?
Our pick is the Hakone Turnpike.
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Verdicts weigh road quality, scenery, traffic and how likely you are to actually enjoy the drive on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 6 April 2026
The numbers
| Measure | Hakone Turnpike | Irohazaka Winding Road |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers Atlas rating | 9.2 | 9.3 |
| Driving score | 9.3 / 10 | 9.2 / 10 |
| Scenery score | 9.0 / 10 | 9.4 / 10 |
| Length | 14 km | 16 km |
| Where | Kanagawa | Nikko |
| Season | Open all year | Very busy in autumn colour season |
Verdict
The Turnpike is a private toll road with immaculate surfaces, sweeping curves and a view of Fuji from the top. It is the best twenty minutes of tarmac near Tokyo.
Irohazaka is unique, a one way pair of hairpin roads numbered in the Japanese alphabet, and in autumn colour it is unforgettable.