This extensive driving video traces the entire northbound route from Ueno Station in Tokyo to Aomori Station, offering viewers an in-depth look at the changing landscapes and major towns of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Starting in the pre-dawn hours at Ueno Station—historically a principal terminal for northbound trains before the Shinkansen lines were extended to Tokyo Station—the journey progresses along National Route 4 and passes through a diverse range of prefectures and cities, including Nikko, Kinugawa, Aizu, Kitakata, Yonezawa, Yamagata, Shinjo, and the scenic Lake Towada and Oirase areas before reaching Aomori at the northern tip of Honshu.

As you head north from central Tokyo, the route offers a clear transition from metropolis to rural countryside. The video passes through Saitama and Gunma prefectures before entering the mountainous and picturesque regions of Tochigi, best known for the UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines of Nikko (日光). Further along, the drive enters Fukushima, passing through Aizu (会津), a historic area famous for samurai culture and the renowned city of Kitakata (喜多方) celebrated for its unique style of ramen. One of the highlights is the passage through Yonezawa (米沢), a city in Yamagata Prefecture known for its beef and historic castle. The journey traverses Yamagata’s mountainous terrain, reaching Shinjo (新庄), a town that serves as a gateway to the deeper parts of Tohoku.

The northern Tohoku area brings the driver into Akita and finally Aomori Prefecture, with the beautiful natural scenery of Lake Towada (十和田湖) and the Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流), both well-known for their pristine forests and streams. The video captures the drive’s culmination at Aomori Station (青森駅), an important hub for travelers exploring the far north, Tohoku festivals, or catching ferries to Hokkaido. Along the way, viewers will appreciate not just Japan’s major expressways and trunk routes, but also the logistical and cultural transitions encountered on such a long journey, such as the changing dialects, road signage, and local cuisine opportunities hinted at by place names.

Travelers interested in road trips, long-distance driving, or exploring lesser-visited regions of Japan will find this journey educational and inspiring. The video is particularly informative for anyone planning to travel by car across Honshu and provides orientation on how Japan’s road network supports both urban and rural tourism. Notable stopover options along this route include hot springs in Nikko and Aizu, local ramen in Kitakata and Yonezawa, and natural attractions near Towada and Aomori, making this not just a driving experience but a potential multi-day adventure for those who want to immerse themselves in authentic Tohoku.