Escape the Ordinary: 11 Exciting Road Trip Adventures in Japan and the USA
You’re itching for an epic road trip adventure but want to avoid the usual tourist traps and discover something truly memorable. Look no further – we’ve mapped out 11 thrill-seeking road trips that will have you exploring the open road in Japan and America like never before. From drifting through mountain vistas in Japan’s Snow Country to cruising California’s coastal highways in a vintage Mustang, these road trips are bursting with scenic wonder and cultural delights around every bend. Pack your sense of adventure, toss a coin to determine your destination, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey down less traveled roads. Adventure awaits!
Take in the Natural Wonders of Japan on an Epic Road Trip
Discover the best of Japan’s natural beauty on a scenic road trip adventure. Start in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Drive through Daisetsuzan National Park, taking in dramatic volcanic peaks and hiking through forests. Spot rare wildlife like the red-crowned crane
Head south to Honshu, Japan’s main island. Journey through the Japanese Alps, surrounded by mountains, hot springs, and the autumn colors of Nikko National Park. Visit the iconic Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak. For beach bliss, drive the Izu Peninsula with rugged coastlines, swimming, and surfing.
Travel west to the island-filled Seto Inland Sea
Cross scenic bridges connecting Honshu to Shikoku island. Hike the 88 Temple Pilgrimage route, circling Shikoku. Or take a ferry to Naoshima, “Art Island,” with outdoor art installations.
Lastly, drive to Kyushu island in the far south. Photograph dramatic cliffs and sea caves in Saikai National Park. Relax in hot spring resort towns like Beppu and Yufuin, nestled in the mountains—spot wild monkeys at Takasakiyama Nature Park. With stunning scenery, delicious food, and a welcoming culture, this road trip will create cherished memories.
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Plan at least 2-3 weeks to experience the natural and cultural wonders on this unforgettable drive through the diverse landscapes of Japan. An open road and adventure await! Let the scenic beauty of Japan inspire you.
Cruise Along Scenic Highways on a US National Parks Road Trip
A US National Parks road trip is necessary for any adventurer looking to escape the ordinary. As you explore some of America’s most stunning landscapes, cruise along scenic highways.
The Mighty Five in Utah
Discover the red rock wonderlands of the Colorado Plateau. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands national parks offer slot canyons, natural arches, and massive sandstone cliffs. You could spend weeks hiking and camping here, but 7-10 days is perfect for an overview.
Pacific Northwest Grandeur
Head to Washington to experience the wild beauty of the Olympic and North Cascades national parks. Rainforests, alpine meadows, massive glaciers, and snow-capped peaks provide a dramatic backdrop for outdoor adventures. Take advantage of stunning drives like the North Cascades Highway and Hurricane Ridge Road.
The Great American West
For the ultimate road trip, follow legendary Route 66 from Chicago to LA, passing iconic stops like the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Or take the scenic highways through Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, and Yosemite for wildlife watching, hiking, camping, and adventure galore.
A national park road trip offers the thrill of open roads and the freedom of the outdoors. Fill your itinerary with stunning vistas, scenic drives, and trails to satisfy your inner explorer. From the massive sequoias of California to the vast Badlands of South Dakota, America’s natural wonders await your discovery. What are you waiting for? The broad road is calling your name.
Follow Route 66 for a Nostalgic American Road Trip
One of the most iconic American road trips is following the historic Route 66. For decades, this legendary highway spanning over 2,400 miles linked Chicago to Los Angeles. Although most of the original Route 66 is gone, you can still drive large sections of the “Mother Road” and experience a nostalgic slice of mid-20th century Americana.
Route 66 passes through eight states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Some of the quirky roadside attractions you’ll encounter include:
- The Blue Whale of Catoosa in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This giant concrete whale structure was once a famous swimming hole.
- The Meteor City Trading Post in Arizona. This quirky general store is a popular photo op with its vintage gas pumps and eclectic gift shop.
- The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona. Sleep in one of the concrete teepees and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
- The Seligman Angel and Burro statue in Seligman, Arizona. This roadside attraction commemorates the burros that helped build Route 66.
Driving Route 66 is all about the journey, not the destination. Take your time exploring the small towns and kitschy attractions along the way. Stop at diners, motels, and gas stations that have been around for generations. Soak in the retro charm of neon signs, rusty roadside sculptures, and vintage motels. Pack up the car, cue “Born to be Wild” for a uniquely American adventure, and get your kicks on Route 66.
Explore Quaint Coastal Towns on a Pacific Northwest Road Trip
The Pacific Northwest is home to charming coastal towns, breathtaking beaches, and scenic byways waiting to be discovered on an exciting road trip adventure.
Pack your bags and hop in the car for a picturesque drive down Highway 101. As you cruise the coast, you’ll come across delightful beach towns like Cannon Beach in Oregon, home to dramatic sea cliffs, and Haystack Rock, a massive 235-foot sea stack jutting out of the ocean. A bit further south, stop in the lovely Victorian seaport of Astoria, Oregon. Pop into the Columbia River Maritime Museum to learn about the area’s nautical history before enjoying fresh seafood along the riverwalk.
In Washington, laid-back beach havens like Long Beach and Ocean Shores offer miles of dunes, beachcombing, and kite flying. For stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and a taste of small-town charm, head to Port Townsend. Peruse the historic downtown’s art galleries, cafes, and shops housed in Victorian buildings before catching a sunset over the water.
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Continue your coastal wanderings into British Columbia, Canada. The harbor town of Tofino on Vancouver Island is a surfer’s paradise surrounded by old-growth rainforests and beaches. Go beachcombing along the island’s Wild Pacific Trail, spot whales from the shores of Ucluelet, or soak in a seaside hot spring.
With dramatic sea cliffs, picturesque lighthouses, charming towns, and opportunities for outdoor adventure around every bend, a road trip down the Pacific Northwest coast will delight your sense of wanderlust. Discover a slower pace of life on this scenic adventure through quaint beach towns and untamed wilderness. Pack your bags, hop in the car, and escape the ordinary on this exciting coastal getaway.
Marvel at the Desert Landscapes on a Southwest USA Road Trip
The American Southwest is filled with stunning desert scenery waiting to be explored on a road trip. From
Sedona’s red rocks to Zion National
Park’s sandstone cliffs, a Southwest road trip offers dramatic landscapes around every bend.
Explore the Red Rocks of Sedona
In Sedona, Arizona, you’ll be surrounded by red sandstone formations that glow with color at sunrise and sunset. Go for a hike among the red rocks or take a jeep tour to access more rugged trails. Don’t miss a stargazing time at night—the dark skies reveal the Milky Way in all its glory.
Marvel at the Grand Canyon
Every trip to the Southwest is complete with visiting one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon. Gaze in awe at the colorful cliffs and rock formations carved by the Colorado River. For a thrilling experience, take a helicopter tour over the canyon or go whitewater rafting on the river.
Be Amazed by Zion National Park
Zion National Park in Utah features stunning red and orange sandstone cliffs, including the tallest in the Southwest. Admire the cliffs from viewpoints along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or hit the trails to immerse yourself in the scenery. The Narrows trail takes you up the narrow canyon, and Angels Landing rewards you with panoramic views after a strenuous climb.
See the Unique Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon
At Bryce Canyon National Park, whimsical rock formations called hoodoos rise from the canyon floor. Erosion has carved the colorful
sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes: Sunrise and sunset light up the hoodoos with a vibrant glow. Go for a hike among the hoodoos or take a scenic drive to view some of the park’s most spectacular vistas.
A Southwest USA road trip offers the opportunity to experience some of the country’s most stunning and unique desert scenery. The dramatic red rock landscapes you’ll discover will leave lasting memories. Fill your itinerary with vibrant sunsets, thrilling adventures, and natural wonders around every turn.
Conclusion
So what are you waiting for? Gas up the car, pack your bags, grab your best friends or family, and hit the open road. Life is meant for adventure, not for watching it pass by through the window. These road trips will create memories to last a lifetime. Turn off your phone, roll down the windows, crank up the tunes, and soak in the journey. Escape the ordinary and experience the extraordinary. The road is calling – it’s time for you to answer. What road trip will you choose for your next grand adventure? The possibilities are endless, just like the open road ahead of you.
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