The nuclear National Route 6 from Namie to Tomioka
Japan, asia
17.5 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Hey fellow road trippers! Ever crave a drive that's a little... different? Then buckle up for a trip down Japan National Route 6 in Fukushima Prefecture.
This isn't your average scenic cruise. We're talking about a 17.5km (10.87 miles) stretch cutting through the heart of the Fukushima Nuclear Exclusion Zone, near the Daiichi nuclear power plant.
Yep, you read that right. This section, between Namie and Tomioka, once had seriously high radiation levels. Thankfully, it's been decontaminated since 2014, so you can drive through without special permits. Just a heads-up: bikes, motorcycles, and pedestrians are a no-go here. Though bigger motorcycles are allowed.
This road runs straight as an arrow, hugging the coastline with some seriously haunting scenery. Think abandoned buildings and barricades keeping you on the straight and narrow, ensuring no accidental detours into restricted areas. Keep those windows rolled up and cruise on through!
Despite its history, Route 6 is a vital, paved artery, offering some unique, if somber, coastal views. It's a drive you won't soon forget.
Where is it?
The nuclear National Route 6 from Namie to Tomioka is located in Japan (asia). Coordinates: 35.3841, 138.4003
Road Details
- Country
- Japan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 17.5 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 35.3841, 138.4003
Related Roads in asia
hardTravel guide to the top of Gyu La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, fellow adventurers, buckle up for Gyu La! This insane mountain pass clocks in at a staggering 14,927 feet in the Indian Himalayas, specifically in Jammu and Kashmir. You'll find it snaking through the Chang-Chemno range on the Lukumg-Phobrang-Chartse Road. It's about 48 miles of pure adrenaline. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. Expect lots of tight twists, hairpin turns, and sections where the road seriously narrows. Even seasoned drivers will be kept on their toes. If your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger! The road gets pretty steep in places, hitting a 6% grade. Factor in the altitude, potential for altitude sickness, unpredictable mountain weather, and you've got a truly epic, if challenging, ride.
hardHow long is Kohat Pass?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, formerly known as the North West Frontier Province, and you stumble upon Kotal Kohat, a mountain pass that tops out at 855 meters (that's 2,805 feet!). This fully paved road, locally known as Kohat Road, stretches for about 20.4 kilometers (or 12.67 miles) from Babozi to Kohat. It's a proper climb! Now, while the pass is steep and can be a bit narrow for larger vehicles, the good news is that the Kohat Tunnel opened in 2003, bypassing the most challenging sections. Back in the day, navigating these rugged mountains was a real hassle. The weather here can turn on a dime, especially in winter – think snow, ice, and fog. Landslides, thanks to heavy rains, can also cause chaos. British authorities kicked off the construction of Kohat Pass way back in 1849, finishing it up by 1850, despite some serious local resistance. It even got temporarily shut down in 1853 after a tribal spat. A word to the wise: Pakistan can be a bit unpredictable. Exercise caution due to potential security issues like terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Travel during daylight hours, and always check with local authorities about road conditions, especially during monsoon season or winter. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!
extremeThe wild road to the blue fire of Kawah Ijen
🌍 Indonesia
Nestled between Banyuwangi and Bondowoso in East Java, Indonesia, Mount Ijen is home to the stunning turquoise crater lake, Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater). The adventure to this incredibly acidic lake, famed for its sulfur deposits, starts above the Ijen Plateau. The 3.2 km (2 mile) unpaved road begins at Pos Perijinan Kawah Ijen, the starting point before you ascend. It's a bumpy ride to the trailhead, followed by a 1.5-hour hike, including some pretty steep sections. Once you reach the crater rim, you'll likely see miners carrying heavy baskets of sulfur. The lake itself is a reservoir of sulfur, where it's mined daily. Watch out for the miners carrying incredible loads (75-90 kg!) up the trail. This sulfur mining has been going on since 1968. The acid lake here is the world's largest! This volcano is famous for its electric blue fire, acidic crater lake, and the grueling sulfur mining. This sulfur, nicknamed "Devil's Gold," gets its name from its yellow color and the dangerous conditions. The water is so acidic it can dissolve flesh, clothes, even metal! Seriously, within 15 seconds, it can start to decompose human skin. Swimming? Definitely not recommended. You can descend into the crater, but be quick and at your own risk. Masks are crucial to avoid inhaling those toxic fumes. It's incredibly hot, smells awful, and the air is terrible, making a long stay pretty much impossible. Don't touch anything, and definitely don't touch your face. In 2018, the crater was closed for months because of toxic gas emissions, evacuating hundreds of locals. The road is super narrow and incredibly steep, making a 4x4 absolutely necessary. No private vehicles are allowed. In recent years, Kawah Ijen has become a popular tourist spot. One of the big draws is the "blue fire," one of the only places on Earth you can see this phenomenon. When sulfuric gases meet high temperatures, the sulfur ignites, creating blue flames. You can only see these flames at night, though they burn 24/7. Temperatures can reach a scorching 600˚C (1112°F), but the blue flames are only visible at night. Sulfur ignites at 360˚C (680°F), but a chemical reaction causes the blue hue, not the temperature.
extremeSinan Pass, a curvy road only for experienced drivers
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Sinan Pass (also known as Talaa Pass) in the Aseer Region of southwest Saudi Arabia is calling your name. Perched high in the Asir Mountains at nearly 8,000 feet, this pass is not for the faint of heart. Picture this: a narrow, paved road clinging to the mountainside with literally hundreds of twists and turns. The pavement? Let's just say it's seen better days. But trust me, the views are worth it! Towering mountains surround you in every direction. This isn't your leisurely Sunday drive. It's a seriously technical and dangerous route, so maybe leave the automatic at home. Low gear is your best friend on the descent. A 4x4 is highly recommended due to the extreme steepness of the road and potential for brake failure. Starting from Al Magarda, you'll climb a staggering 5,436 feet over just 8 miles, with an average gradient of almost 13%! Yeah, it's intense. But if you're up for the challenge, Sinan Pass promises an unforgettable driving experience.