Driving the Hakone Turnpike: Japan’s Legendary Mountain Roads

TL;DR

• Iconic Roads: Hakone’s twisting, scenic roads test driver skill and vehicle balance, offering an unforgettable JDM driving experience.

• Father-Son Journey: The Raquels relive their shared passion for cars while discovering the Devil Z and other iconic machines.

• Cultural Immersion: Hakone is a hub of automotive heritage, with Daikoku Parking Area, classic Fairlady Z sightings, and local tuner communities.

Hakone: A Driving Playground Unlike Any Other

Nestled in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, the Hakone Turnpike is a stretch of road revered by enthusiasts worldwide. For Chris and Royce Raquel, it represented the epitome of what driving a Japanese sports car should feel like. The combination of elevation changes, hairpin turns, and sweeping curves provided a real test of car control and driver intuition.

They started their adventure behind the wheel of an R34 Skyline GT-R, a modern JDM icon with turbocharged performance, all-wheel drive balance, and precise steering. While the Skyline offered a glimpse into contemporary Japanese performance, it was the mountain air, winding asphalt, and ever-changing landscape that created a driving experience that was entirely analog, visceral, and unforgettable.

As they ascended the mountain roads, every hairpin demanded careful braking and smooth throttle application. The Raquels note that gear selection became an extension of the road itself: downshifts for tight corners, gentle rev-matching through sweeps, and controlled acceleration on long inclines. It was a dance between car and driver, where mistakes were punished and rewards felt euphoric.

Encounters That Sparked Inspiration

While navigating a particularly tight switchback, the Raquels came across a Devil Z-inspired Fairlady Z, perched like a gem along the mountainside. Its presence was electrifying: a classic Series 1 body, aggressive flares, and a setup clearly honed for spirited driving. This moment crystallised the vision for their own 240Z build back home.

“It wasn’t just seeing the car,” Chris recalls, “it was feeling it. How it hugged the road, how it sounded through the corners, the precision of its lines—it all clicked. That’s when we knew our 240Z project wasn’t just a car, it was a story.”

This scene highlights why Hakone remains legendary: it’s a living gallery of JDM culture, where history and passion merge with the thrill of driving.

Scenic and Cultural Immersion

Hakone isn’t just a road—it’s a full sensory experience. Alongside the asphalt, the Raquels soaked in:

• Mount Fuji views shimmering through morning fog

• Local onsen towns, offering a taste of Japanese tradition

• Roadside cafés where classic Japanese cars park alongside modern tuners

• Daikoku Parking Area, a mecca for enthusiasts to share builds and stories

These moments allowed them to step beyond driving and immerse themselves in the culture that originally inspired the 240Z. Every curve, corner, and sight reinforced the JDM philosophy of precision, style, and driving enjoyment.

Driving Dynamics: Lessons for the 240Z Build

Navigating Hakone imparted invaluable lessons for their Series 1 Z:

• Suspension Tuning: Hairpins taught the importance of balance and responsive coilovers.

• Braking: Steep descents emphasised the need for reliable big brakes and pedal feel.

• Throttle & Power Delivery: Smooth application mirrors the analogue feel of triple Mikuni carbs, emphasising control over raw horsepower.

• Driver Connection: The sensory feedback from road, tires, and chassis guided their OEM+ approach to the 240Z build.

By the end of the week, Chris and Royce could anticipate the road, adjusting lines and speed intuitively—a direct translation into their Z’s setup back home.

Beyond the Drive: Community and Legacy

Hakone isn’t just about the road—it’s about community. From impromptu meet-ups to observing enthusiasts polishing their Fairlady Zs, the Raquels experienced the camaraderie and passion that have kept JDM culture alive for decades.

For further insight into how the 240Z influenced enthusiasts globally:

• The History of the Datsun 240Z: Japan’s First Sports Icon

• How the 240Z Helped Define JDM Car Culture in America

• Custom 1970 240Z L28 + Mikuni Build Guide

These stories reveal how heritage, design, and driving passion merge, fueling the imagination of builders worldwide.

Amazon Magazine Features

• Stance Auto Magazine Japanese Classic Cars Vol2

• Stance Auto Magazine July 2025

• Modified Car Magazine The JDM Magazine

• Stance Auto Magazine The 90's JDM Classics – June 2025

• Stance Auto Magazine JDM Classics The 90s

Further Reading for The Datsun 240Z

1. The History of the Datsun 240Z: Japan’s First Sports Icon
    Explore the origins of the 240Z, its rise in Japan and the U.S., and why it became the foundation of JDM sports car culture.
   

2. Building a Datsun 240Z Restomod: OEM+ vs Full Custom
    A deep dive into the philosophies behind different 240Z builds, including subtle OEM+ upgrades and extreme full custom conversions.
   

3. Driving the Hakone Turnpike: Japan’s Legendary Mountain Roads
    Learn about the famous Hakone driving routes that inspired generations of JDM enthusiasts and influenced countless Z builds.
   

4. Why the Devil Z Still Inspires Fairlady Z Builders Today
    Discover how the iconic Devil Z set styling and performance benchmarks that continue to shape modern 240Z builds.
   

5. Datsun 240Z Buyer’s Guide: What to Know Before You Build
    Everything you need to inspect, plan, and budget for a successful 240Z build, from rust checks to engine and suspension choices.
   

6. Datsun 240Z Review: The Iconic Japanese Sports Car
    A full model spotlight and review of the 240Z, covering driving experience, engineering, and collector appeal.
   

7. How the 240Z Helped Define JDM Car Culture in America
    Explore the influence of the 240Z on early U.S. tuner culture, midnight street runs, and the rise of Japanese performance cars.
   

8. 1972 Datsun 240Z – Roy Rolon
    A featured build showcasing the restoration and customisation of a 1972 240Z, highlighting craftsmanship and modern upgrades.
   

9. Restored 1970 Datsun 240Z Series 1 with L28 Mikuni Build
    An in-depth look at a complete Series 1 restoration, featuring L28 engine upgrades and period-correct Mikuni carb setups.
   

10. 1973 Datsun 240Z – Dylan Brinkworth
    Another inspiring 240Z build highlighting modern performance enhancements while respecting the car’s classic lines.

Call to Action

Do you have a build story like this one? Got a build on a budget? We want to see it. Submit your story to Stance Auto Magazine, and you could be the next featured owner showing the world how to do it right—without breaking the bank.

And hey, don’t forget to tag us on socials. Use #stanceautomag on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook so we can see (and maybe feature) your ride.

Test Your JDM Car Knowledge and Take Our No. 1 JDM Car Quiz

Order Your Stance Auto Car Magazines From Our Amazon Book Store

Test Your Automotive Knowledge and Take Our No. 1 Car Quiz

Get Noticed Use our Hashtags - #stanceauto #stanceautomag #stanceautomagazine #modifiedcarmagazine

UKTM no: UK00003572459