Japan National Route 20


National Route 20 is a national highway connecting Tokyo and Shiojiri, Nagano prefecture in Japan. Originating at Nihonbashi in Chūō, Tokyo, it passes through Shinjuku and four other wards, and then seven cities, including Hachiōji in Tokyo. It follows a westward route into Kanagawa Prefecture, passing through the city of Sagamihara and one town. Continuing into Yamanashi Prefecture, the highway passes through nine cities and towns, among them the prefectural capital of Kofu. In Nagano Prefecture, National Route 20 passes through five cities and towns before entering Shiojiri, where it terminates at the intersection of National Routes 19 and 153. The highway is 225.0 km long.
National Route 20 is the successor to the Kōshū Kaidō, an Edo period highway connecting the shogunal capital of Edo and Kofu, then the principal city in Kai Province. Parts of it still bear the old name.
The highway's course passes the Sakurada Gate of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Shinjuku Station is on National Route 20. The marathon course of the Tokyo Olympics included parts of National Route 20.

History