Day 2 of touring in the Fairlady Z NISMO. After staying overnight in Kochi Prefecture, we take you through the full drive from the famous Shikoku Route 439 to Route 194, and finally to Washuzan in Okayama. As the driving terrain changed, the true qualities of this Nissan sports car came to light.

Starting from Kochi – Hitting the Thrilling Route 439

After finishing Day 1’s drive, I stayed at my regular hotel in Kochi Prefecture, the Southern City Hotel. This hotel boasts a spacious parking lot, plenty of nearby dining options, and a quality in-house restaurant. The rooms are roomy and under 10,000 yen, making it an ideal base for touring.

On the morning of Day 2, I took the highway to Otoyo Interchange and headed toward the famous Shikoku Route 439.

Known affectionately as “Yosaku,” this road is sometimes called a “horror road” due to some rough sections, but the part I drove was not narrow or treacherous, but a smooth, enjoyable route. Stretching southwest, this section has light traffic and truly lives up to the name “thrilling road”—a delight to drive.

On Route 439, with its series of medium-speed corners, the Fairlady Z NISMO’s true strengths shone through. The usual harshness of the ride seemed to vanish on this kind of road. In fact, this might be exactly the environment where this car excels.

The Soundtrack of the Fairlady Z

One thing that left a strong impression while driving Route 439 was the Fairlady Z’s engine sound.

Due to environmental regulations, the car is generally quiet, but switching to Sport or Sport Plus mode fills the cabin with a very pleasant fake engine sound. The clear, V6-like “horn” tone is pure and free of distortion, and combined with the “pop” of gear shifts, it really amps up the driving excitement.

On the other hand, the blipping sound during downshifts is more restrained than Porsche’s aggressive style, offering a more subtle character.

This will come down to personal taste, but for those who dislike excessive exhaust noise, this balance might be just right. In normal mode, the engine is almost silent, so you really need to be in Sport mode or higher to enjoy this pleasant sound. Note that this feature may be optional depending on the trim, so be sure to check when purchasing.

Switching to Route 194 – The Thrill of Three-Dimensional Winding Roads

Turning off Route 439 onto Route 194, the character of the road changes. Route 194 runs north-south through Shikoku and is one of my favorite sections. This time, I took the right turn that climbs in elevation, a truly three-dimensional winding road. Tight corners, medium-speed bends, and straights mix perfectly, with uphill gradients adding to the excitement, keeping the driver fully engaged.

The Fairlady Z NISMO showed its true colors here as well.

Though I’ve had my criticisms in previous reviews, the car’s responsiveness on winding roads is impressive. Compared to Porsche Boxster or Cayman, in terms of touring on public roads, it offers equally sharp handling and speed. Especially the stock tires deliver fierce grip once warmed up, with the front end gripping exceptionally well. While I noticed some differences coming from a Cayman, anyone buying a Fairlady Z will find the driving satisfaction more than enough.

This car shines both uphill and downhill. Surprisingly tall ride height and large wheel well gaps allow the suspension to work fully. The 19-inch wheels paired with relatively tall-profile tires give it a somewhat American muscle car vibe, adding a unique flavor to the driving experience. The way the tires flex under load creates a distinct joy unique to the Fairlady Z.

Differences from Porsche – A Muscular Athlete

Having driven the same roads in a Porsche multiple times, the differences were fascinating. If Porsche is a “supple, muscular athlete,” then the Fairlady Z feels like a “muscular athlete” in a more rugged sense. Not in terms of engine power, but in how the body moves and turns, it exudes a strong, powerful character.

This car truly shines when pushed hard at a fast pace.

Driving slowly and leisurely is less engaging, but when you have a road where you can attack at your own pace, it becomes like “a fish in water.” It’s not a perfect all-rounder, which makes it interesting—a car with a bit of an edge. Like a spicy yet delicious curry, it reveals your driving skills and technique clearly, which is part of its charm.

Heading to Okayama – From Washuzan Back Home

After finishing Route 194, I took the highway toward Okayama. I decided to stop at the Washuzan parking lot, a popular spot among car enthusiasts in Okayama often seen on X (formerly Twitter). The road leading there also featured tight winding sections that let me enjoy the Fairlady Z even more. From Washuzan, I admired the stunning views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, then returned home via the Sanyo Expressway and Ashiyu Driveway by evening.

Over these two days of touring, my initial doubts about whether touring in the Fairlady Z would be fun were completely erased. It offers a type of enjoyment completely different from Porsche. I’ve heard from RZ34 owners that they want to keep driving longer and longer, and now I understand why. It’s a car with the qualities for long-distance touring.

Also, I was approached by people twice in parking lots during this trip, which showed me firsthand why the Fairlady Z is so beloved by Japanese men.

Route Map for This Trip