Japan National Route 9

National Route 9 (国道9号) is an important highway in the Kansai and Chūgoku regions. It connects the prefectural capitals of Kyoto, Tottori, Matsue (Shimane Prefecture), and Yamaguchi. Other significant cities along the route include Yonago, Tottori and Shimonoseki. National Route 9 also passes through parts of Hyōgo Prefecture.

With a total length of 638.4 km, National Route 9 is the second longest national highway in Japan, being shorter than only National Route 4.

Route data

 * Length: 638.4 km
 * Origin: Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto (originates at junction with Routes 1, 8, 24 and 367)
 * Terminus: Shimonoseki (ends at junction with Route 191)
 * Major cities: Fukuchiyama, Tottori, Yonago, Matsue, Hamada, Yamaguchi

History
Route 9 follows the old Sanindō, an ancient highway along a similar route.
 * 4 December 1952 - First Class National Highway 9 (from Kyoto to Shimonoseki)
 * 1 April 1965 - General National Highway 9 (from Kyoto to Shimonoseki)