is an important highway in the Kansai and Chà «goku 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 Hyà Âgo Prefecture.
With a total length of , National Route 9 is the second longest national highway in Japan, being shorter than only National Route 4.
Route 9 follows the old Sanindà Â, an ancient highway along a similar route.