Exploring Japan by car can be a delightful experience if you enjoy driving on smooth roads, and exploring scenic landscapes, cute little towns, and amazing cultural landmarks. However, there are a few essentials required to perfect your Japan road trip. In this article, among other things, we’ve simplified the procedures, from obtaining an international driving permit to renting a car in Japan.
Japan road trip: The essentials
In Japan, the legal driving age is 18 years. Although local trains and buses are efficient modes of transport in the country, you will need to plan your itinerary around their schedules. On the other hand, renting a car offers you the convenience and flexibility to explore the country at your own pace.
Popular car rental services in Japan
These rental car services are available in most cities across Japan. C2C (consumer-to-consumer) car-sharing services like Mitsui Car Shares and Yasashi Car Share are also gaining popularity in major cities.
International driving permit
Before driving in Japan, you need an international driving permit (IDP) from your resident country. This document must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Once obtained, the permit is valid for one year. To get an IDP, you need to submit:
- A valid driver’s license
- Passport-sized photos
- Complete application form
- Fee
Typically, the IDP is granted within a week to a month. We recommend applying for the permit in advance before travelling to Japan. That’s the first step to bringing your plan for a Japan road trip to fruition.
Also read | Go Beyond The Tourist Trail To Savour The Experiences You Can Only Get In Japan
Note: Long-term residents cannot apply for IDP. They must convert their foreign license to a Japanese driver’s license to drive in Japan.
Things to know before embarking on a road trip in Japan
Before hitting the road in Japan, there are a few basic traffic rules you need to be aware of.
- Honking is considered rude, and should only be done in cases of an emergency.
- If you want to extend car rental hours on your Japan road trip, notify the rental car company via phone or the app in advance.
- Avoid dirtying the interiors of a rental car. Owners expect a clean car on return.
- Almost all rental cars in Japan come with in-built GPS Navigation systems. The default language is Japanese; you can change it to your preferred language.
- Most rental car companies do not allow smoking inside the vehicle. Always check before you start your journey.
- The speed limit is about 60 km/hr on regular roads and approximately 100 km/hr on expressways.
- In Japan, cars drive to the left side of the road.
- Passengers in the front and back of the vehicle must wear seatbelts.
- Drinking and driving is not allowed. If caught drunk, you can face severe penalties like license suspension, heavy monetary fines, and in some cases, even imprisonment.
- At every crossing, stop your vehicle to allow pedestrians to cross.
- Using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited.
- Prioritise emergency vehicles and pull over to the left side of the road to make way for them.
- Park only in designated parking areas. Keep an eye out for card/cash-operated parking lots or multilevel parking lots.
- Most gas stations across Japan are self-service.
- Drive cautiously and slowly during heavy snowfall or rain.
- In case of an earthquake, park your car on the left side of the road and turn off the engine.
- There are service areas on almost every expressway across Japan. These include restrooms, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Explore more with our guide to the things to buy in Japan.
Japan emergency numbers
- Police: 100
- Fire department or ambulance: 119
- Non-Emergency Medical: #7119
- Disaster Safety Confirmation: 171
- Coast Guard: 118
Road trips to take in Japan: The most scenic drives from Tokyo
Select a major city as your starting point before embarking on your Japan road trip. These cities promise multiple rental car services and easy access to road trip necessities.
The best part about starting your Japan road trip from Tokyo is that it is close to popular tourist destinations like Hakone, Kamakura, Nikko, Yokohama, and Lake Kawaguchiko. We recommend visiting these places first.
Kamakura
Distance: 63 km approximately
Travel time: 40 minutes to 1.5 hours
Things to do: Kamakura has a rich cultural heritage and is surrounded by nature. Do visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu), Hasedera Temple, Hokokuji Temple, Kamakura Komachi Street and Hachimangu Shrine.
Hotels to stay: Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura, Bird Hotel and Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura.
Book your stay at Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura via Booking.com
Book your stay at Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura via Agoda.com
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Kawaguchiko
Distance: 100 km approximately
Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Things to do: One of the best places to admire on a Japan road trip is Mt Fuji in Kawaguchiko. The must-visit spots are Oishi Park, the Music Forest Museum, Arakurayama Sengen Park, and the Fujisan Herb Garden and Hall. If you are seeking adventure, you will enjoy the Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park.
Hotels to stay: Mizuno Hotel, Green Lake and Kasuitei Ooya.
Book your stay at Mizno Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Mizno Hotel via Agoda.com
Also read | Tokyo Shopping Guide: The Best Malls And Streets To Shop For Every Kind Of Product
Hakone
Distance: 86 km approximately
Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Things to do: Hakone is known for its hot spring hotels, natural beauty, and majestic views of Mt Fuji. When in Hakone, visit Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, Yunessun Hot Spring Park, Hakone Glass Museum, and Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Hotels to stay: Hakone Onsen Sanso Nakamura, Hakone Yutowa and Hakone Highland Hotel.
Book your stay at Hakone Onsen Sanso Nakamura via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hakone Onsen Sanso Nakamura via Agoda.com
Japan road trips to take from Kyoto
Kyoto is known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is the perfect place to begin your Japan road trip, traversing the beautiful landscapes of Nara, Uji, Awaji Island, Miyama, and Wakayama.
Uji
Distance: 21 km approximately
Travel time: 40 minutes
Things to do: Uji is a paradise for matcha lovers. Almost every restaurant here has a menu for green tea delights like cha soba (green tea buckwheat noodles), matcha desserts, matcha curry rice sets, and matcha beverages. Apart from food, popular tourist attractions to visit on your Japan road trip include Byodoin Temple, Uji River, Chazuna Community Center, and Uji Shrine.
Hotels to stay: Hanayashiki Ukifune-En, Hotel Trend and Uji Cha Ganju Tei.
Book your stay at Hanayashiki Ukifune-en via Booking.com
Book your stay at Kyoto Uji Hanayashiki Ukifune-en via Agoda.com
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Nara
Distance: 45 km approximately
Travel time: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Things to do: Nara was the first capital of Japan, and today, it is home to some of the oldest temples, shrines and ruins. Spend a day exploring Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, Horyu-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Hotels to stay: Onyado Nono Nara, Kamenoi Hotel and Hotel Nara Sakurai.
Book your stay at Onyado Nono Nara via Booking.com
Book your stay at Onyado Nono Nara via Agoda.com
Shiga
Distance: 55 km approximately
Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Things to do: If you are interested in water sports, Shiga is a must-visit. It’s close to Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa. You can enjoy flyboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, and swimming. Visit Shigaraki Pottery Village nearby, one of the best places to shop handmade ceramics and miscellaneous items on your Japan road trip.
Hotels to stay: Onyado Nono Nara, Kamenoi Hotel and Hotel Nara Sakurai.
Explore more with our Kyoto travel guide.
Japan road trips from Osaka
Osaka joins the ranks of Tokyo and Kyoto as one of the most popular cities to visit in Japan. Tourists flock to this city to experience delicious street food, vibrant nightlife and endless shopping options.
Kobe
Distance: 35 km approximately
Travel time: 40 mins
Things to do: Kobe is a modern city with traditional attractions. The best way to explore Kobe is to visit Kobe Harbourland, stroll through Kitano-cho, hike up to Mount Rokko, and spend half the day at Kobe Museum.
Hotels to stay: Hotel Plaza Kobe, Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel and La Suite Kobe.
Book your stay at Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel via Agoda.com
Also read | Osaka Itinerary: Conquer Japan’s Foodie Paradise And Cultural Hub In 5 Days
Awaji Island
Distance: 145 km approximately
Travel time: 2 hours
Things to do: Admiring the Naruto Whirlpools, ziplining into Godzilla’s mouth at Nijigen No Mori Amusement Park, and exploring Izanagi Shrine are a few event spots to spend your day.
Hotels to stay: Hotel Plaza Awajishima, Sunrise Awaji and Naruto Grand Hotel.
Book your stay at Plaza Awajishima via Booking.com
Book your stay at Plaza Awajishima via Agoda.com
Himeji Castle
Distance: 94 km approximately
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Things to do: Himeji Castle is close to Osaka and a must-see on your Japan road trip. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this iconic castle is well-preserved and has a white exterior. It’s one of the few castles in Japan where people can get in and explore the interiors. Visit the top floor to enjoy a panoramic view of Himeji City.
Hotels to stay: Hotel Wing Himeji, Himeji Castle Grandvrio Hotel, Richmond Hotel.
Book your stay at Hotel Wing International Himeji via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Wing International Himeji via Agoda.com
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Japan road trips are about enjoying the journey while discovering scenic routes, driving on smooth roads, exploring cultural landmarks, and admiring the natural beauty.
Yes, almost every foreign visitor requires an international driving permit. They need to apply for one before traveling to Japan. Obtaining the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP in their home countries is a must for most countries. This license type will be valid for one year from the date of issuance.
It depends activity, itinerary and the number of people traveling in the car. If it's a couple or a group of four, a compact car (Kei car) or a mid-size sedan would be a comfortable size. An SUV or Japanese monospace van would be ideal for larger groups of people with plenty of luggage,
Every area in Japan has a different speed limit. The general speed limit in urban areas is 30/40 km/hr; the countryside area is 50/60 km/hr; on expressways, it's about 100 km/hr.
One can encounter tolls in almost every expressway in Japan. Each expressway has toll booths located at the entrances and exits. Payment of tolls can either be made electronically (ETC system) or manually (cash or credit card).
Carry your international driving permit, driver's license, passport, ETC card, cash, phone with a local sim card/pocket Wi-Fi, first-aid kit, power bank, toiletries, snacks, bottled water, and car rental agreement.
Some popular places and spots include Mt Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes, Japanese castles, onsen towns, the Naruto Whirlpools, and the pristine beaches of Okinawa.
Written By
Sharon Alphonso
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, ..Read More
