I’ve written extensively about renting a automotive in Japan, and about driving in Japan extra typically. Though I’d encourage you to take a look at the complete article, the gist is that whereas irritating (velocity limits in Japan are low; most individuals obey them religiously), having your personal set of wheels in Japan could be extraordinarily helpful.
Nevertheless, it’s not as simple as choosing up a automotive upon touchdown in Tokyo, and returning it two or three weeks later. Japan, on the entire, will not be a rustic I might advocate seeing completely by way of non-public car.
As an alternative, every Japan street journey itinerary I’m about to share focuses on a particular vacation spot or area; many require solely a day of your time.
The Land of Quick Trains and Sluggish Vehicles
For individuals who haven’t researched the matter deeply, Japan street journeys would possibly look like they’d be superb by default. Japan, in spite of everything, is legendary for having the world’s longest-operating (and nonetheless, most cutting-edge) high-speed rail community. Why wouldn’t you need to zoom across the highways of the nation that gifted the Shinkansen to humanity?
Sadly, whereas Japan is certainly the land of quick trains, it’s (largely) the land of gradual vehicles. Velocity limits in Japan are low, with limits of below 50 km/hr frequent on each metropolis roads and non-toll highways, and plenty of so-called “expressways” having velocity limits as little as 80 km/hr. Worse, many Japanese drivers not solely obey velocity limits, however drive below them. If you happen to can settle for this prematurely, a street journey would possibly nonetheless be a good suggestion.
5 Wonderful Japan Highway Journey Concepts
Hokkaido in summer time or autumn
Hokkaido is an place that’s exhausting to totally recognize with out the liberty a automotive gives you. In summer time, I like choosing up a automotive in Sapporo and driving (amongst different locations) to the lavender fields of Nakafurano. In autumn, in the meantime, it’s all in regards to the far japanese a part of the island, whether or not it’s the lake nation between Kushiro and Abashiri, or the wild Shiretoko Peninsula.
One other day in paradise: Miyakojima
Need to discover Japan by automotive and get some seaside time to go together with it? Miyakojima, which is a part of the Okinawa archipelago, is the proper place for it. Smaller than the primary island and bigger than Ishigaki, it’s a candy spot by way of logistics, and a paradise in relation to seashores. You’ll be able to spend as little as a day and as many as three exploring, with my favourite spots being Yonaha Seashore and Sunayama Seashore.
To Yamaguchi and again
Encompassing the far southwestern tip of Honshu island, Yamaguchi prefecture is straightforward to overlook, however it’s unattainable to neglect. I often like beginning in Shimonoseki the place, after a sushi breakfast at Karato Market, I head to Akiyoshido Cave. I comply with this up with a day within the Samurai city of Hagi, and sundown behind the vermillion gates of Motonosumi Inari Shrine.
Sanriku: Japan’s forgotten coast
One other of my favourite spots for driving round Japan in Sanriku, which encompasses the coasts of Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan’s Tohoku area. Regardless of already low tourism numbers having remained decimated because the 2011 tsunami (which instantly affected its coast), Sanriku is one essentially the most scenic and genuine elements of Japan, from heavenly Jodogahama Seashore all the best way all the way down to resilient Ishinomaki.
The unbelievable Izu Peninsula
I’ll be sincere: Many Japanese peninsulas are good for a street journey. The highest honor, nonetheless, goes to Shizuoka prefecture’s Izu Peninsula, for a couple of causes. First, due to how beautiful stunning it’s, from the Fujisan views on the west coast, to the Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms on the east coast. Then there’s the comfort: You’ll be able to take at the present time journey from Tokyo (although I like to recommend renting your automotive in Atami).
Issues to Know About Driving in Japan
Past the velocity restrict issues I discussed a couple of paragraphs up, there are a couple of different issues you need to consider relating to driving in Japan:
- You’ll have to acquire an Worldwide Driving Allow (or IDP) in your house nation earlier than leaving for Japan. You’ll be able to’t drive in Japan with out this doc.
- Japan has a number of the strictest drunk driving legal guidelines on the earth. I wouldn’t advocate having even a single drink on a day you intend to drive.
- Whereas renting a automotive in Japan will not be costly total, expressway tolls could be astronomical, so be ready for this.
- Parking in Japan typically requires you to pay a charge; in smaller cities and cities, this may increasingly contain a random particular person coming as much as your automotive to gather it, so don’t be alarmed.
Be sure that to maintain the following pointers in thoughts, irrespective of which of my really helpful street journeys by means of Japan you find yourself taking.
Different FAQ About Highway Journeys in Japan
Which a part of Japan is finest for a street journey?
The perfect locations for street journeys in Japan are locations off the crushed path, which aren’t well-served by trains. These embody the island of Shikoku, secondary areas like San’in and Sanriku and the islands of the Okinawa archipelago.
Is Japan good for street journeys?
In a lot of Japan, street journeys aren’t a sensible possibility. Many cities are well-served by public transport (and related to different cities by high-speed rail) and concurrently, marred by site visitors and low velocity limits. Highway journeys are typically solely a good suggestion in Japanese locations far off the crushed path.
Can I exploit a US driver’s license in Japan?
You should use a US driver’s license in Japan, however solely together with an Worldwide Driving Allow, or IDP. If you happen to try to hire a automotive in Japan utilizing solely your US license, you may be despatched away; if you’re caught driving in Japan with out an IDP, you would face fines or different punishments.
The Backside Line
I hope a minimum of one of many Japan street journey itinerary choices I’ve given you makes you need to get behind the wheel. There’s loads of pure surroundings on supply, be it the paradise seashores of Okinawa, or the splendor of Hokkaido amid summer time’s lavender or autumn’s colourful leaves. Alternatively, street journeys by means of prefectures like Yamaguchi, Iwate, Shizuoka and Ehime prefectures supply extra tradition and historical past to contextualize Japan’s beautiful nature. Want personalised assist deciding which Japan street journey is best for you? Contemplate hiring me to plan a customized Japan itinerary for you!