I’ve written extensively about renting a car in Japan, and about driving in Japan more generally. Although I’d encourage you to check out the full article, the gist is that while frustrating (speed limits in Japan are low; most people obey them religiously), having your own set of wheels in Japan can be extremely useful.
However, it’s not as straightforward as picking up a car upon landing in Tokyo, and returning it two or three weeks later. Japan, on the whole, is not a country I would recommend seeing entirely via private vehicle.
Instead, each Japan road trip itinerary I’m about to share focuses on a specific destination or region; many require only a day of your time.
The Land of Fast Trains and Slow Cars
For those who haven’t researched the matter deeply, Japan road trips might seem like they’d be amazing by default. Japan, after all, is famous for having the world’s longest-operating (and still, most cutting-edge) high-speed rail network. Why wouldn’t you want to zoom around the highways of the country that gifted the Shinkansen to humanity?
Unfortunately, while Japan is indeed the land of fast trains, it’s (mostly) the land of slow cars. Speed limits in Japan are low, with limits of under 50 km/hr common on both city roads and non-toll highways, and many so-called “expressways” having speed limits as low as 80 km/hr. Worse, many Japanese drivers not only obey speed limits, but drive under them. If you can accept this in advance, a road trip might still be a good idea.
5 Amazing Japan Road Trip Ideas
Hokkaido in summer or autumn
Hokkaido is an place that’s hard to fully appreciate without the freedom a car offers you. In summer, I love picking up a car in Sapporo and driving (among other places) to the lavender fields of Nakafurano. In autumn, meanwhile, it’s all about the far eastern part of the island, whether it’s the lake country between Kushiro and Abashiri, or the wild Shiretoko Peninsula.
Another day in paradise: Miyakojima
Want to explore Japan by car and get some beach time to go with it? Miyakojima, which is part of the Okinawa archipelago, is the perfect place for it. Smaller than the main island and larger than Ishigaki, it’s a sweet spot in terms of logistics, and a paradise when it comes to beaches. You can spend as little as a day and as many as three exploring, with my favorite spots being Yonaha Beach and Sunayama Beach.
To Yamaguchi and back
Encompassing the far southwestern tip of Honshu island, Yamaguchi prefecture is easy to miss, but it’s impossible to forget. I usually like starting in Shimonoseki where, after a sushi breakfast at Karato Market, I head to Akiyoshido Cave. I follow this up with an afternoon in the Samurai town of Hagi, and sunset behind the vermillion gates of Motonosumi Inari Shrine.
Sanriku: Japan’s forgotten coast
Another of my favorite spots for driving around Japan in Sanriku, which encompasses the coasts of Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan’s Tohoku region. In spite of already low tourism numbers having remained decimated since the 2011 tsunami (which directly affected its coast), Sanriku is one the most scenic and authentic parts of Japan, from heavenly Jodogahama Beach all the way down to resilient Ishinomaki.
The incredible Izu Peninsula
I’ll be honest: Many Japanese peninsulas are perfect for a road trip. The top honor, however, goes to Shizuoka prefecture’s Izu Peninsula, for a few reasons. First, because of how stunning beautiful it is, from the Fujisan views on the west coast, to the Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms on the east coast. Then there’s the convenience: You can take this day trip from Tokyo (though I recommend renting your car in Atami).
Things to Know About Driving in Japan
Beyond the speed limit concerns I mentioned a few paragraphs up, there are a few other things you should keep in mind regarding driving in Japan:
- You’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit (or IDP) in your home country before leaving for Japan. You can’t drive in Japan without this document.
- Japan has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the world. I wouldn’t recommend having even a single drink on a day you plan to drive.
- While renting a car in Japan is not expensive overall, expressway tolls can be astronomical, so be prepared for this.
- Parking in Japan often requires you to pay a fee; in smaller cities and towns, this may involve a random person coming up to your car to collect it, so don’t be alarmed.
- The Japanese drive on the left side of the road, which surprises some travelers; Japan was influenced far more by the Americans than the Brits.
Make sure to keep these tips in mind, no matter which of my recommended road trips through Japan you end up taking.
Other FAQ About Road Trips in Japan
Which part of Japan is best for a road trip?
The best places for road trips in Japan are destinations off the beaten path, which are not well-served by trains. These include the island of Shikoku, secondary regions like San’in and Sanriku and the islands of the Okinawa archipelago.
Is Japan good for road trips?
In much of Japan, road trips are not a realistic option. Many cities are well-served by public transport (and connected to other cities by high-speed rail) and simultaneously, marred by traffic and low speed limits. Road trips are generally only a good idea in Japanese destinations far off the beaten path.
Can I use a US driver’s license in Japan?
You can use a US driver’s license in Japan, but only in conjunction with an International Driving Permit, or IDP. If you attempt to rent a car in Japan using only your US license, you will be sent away; if you are caught driving in Japan without an IDP, you could face fines or other punishments.
The Bottom Line
I hope at least one of the Japan road trip itinerary options I’ve given you makes you want to get behind the wheel. There’s plenty of natural scenery on offer, be it the paradise beaches of Okinawa, or the splendor of Hokkaido amid summer’s lavender or autumn’s colorful leaves. Alternatively, road trips through prefectures like Yamaguchi, Iwate, Shizuoka and Ehime prefectures offer more culture and history to contextualize Japan’s stunning nature. Need personalized help deciding which Japan road trip is right for you? Consider hiring me to plan a custom Japan itinerary for you!
