Why Road Trips Are One of the Best Ways to Experience Japan

Japan is famous for its efficient train networks. For many travelers, hopping aboard the Shinkansen is an essential part of the experience.

But for years now I’ve been renting a car in Japan and discovering local gems, hidden attractions, and beautiful nature that many tourists never see.

Road trips in Japan are one of my favorite modes of transportation to explore this beautiful country. They’ve taken me through remote mountain villages, hidden coastal roads, quiet temples, and countless unexpected discoveries.

I’ll never not tell you to take advantage of the amazing trains in Japan, but renting a car unlocks a level of freedom and flexibility that has changed the way I travel around Japan.

If you are wondering whether renting a car and driving in Japan is worth it, I created this post to help you explore Japan in a way many others wouldn’t even attempt.

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Table of Contents

Renting a Car in Japan as a Foreigner

In order to rent a car in Japan, foreigners need an International Driving Permit. These need to be issued in your own country, not in Japan.

As a foreign visitor, you’ll also need your passport and a valid driver’s license from your home country.

Don’t Forget Your:

⬅️ Remember
Japan drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Tolls and ETC Cards

If you are planning a road trip in Japan, it is important to be aware of expressways tolls. While local roads are free and fun to drive, toll roads can save time and are part of the experience.

Don’t make the same mistake I did for years. Get an ETC card, simply ask for one at the counter and they will give you one.

An ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card allows you to pass through toll gates (usually purple signs) without stopping to pay manually.

You’ll simply pay the total at the car rental company upon returning the rental.

🚙 How to Spot a Rental Car in Japan. Besides the rental car company stickers placed on the vehicles. It is easy to identify a rental car in Japan. Simply look at the license plate, you'll see the Japanese Kana symbols "わ" & "れ".

Why I Recommend Renting a Car

If you want to experience a completely different side of Japan – driving rural roads, seeing small mountain villages, wildlife encounters, and eating at road side stations, then renting a car is for you.

I’ve taken my fair share of road trips in Japan and can honestly say it’s always one of my favorite experiences in Japan.

Based on my experiences from driving around Japan, here are what makes road trips in Japan stand out.

Total Freedom

One of my favorite things about taking a road trip in Japan is the freedom it provides.

I feel when traveling by train, you are excited about the destination, but feel tied down to a schedule and specific route.

When driving in Japan, you’ll spot scenic viewpoints, charming towns, waterfalls, or interesting roadside attractions, you can simply pull over and explore at your own pace.

Some of my most memorable experiences in Japan have come from these unplanned stops – places I never would have discovered if it weren’t for driving.

Having my own vehicle allows me to travel at my own pace and turn the journey into part of the adventure.

One of my favorite Japan road trips was from Nagoya to Takayama. I decided to drive a few hours out of the way to Matsumoto to see Matsumoto Castle. Along the way, I saw so many monkeys, I was in heaven!

Discover Unexpected Places

One of the biggest advantages of a road trip in Japan is having access to places that many other travelers never get to see.

Some of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, scenic landscapes, coastal roads, and historic sites are difficult if not impossible to reach by public transportation.

Having a car has allowed me to venture beyond major tourist destinations and find myself in quieter, more authentic locations that many visitors miss.

Experience a Different Side of Japan

Some of my favorite memories have come from exploring Japan’s quieter corners by car.

Road Trips have allowed me to experience a different side of Japan – small farming communities, fishing villages, local festivals, and family-run restaurants that never make it in the tourist guide books.

These local experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for the country’s culture, everyday life, and phenomenal nature.

I was in the town of Ise, in Mie Prefecture and stumbled upon a local okonomiyaki place, big enough for two families. The elderly lady working there was so kind, gave me gifts, was an amazing cook and I left with an everlasting memory.

Scenic Roads

One of the unexpected joys of road-tripping in Japan is the journey is often just as memorable as the destination.

Once you get out of the city, Japan has so much nature, rural communities, and coastal areas that make driving an absolute blast!

Every road you drive offers something incredibly scenic. Driving allows me to fully appreciate these landscapes, stopping whenever I spot beautiful viewpoints or interesting attractions.

A road trip lets you immerse yourself in the changing landscapes and enjoy the beauty of Japan.

Some of my favorite scenic road ways in Japan include:

Easier Access to Rural Onsen Towns

Japan is home to countless onsen towns and many of the most charming and relaxing ones are located in rural areas far from major train lines.

Having a rental car makes it much easier to visit these rural hot spring destinations.

Thinking about my travels around Japan, all the onsen areas I’ve visited have been in secluded parts of the country in mountainous areas.

I recently stayed at Aso Oogi So, a beautiful onsen resort in Kurokawa. There is a bus that goes to Kurokawa from places like Kumamoto or Fukuoka, but it’s easiest to drive yourself.

Aso Oogi So
Address: 2817 Manganji, Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-2402
Check availability here.

Wildlife Encounters

One of my favorite experiences about road trips in Japan is the potential opportunity to spot wildlife from the road.

Usually, I’ve had good luck, mainly seeing Japanese macaques, but I’ve also see wild boar, tanuki’s, and a Japanese Serow, which is a type of goat-antelope that lives in mountainous areas.

I always pack my camera equipment with when exploring Japan, I have a nice Sigma 150-600mm lens that I take with me, specifically for wildlife.

Now a days, bears are spotted all throughout Japan, I have yet to see one, but I hope to one day from a safe distance in my car.

Great for Couples and Families

I always travel with my wife and we both love road trips in Japan. In fact, they are up there with some of our best travel experiences. It’s a great way to spend time and I mean a lot of time together.

For families, instead of coordinating train schedules, walking around the Japanese subway system carrying luggage, why not rent a large vehicle and travel comfortably together.

Having a rental car makes it easier to visit attractions at your own pace, you can leave stuff behind in the car, and you get to spend quality time as a family.

For couples like Jill and myself, it always feels like a shared adventure.

Michi no Eki

Michi no Eki are roadside stations found along toll roads and cities/towns throughout Japan.

Michi no Eki is one of my favorite experiences during a road trip in Japan, they are an attraction in their own right.

Many Michi no Eki feature local restaurants, fresh produce markets, regional souvenirs, tourist information centers, and even scenic views. Many even have Poké lids, Pokémon manhole covers.

I’ve bought so many treats, souvenirs, and tried amazing food dishes at Michi no Eki across Japan.

For travelers exploring rural Japan, these roadside stations are a great way to pop in and support the local communities by purchasing local goods.

Convenience Stores

Japan’s convenience stores are another reason I enjoy road-tripping through the country.

When I stay at a hotel that doesn’t offer breakfast, I know I can rely on a nearby convenience store for my morning coffee and churro donuts. Or my Famichiki at a FamilyMart for lunch.

Convenience stores in Japan are incredibly useful during a long road trip. They have clean restrooms, amazing snacks or bento, and refreshing drinks.

Convenience stores can be found throughout the city and in rural areas, making traveling by car in Japan even more convenient and stress-free.

Driving in Japan Tips and Recommendations

After several road trips throughout Japan, I’ve picked up a few tips that can help make your experience much more enjoyable. Learn from my mistakes.

In general, driving in Japan is easy and stress-free, but there are a few things worth knowing before you hit the road. Here are some of my recommendations for anyone planning a Japan road trip.

Japan Drives on the left side of the Road

I’ve mentioned this already, but it’s important to note that Japan does drive on the left-hand side of the road. For visitors coming from countries like the United States or Germany, this can be a big adjustment.

Remember everything from the blinkers, wipers, and even seatbelt is on the opposite side. After a few hours, you’ll get used to it.

Get an ETC Card

My first few years in Japan, I never got an ETC Card, I paid tolls using cash and now I hate myself for it.

Do yourself a favor, when you get to the car rental agency, ask for an ETC Card. It’s an electronic card, they install in the car and it’s used to easily get on and off the expressways.

Use the Purple Lane, slow down a bit and the gate opens. You don’t have to come to a complete stop and pay cash. At the end when you return the car, you pay the ETC total at the car rental agency.

Watch your Speed

I find the speed limits in Japan are relatively low. If you are coming from Europe, then speed limits, especially on the expressway can seem slow.

The speed limits most of the time on the expressway is 80km/h to a maximum speed limit of 100km/h.

In cities and roads that are not the express way, expect to drive 50km/h or less.

Choose a Smaller Vehicle

Japan is not the country for you if you want a big SUV or truck. Cars are smaller here and for good reason. Roads can be narrow and curvy.

There have been so many times driving in Japan that I was so grateful that my car was small. Some of the mountain and rural roads are no joke.

Gas Stations can be Self-Service or Full-Service

If you see “セルフ” at a gas station, that stands for self service, as in you pump your own gas.

There are gas stations in Japan that are full-service, where someone working at the gas station will fill your car up for you.

Stop at Train Tracks

In Japan it is legally required to come to a full stop before crossing railway tracks. After stopping, look both ways before safely proceeding.

Japan Road Trip FAQs

Is it easy for foreigners to drive in Japan?
If you are comfortable with driving on the left-hand side of the road, then I think Japan is one of the easiest places to drive, especially outside big cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Japan?
Yes, the International Driving Permit should be issued in the Country you live in prior to visiting Japan.

Is driving in Japan expensive?
I feel car rentals are generally cheap and gas is mid range, especially if you are coming from Europe. In general, it’s inexpensive to rent a car in Japan.

Are toll roads worth using?
This depends entirely on your style of driving. Toll roads are convenient and can get you to your destination quicker. But they can be expensive and you might miss out on some of the rural and country roads.

What is a Michi no Eki?
In Japan, a Michi no Eki is a road side station. You can find them on both toll roads or near towns and cities. Generally Michi no Eki’s will have local gifts and souvenirs, food and beverages to purchase, and sometimes shops and restaurants. Always good to stop at one and use the restroom and load up on snacks.

Is Japan safe for road trips?
In my experience, Japan is incredibly safe for road tripping. I’ve been on countless road trips and have never ran into issues. In Japan, the speed limit is quite low and the drivers are not very aggressive. Weather and the environment are probably the most dangerous concerns.

Should I drive in Tokyo or Osaka?
Again, this is a personal preference as I’ve done both and it’s not that difficult. But there is no need to drive in either big city because of the amazing public transportation.

Conclusion

While Japan has a world-class train network that makes traveling around the country easy, some of my most memorable experiences have come from exploring Japan by car.

I’ve driven beautiful coastal roads, mountainous routes, through traditional villages, and stopped at numerous Michi no Eki’s along the way while enjoying the freedom of traveling at my own pace.

If you are willing to venture beyond the typical tourist cities in Japan that everyone else is going to, renting a car can open the door to unforgettable adventures and many unexpected discoveries.

Have you taken a road trip in Japan? Want to share where or any fun or interesting stories? Feel free to leave a comment. Safe Travels!

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Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵

Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖

For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com

Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁

Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.

In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘

I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

Train Travel 🚂🚊

For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.

** Disclaimer: This post is not about rules and regulations of driving in Japan. It’s simply providing benefits on taking a road trip in Japan as an alternative to relying on public transportation. I’ll cover some basics naturally, but it’s up to you to learn the rules of the road and necessary documents you need to rent a car.