Why Drive in Japan?
Japan’s train network is extraordinary, but there are regions where a car is transformative: the rural ryokan districts of the San’in coast, Kyushu’s volcanic highlands, Hokkaido’s vast open landscapes, the Noto Peninsula, and the Oku-Nikko highlands all reward self-drive exploration. A rental car removes the constraint of train timetables, allows spontaneous stops at roadside farmers’ markets and hidden onsens, and opens up accommodation in ryokan too remote for public transport. Japan is an excellent road trip country: roads are excellent, toll expressways are fast and well-signed, Japanese drivers are courteous, and convenience stores provide fuel, food, and rest every few kilometres.
Driving Requirements
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Required for most foreign visitors. The IDP must be issued in your home country before travelling to Japan. Valid IDP types accepted depend on your passport country — check with Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) for the current approved list
- Geneva Convention IDP: Accepted for most nationalities. Some countries (including Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium) have bilateral agreements and may use national licence only — verify ahead
- Minimum age: 18 years. Most rental companies require 21+ and sometimes charge a young driver surcharge under 25
- Driving side: Japan drives on the LEFT, same as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Steering wheel is on the RIGHT
Rental Cars
Major rental chains: Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Times Car Rental, and Orix. International chains (Hertz, Budget) operate at airports. Book in advance, especially for summer holidays and New Year — supply is limited. Most cars have automatic transmission; request it when booking as manuals are available but not standard. GPS navigation systems with English-language option are available on almost all rental vehicles.
Expressways and Tolls
- ETC (Electronic Toll Collection): Japan’s expressways charge tolls. An ETC card/transponder unit comes with most rental cars — use it at ETC lanes (no stopping required). Keep track of your toll usage and settle at return
- Costs: Tokyo to Osaka by expressway is approximately 5,000-6,500 yen in tolls one way. Shorter journeys are proportional
- NEXCO Pass: Foreign visitors can buy discounted expressway pass packages (covering specific regions) — NEXCO East/West/Central all offer foreign tourist passes. Research before hiring as these must often be arranged in advance
- Toll-free roads: National Routes (koku도) and prefectural roads are toll-free but slower
Best Road Trip Routes
Hokkaido: The Open Road
Hokkaido is Japan’s best road trip destination. Wide roads, sparse traffic, dramatic landscapes, and almost no tolls on national routes. The classic Hokkaido loop from Sapporo: Otaru coast, Shakotan Peninsula, Noboribetsu, Cape Erimo, Obihiro (Tokachi), Furano lavender fields (July/August), Biei Blue Pond, Asahikawa, Sounkyo Gorge, and return. Allow 7-10 days minimum. Fuel and konbini stops every 40-50km. In winter (October-April), winter tyres are mandatory.
Kyushu: Volcanoes and Hot Springs
A 7-day Kyushu road trip from Fukuoka: Dazaifu, Yufuin onsen, Beppu (8 hells), Aso caldera and volcano, Kumamoto Castle, Amakusa island chain (ferry bridges), Nagasaki, Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo. The Yamanami Highway from Beppu to Aso is one of Japan’s great scenic roads, crossing an alpine plateau with views of multiple volcanic peaks.
Shimanami Kaido: Island Cycling and Driving
The Nishiseto Expressway connecting Onomichi (Hiroshima) to Imabari (Shikoku) via six islands and elegant suspension bridges is as beautiful by car as it is by bicycle. Side roads onto each island reveal fishing villages, citrus orchards, and quiet beaches. The full route is 80km; allow a full day with stops.
Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa
Japan’s most dramatic unspoiled coastline. The western Noto coast has dramatic cliff scenery (Senmaida rice terraces, Ganmon rock arch); the eastern coast has traditional fishing villages. The circuit from Kanazawa takes 2-3 days. Note: significant damage from the January 2024 earthquake — check road conditions and facility access before visiting.
Tohoku: History and Mountains
A 5-7 day Tohoku loop from Sendai: Matsushima bay, Yamadera cliff temple, Zao Onsen and fox village, Hiraizumi (UNESCO), Tono folklore village, Sanriku coast (recovery and natural beauty), and return. More rewarding by car than train as many highlights are off the rail lines.
Practical Driving Tips
- Navigation: Japanese GPS systems use a mapcode system — get the mapcode for your destination in advance rather than relying on address entry. Google Maps works well as a backup with Japanese addresses
- Fuel: Japan has three main fuel types: regular (レギュラー), high-octane (ハイオク), and diesel (軽油). Most rental cars take regular. Full-service stations (ask attendant to fill) and self-service stations coexist
- Parking: Cities have paid parking lots (coin-operated, often with vehicle locking plates). Hotels outside city centres usually have free parking. Never park on yellow lines
- Speed limits: 60km/h on regular roads, 100km/h on expressways unless posted otherwise. Enforcement is consistent — speed cameras are common
- Winter driving: Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Japanese Alps roads require winter tyres October-April. Rental cars in these regions come winter-equipped in season. Snow chains required for mountain passes during heavy snow