Best Road Trips in Japan to Take on Your Next Holiday!
Nothing screams adventure like a road trip - just the open road and wherever the car takes you! If you’re heading to Japan and looking for a different holiday experience, why not skip the Shinkansen and metro rides to explore Japan via car instead? You’re guaranteed brand-new experiences - there are a ton of scenic sights and sounds, plus you get to venture beyond the usual tourist hotspots for places that would most likely be unreachable by public transport.
Here are some tips on driving in Japan and suggestions for some of the most scenic drives the country has to offer!
Driving in Japan
Before you jump into planning your ultimate Japan road trip itinerary, here are some tips to take note of. Do also make sure to have all the necessary documents that’ll allow you to drive in Japan!
International Driving Permit
To be able to rent and drive a car in Japan, you need to:
- Be 18 years old and above
- Have a driving license
- Have an International Driving Permit (IDP) - make sure to obtain your driving permit before your arrival in Japan
Other supporting documents that you may need include your passport so make sure to have it with you always! You may be asked to provide your passport information and to present your passport when getting your rental car. Other information you may be asked to provide when pre-booking your car rental is your flight number and to indicate your pick up & drop off location.
Book your Car Rental on Klook
Can’t do a road trip without a car, so get your car rental settled with Klook! Klook’s car rental service is serviced by top rated suppliers and familiar names for your peace of mind such as Hertz, Europcar and Avis. We also recommend adding on minimum basic protection insurance when you are booking car rental.
NOTE: If you are travelling with children, please note that according to Japanese law, children under age 6 must be equipped with a child seat when travelling in the vehicle. Do indicate the quantity and the age of your child(ren) when booking your car on Klook.
GPS for Rental Cars
Typically, rental cars in Japan come equipped with a GPS navigation system built into the dashboard. Sometimes they the map and direction are set to Japanese but can be switched to another language.
Check with the staff when getting your rental car if there is GPS navigation available in English (or your preferred language) and ask for their help to change the settings.
Basic Traffic Rules in Japan
In Japan, the driver’s seat is on the right and vehicles drive on the left side of the road. Do familiarise yourself with the traffic regulations, the various traffic signs and what they mean, and more with this guide for foreign drivers in Japan.
1. Venus Line, Nagano
How many days? 1-day road trip (make it two days if you fancy staying by the lake for a night!)
The Venus Line in Nagano is a 76-kilometer road connecting Chino City with the Utsukushigahara Highlands. Its moniker, ‘Venus Line’ comes from the goddess-like appearance of Mt. Tateshina that can be seen along the way.
Well-known and loved for its beautiful scenic sights, the Venus Line is an iconic road trip that you have to add to your bucket list! Get ready to enjoy sprawling hills dotted with a thousand vibrant ochre blooms in Spring, or through forests drenched in crimson and gold in Autumn - and all this just a 1-hour drive away from Matsumoto!
Highlights
Tateshina Otaki Falls
Image Credit: Nagano Tourism
Your first stop is to Tateshina Otaki Falls, a hidden waterfall that only the locals know about. Take a short walk through the tranquil moss-covered forest to the waterfall, and enjoy the sound of nature all around you.
Lake Shirakaba
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Lake Shirakaba is a gorgeous plateau lake that is located at the foot of Mt. Tateshina. It is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic lunch and there are also other activities you can enjoy around the lake such as stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing. You can also explore other attractions in the area such as the Tateshina Teddy Bear Museum and the Ikenotaira Family Land theme park.
If you do have time to spare, we highly recommend spending the night in this area. There are plenty of accommodation options around, and with sensational lake views to wake up to, why not?
Kirigamine Highlands
Image Credit: Nagano Tourism
The Kirigamine Highlands is probably one of the most scenic stops on this drive, with sprawling meadows that grant you sensational views of both Mt Fuji and the Japan Alps. The scenery also changes every season, whether it's bright-yellow trumpet flowers in Spring to Japanese silver grass in Autumn. For more information on the various trails and hikes, make sure to stop by the Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center first!
Other pitstops to check out if you have time:
- Tateshina Onsen
- Mushoto Tower
- Yashimagahara Wetland
- Tateishi Park
- Utsukushigahara Kogen Museum
2. Bandai-Azuma Skyline, Fukushima
How many days? 1-day road trip
Image Credit: Tohoku Tourism
Drive above the clouds of the Azuma Mountains! The Bandai-Azuma Skyline is a scenic driving route that stretches for 28.7 kilometers, winding between the sublime peaks and ravines of the Azuma mountain range (northeast of Mount Bandai along the border of Fukushima and Yamagata prefectures).
Image Credit: Tohoku Tourism
This alpine road is open from early April to late November - and every season brings a new experience! Drive through towering snow corridors in Spring, lush green forest in Summer, and colourful foliage in Autumn.
Highlights
Takayu Onsen
Have your aches, pains and worries bubble away with a nice long soak at the onsens in Takayu Onsen, a small hot spring resort town halfway up the slopes of the Azuma Mountains. Take your pick from the many hot spring ryokans here.
Or if you can’t decide - why not stay the night at Takayu Onsen Adachiya Ryokan? It offers Japanese-style tatami floor rooms and is home to the largest open-air bath in the prefecture, as well as four open-air private baths, and two indoor baths.
Jododaira Plateau
Image Credit: Tohoku Tourism
The Jododaira Plateau is situated on the halfway point of the Bandai-Azuma Skyline. Here you will get to enjoy endless views of rugged volcanic landscapes among marshes and lush pine forests and there’s no better way to take it all in than via a nice mountain hike.
There are plenty of trails - you can head to the Jododaira Visitor Center for more information on what suits you best! If you’re up for it a hike up to the crater rim of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji is a recommended must-do.
Other pitstops to check out if you have time:
- Shirakaba-no-Mine Pass
- Tsubakuro Valley
- Tengu-no-Niwa
- Umimi Pass
3. Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, Noto
How many days? 1-day road trip
Image credit: Ishikawa Tourism
Here’s a rare and unique drive that you probably won’t be able to find anywhere else - it is Japan’s only 'road' that is actually a beach! Cruise alongside the Sea of Japan on the 8-kilometer-long Chirihama Nagisa Driveway that’s about a 40-minute drive north of Kanazawa.
Image Credit: Ishikawa Tourism
Best things to do on this drive:
- Stop for lunch by the sea (delicious seafood awaits!)
- Shop for souvenirs
- Enjoy the sunset
4. Irabu-Ohashi Bridge, Okinawa
How many days? 1-day road trip
Image Credit: Wikemedia Commons
Famous for its beautiful azure-blue waters and pristine white-sand beaches, Okinawa is unlike the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka. This chain of islands boasts a more relaxed and chill vibe and is the perfect Japanese seaside holiday destination.
So it’s no surprise that one of the most scenic drives on this island is across the deep blue! Spanning 3.5 kilometers, the Irabu Ohashi bridge is the longest non-tolled bridge in Japan that connects the Miyako-jima and Irabu-jima islands, and boasts a unique curved shape that mimics the undulating waves.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
There are designated parking areas on the side should you want to stop and admire the view for a little longer.
Best things to do on this drive:
- Stop to admire the view - golden hour is magical
- If you come at night you can also stop and stargaze
- Visit other scenic spots around the area such as Yonaha-Maehama Beach, Sunayama Beach, Makiyama Observatory, Imgya Marine Garden, and Toriike Pond
5. Izu Skyline, Shizuoka
How many days? We recommend a 2 or 3-day road trip to fully enjoy the sights
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Izu Skyline has got to be one of the most captivating drives in Japan. With glorious views of the towering Mt Fuji on the 40-kilometer route, this highway connects the Atami Pass to Amagikogen in the Fuji, Hakone, and Izu National Park areas. The Izu Peninsula is located in Shizuoka, and is just under 3 hours away from Tokyo by car, making it the perfect road trip for when you’re done exploring Tokyo!
Highlights
Dogashima Caves
Image Credit: Dogashima Website
Dogashima is famed for its beautiful coastal scenery, with dramatic stone formations, rugged cliffs and caves. The best way to enjoy the iconic attraction, Blue Cave, is via a boat tour, which will take you into the depths of the caves for a closer look. The inside of the cave has an almost otherworldly feel, with blue-green waters and light rays coming in like a skylight.
If you have the time, you can also swing by Koganezaki Park, which is about a 10-minute drive away from the port of Dogashima. Locals love coming here for sensational sunset views - so come around golden hour!
Cape Irozaki
Image Credit: Cape Irozaki Tourism Association
Cape Irozaki is another natural attraction that is a must-do on the Izu Peninsula, here you will also find the Irozaki Lighthouse (Listed as one of the top 50 lighthouses in Japan) and Iro Shrine at the cape that overlooks the clear blue sea.
Shuzenji Onsen
Image Credit: Japan Guide
As one of the oldest hot spring towns, Shuzenji Onsen is a charming place to enjoy a relaxing soak in a historical setting. It’s said that this town played host to many of Japan’s literary greats, who found the contemplative setting perfect for channelling their creative energy.
There are several ryokans around where you can stop for a onsen dip, or book a one-night stay. There is also a Buddhist Temple and a bamboo forest nearby as well as a footbath for those who prefer that instead.
P/S If you are stopping for a snack or a drink, do try one of their wasabi specialties - the town is famous for its wasabi products.
6. Rollercoaster Road, Hokkaido
How many days? 1-day road trip
Image Credit: Hokkaido Tourism
Rollercoaster Road is exactly what its name suggests - a road trip and theme park ride all in one. But don’t worry! As long as you don’t go at rollercoaster speed, this is a safe and fun drive in Hokkaido that can’t be missed!
Flanked by beautiful Hokkaido forests and rolling hills that go as far as the eyes can see, this 2.5-kilometer stretch of up-and-down road packs adventure and sightseeing all at once.
Best things to do on this drive:
- Check out Hokkaido’s beautiful flower fields like Farm Tomita
- Take a drive to see the magical Biei Blue Pond
7. Irohazaka Winding Road, Nikko
How many days? We recommend a 2 or 3-day road trip to fully enjoy the sights
Image Credit: Japan Guide
Located in Nikko, the Irohazaka Winding Road is a pair of winding roads that connect the lower regions near central Nikko to the higher regions of the mountainous Okunikko.
Image Credit: Japan Guide
The road consists of 48 hairpin turns through breathtaking scenery. The best sights are during Autumn (late October to early November) and Winter (December to March) where you can either enjoy endless reds and golds or pristine winter scenery with snow-covered foliage.
Highlights
Kegon Falls
Image Credit: Japan Guide
Kegon Falls is ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful falls, so this is definitely a cannot-miss when you are in the area. The best recommended time to visit would be in Autumn as the falls are embellished with the surrounding reds and golds of fall foliage.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The source of Kegon Waterfall is Lake Chuzenji. You can enjoy the view of both the lake and the waterfall from the Akechidaira Observatory, which is accessible by ropeway or a hike from Akechidaira Plateau.
Shinkyo Bridge
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The name ‘Shinkyo’ translates to ‘sacred bridge’, and it is also considered to be one of Japan’s three most beautiful bridges! It costs about 300 yen to cross the bridge but we guarantee that the small cost is worth it for the postcard-perfect views!
Other pitstops to check out if you have time:
- Yumoto Onsen
- Nikko Toshogu
- Nikko National Park
- Ryuokyo Canyon
More Japan Inspo!
Japan Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Planning a Japan holiday? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
🚅 For starters, the Whole Japan JR Pass is a must for your adventures. It will come in useful when you are exploring various cities! However, if you are only spending time in one particular city or region, then a Regional JR Pass might be a better choice.
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