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WHY DRIVE JAPAN
Get Drive Pack, unlock Japan’s best hidden gems!
Find your perfect itinerary!
Just pick a region & duration and browse through 200+ expert-crafted itineraries to breathtaking places off-the-beaten-path!
Buy your dream trip’s Drive Pack!
Local experts design your Drive Pack, including daily maps with 15-20 must-see destinations, handpicked hotels, and unforgettable restaurants.
Easy booking for a seamless experience!
Easily book multi-day stays at carefully curated hotels and reliable rental cars via our trustworthy partners.
WHY DRIVE IN HOKKAIDO
Japan's Wilderness Paradise
Reach the Greatest Spots by Car
Scenic Drives to Hidden Beauty
Cruise the Roller Coaster Road in Kamifurano, chase the horizon on the Road to the Sky, and explore Mikuni Pass for breathtaking mountain views.
Nature’s Retreat: Onsen, Lakes & Lavender
Soak in Noboribetsu’s volcanic hot springs, marvel at Lake Mashu’s crystal-clear waters, and wander Furano’s vibrant lavender fields in summer.
Hokkaido’s Exclusive Flavors
Feast on legendary seafood—red king crab, creamy sea urchin, and Ishikari Nabe, a rich salmon hot pot unique to Hokkaido’s cold waters.
Hokkaido's Itineraries
Choose from our most popular Hokkaido road trip plans, crafted by local experts who know the best hidden gems.
Popular 7‑Day Hokkaido Itinerary
Our most purchased itinerary takes you through the highlights of Hokkaido at a comfortable pace.
7‑Day Highlights Itinerary
- 1
Noboribetsu (1 night)
Start your adventure in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring town. Visit breathtaking Lake Toya and explore Ainu culture at an indigenous museum.
- 2
Hakodate (1 night)
Feel like a local in this iconic port town known for red brick warehouses and old streets, then enjoy the stunning night view from Mt. Hakodate.
- 3
Lake Toya (1 night)
Begin your day at the morning market indulging in the freshest seafood. Drive a hidden scenic road to Onuma Park, then relax in a lakeside onsen at Toya.
- 4
Otaru (1 night)
Cruise along a scenic road to the hidden gem of Cape Kamui. Then, explore Otaru, an iconic canal town with old warehouses, sushi, and elegant glasswork.
- 5
Furano & Biei (2 nights)
Take a drive through Hokkaido’s picturesque countryside with colourful flower fields, the famous Blue Pond, and beautiful Farm Tomita.
How to get to Hokkaido?
From Tokyo/Osaka, fly to New Chitose Airport
- New Chitose Airport is the main and largest airport in the area.
- The airport is 1 hour away to Hokkaido's gateway city, Sapporo, by train or car.
- From Tokyo or Osaka, domestic flights are faster and usually cheaper than taking a bullet train (shinkansen).
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about road-tripping in Hokkaido
What is Drive Japan?
Drive Japan is a website for those exploring Japan by rental car. You can browse and purchase Drive Packs, which are sets of detailed maps and expert-curated information for your chosen itinerary. It helps you enjoy a safer, smoother, and more fulfilling trip than planning on your own. Recommended rental cars and hotels are also listed for easy booking. Please note: we are not a travel agency and do not handle bookings or provide drivers.
What is included in the Drive Pack?
Your Drive Pack includes a detailed itinerary with must-see highlights and hidden gems, daily Google Maps with 15-20 recommended spots to give you flexibility and freedom, curated hotel and restaurant lists, and expert tips such as “arrive in Otaru before 3 PM as many shops close by 5.” All content is tailored to your chosen route for a safer, smoother, and more rewarding journey.
See Details about Drive Pack.
I’m visiting Japan for the first time. Can I travel by rental car?
Yes! Japan is 75% mountainous, so many beautiful spots, especially in rural areas, are hard to access by train. Roads are well maintained, and outside major cities, traffic is light and driving is easy. While driving on the left may feel unfamiliar, most travelers adjust within half a day. If you want to journey beyond Tokyo or Osaka, a rental car is a great choice.
Start by browsing itineraries to plan your ideal trip.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Japan?
Yes, most visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your regular driver’s license. The IDP must be obtained in your home country before travelling to Japan. Some countries (like Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Slovenia and Taiwan) can drive with an official Japanese translation of their license instead.
You can view details by country on this site (external link)