If You’re Travelling in Japan, Self‑Driving Is the Way to Go
More and more international travellers are choosing to explore Japan by rental car. But why?
While Japan’s trains are known for their convenience, that’s really only true for big cities like Tokyo. In rural areas, trains and buses are infrequent, which greatly limits your freedom to travel. That’s why 65% of Japanese people use a car when they travel.
So what makes a road trip in Japan so appealing?
The 5 Key Advantages of Self-Drive Travel
You’ve seen countless tourist spots in guidebooks and on social media—but you may not realize… only a small fraction of them are accessible by train or bus.
With a car, you can reach hidden gems and scenic destinations that simply aren’t reachable otherwise.
Your travel options expand dramatically.
Trains and tours often tie you to a strict schedule.
But with a rental car, you can travel at your own pace:
- “I want to stay a bit longer here.”
- “I’m hungry, let’s eat first.”
- “The kids are tired—let’s head to the hotel early.”
You can adjust your trip based on your mood and needs, making the experience far more flexible and enjoyable.
You’ll also spend less time on unnecessary transfers and more time exploring—meaning a higher satisfaction level even within the same number of travel days.
Traveling with a large suitcase can be exhausting.
But on a road trip, your car becomes your personal locker for the entire journey.
You can bring souvenirs, extra clothes—whatever you need. (Just be mindful of airline baggage limits on your flight home!)
Train fares increase with distance, and in 2023 the JR Pass saw a significant price hike.
With a rental car, you can split the cost among travelers, making it a much more affordable option for groups of two or more.
Even when you add up highway tolls, gas, and parking, the per‑person cost is often much lower than you’d expect.
Driving isn’t just a way to get from A to B.
The scenery passing by, the unexpected views you stumble upon—these moments become cherished memories. That thrill and sense of freedom is the heart of the self‑drive experience.
“Once You Do One Road Trip, You’ll Be Dying to Do More”
Only about 10% of international visitors to Japan choose to travel by car—but of those, around 70% say they want to do it again.
Why? Because it’s freer, more comfortable, and more satisfying than they imagined.
So for your next trip, why not explore Japan more deeply—behind the wheel?
Ready for the greatest Japan adventure possible?
Self‑drive travel is a rewarding way to explore Japan, but planning it yourself can take a huge amount of time, and it’s easy to miss important spots or run into unexpected issues once you’re on the road.
That’s why creating a truly satisfying trip—not just one that’s possible—requires support grounded in local knowledge and real experience.
Drive Japan was created to provide exactly that. Check out some of our expertly crafted, road-tested itineraries: