Why Drive Japan?
Embarking on a road trip in a foreign country isn’t the easiest choice. The unfamiliar roads, language barriers, and driving rules can all feel intimidating.
But you’re choosing to take on the challenge—because you’re a seasoned traveler—someone with a spirit of adventure and a passion for discovering more.
A self-drive trip in Japan offers a freedom and depth of experience that no train or tour can match. And we at Drive Japan are here to support every mile of your journey.
Anyone who has been to Japan before knows that, to get the most out of a trip to Japan, self-driving is the smartest move. Want to learn more about the joys of driving in Japan? Check out the page below!
Driving in Japan1. Why Drive Japan?
Self-Drive Travel Experts
Drive Japan is a service where you can find self-drive road trip itineraries.
Unlike typical travel websites that are based on train travel, we specialize in road trips.
All the information we provide is focused on things you’ll want to know when traveling by car.
- Gas stations near your hotel & along your route
- Transportation details essential for road trips, like expressways and car ferries
- Restaurants in suburban areas with parking lots
Because everything is designed with driving in mind, you can enjoy a safe, stress-free, and highly satisfying trip.
Your Choice from 200+ Expertly Crafted Itineraries
There are plenty of services that help you plan trips. But planning a one-week road trip on your own can be overwhelming. Especially if you’re traveling outside major cities, the resources can be very limited.
Figuring out “Where to go? What to eat? Where to stay?” takes so much time that it can feel like a full-time job.
With Drive Japan, you simply choose from professionally crafted itineraries like picking a set menu.
- Safe, reasonable driving distances
- Local-recommended food spots and hidden gems
- Scenic routes worth the detour
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, you can start your journey with confidence—and it just might turn out to be even more satisfying than you imagined.
Simply choose the itinerary that suits your travel style!
Routes that have actually been driven & tested
Drive Japan itineraries aren’t just based on data or desk research.
Every route is carefully crafted by professionals who have actually driven them.
With over 300 days of experience guiding international travelers across all 47 prefectures of Japan, our experts design each trip with attention to detail, including:
- Realistic daily driving distances and road conditions
- Optimal timing for restroom breaks and fuel stops
- The number and quality of sightseeing spots and restaurants—and how well they’re received by international visitors
- Scenic views while driving
We even discuss and decide finer points like:
“Is taking this route clockwise or counterclockwise more comfortable?”
“Which route best highlights the scenery?”
That’s why Drive Japan itineraries are not only safe and stress-free, but truly enjoyable.
This is a genuine travel experience—something you won’t get from a map or AI alone.
That’s the kind of journey Drive Japan is here to deliver.
CEO Oto has 300 days of road trip experience and 200 days of driving tour experience
2. Itinerary Pack: Your best possible road trip, for just USD 8/day
Each Itinerary Pack from Drive Japan includes everything you need for your chosen journey: detailed schedules, maps, expert advice, and more—all in one complete set.
We want you to feel confident and excited, even in places you’re visiting for the first time. We pack your trip with surprises, discoveries, and reliable support.
We’ve spent years collecting info from a wealth of sources
Have you ever gotten back from a trip just to find out about an awesome place that your missed on your trip?
Hidden gems in rural areas, scenic roads only accessible by car, beloved local restaurants—finding these on your own is harder than it sounds.
But with Drive Japan’s Itinerary Pack, all the “must-visit” spots you’d likely miss are already included, tailored to fit your route.
Each pack is backed by:
- Hundreds of guidebooks and brochures
- Thousands of recommendations from local governments
- Tens of thousands of kilometers we've driven ourselves
Your travel time is limited. Let us help you make the most of it with an Itinerary Pack—a professional-grade blueprint for your perfect trip.
You’re investing a lot of money into your trip of a lifetime—but a Drive Japan Itinerary Pack is so affordable it won’t even affect your budget! And yet, it will account for making your trip smooth, authentic, and unforgettable. And all of it starts from just around USD 8 per day.
Custom Day-by-Day Driving Maps Right on Google Maps
Each day’s route features around 20 carefully selected spots—tourist attractions, hidden gems, restaurants, scenic roads, and more.
- Want a full day of sightseeing? Follow the classic must-see spots.
- Prefer a slower pace? Stick to scenic viewpoints and cozy cafés.
- Hungry and want food now? That’s covered too.
The map lets you shape your journey freely—based on your time, location, and mood. It’s the kind of trip planning that paper guidebooks and social media just can’t offer.
Don’ Waste Precious Travel Time on Finding Parking
Our Itinerary Packs include a dedicated car navigation code for parking at every stop along the route.
One of the unexpected hassles of a road trip is finding parking near your stops
This 12-digit code, called a MAPCODE, can be entered into your car’s GPS to guide you directly to the most convenient parking spot near your destination.
On a one-week trip, travelers often spend over 3 hours just searching for parking. Our MAPCODEs help you reclaim that time and spend it on what really matters—sightseeing, food, and photos.
Every spot listed on your Day-by-Day Driving Map includes a MAPCODE, so you’ll always know exactly where to go and where to park.
All the Expert Tips You Need
Our Itinerary Packs also include practical advice from experts who have actually driven the route.
Each day of your trip comes with tailored tips—like “mistakes to avoid” and “insider hacks that’ll make your trip smoother.”
For example:
- “Plan at least 2 hours for exploring Otaru. Many shops close by 5–6 PM, so it’s best to go early. Checking in at your hotel first and exploring on foot would be a smart move.”
- “Visit the Blue Pond before 11 AM. Around midday, traffic can cause delays of over 30 minutes.”
These kinds of insights are hard to find online—they come from real experience.
Drive Japan itineraries are packed with authentic, on-the-ground tips that only seasoned travelers know.
Examples of tips. Knowing these things in advance can make a big difference in your trip satisfaction.3. Sign Up to Find the Perfect Itinerary for You
Get a Free Preview of Day 1 by Registering with Drive Japan
Sign up for a free Drive Japan membership and preview Day 1 of every itinerary as a sample of what that trip can offer.
You’ll get to experience exactly what you can expect in a full Itinerary Pack.
Your Day 1 sample includes:
- A professionally curated itinerary
- A day-by-day Driving Map viewable on Google Maps
- MAPCODEs (car navigation codes) for every stop
- Expert tips based on real driving experience
- Recommended hotels and restaurants
Curious to see if a trip fits your style? Want to know what kind of info you'll receive? Start by checking out the Day 1 sample of any itinerary that interests you.
Free Gift: “Top 10 Mistakes in Road Trip Planning”
When you sign up for free, you’ll also receive an exclusive Drive Japan bonus:“Top 10 Mistakes in Road Trip Planning”.
Based on years of supporting travelers, this guide highlights the most common pitfalls—and how to avoid them.
For example:
- “We missed out on the sightseeing spot because we didn’t check the closing time!”
- “We booked a hotel stay with no dinner, and there wasn’t a single restaurant nearby!”
This must-read guide helps ensure your trip is smooth, safe, and truly satisfying.Sign up now for free and get your copy!
