First rule of driving in Japan is get an International Driving Permit – about £20 online or from the post office, I can advise as part of the unlimited support I provide. Second rule of driving in Japan is get an International Driving Permit….
OK, now we’ve got that out the way, here are some incredible drives that take you through mountains, along coastlines and across vistas that are rarely seen by foreign visitors to Japan.
This little fishing village is in fact a boutique accommodation called Lamp no Yado, which sits at the northern tip of the Noto peninsula on the Japan Sea coast across from Tokyo. Pick up the car after exploring the cultural mecca of Kanazawa, and take the coastal road past terraced fields and then drive on Chirihama beach. Yes, you read that right. You can drive on the beach – that makes the trip worth it in itself.
Another epic road trip starts in Tokyo (probably best to take the train and pick up the car at peripheral Omiya) – wind your way up into the hills of Gunma prefecture towards Takaragawa hot springs, where the most relaxing bath of your life awaits you. As long as you don’t mind being in your birthday suit…
… but the JapanMan favourite has to be the Izu peninsula a couple of hours south-west of Tokyo, en route to Kyoto. I wouldn’t normally recommend driving in central Japan due to the hefty tolls and the existence of the Shinkansen, but Izu is worth it. The hot spring towns of Atami and ancient Shuzenjj await, along with the rugged geological wonder of the Jogosaki coastline, Dogashima (pictured) and pristine Shirahama beach (officially open May – Sept but unofficially open all year round). Two of my favourite ryokan are nestled down at the southern end of the peninsula – the Amagiso with dozens of outdoor baths (swimming suits allowed) and the Gyokuhokan converted millhouse. It might not all quite make sense to you now, but it will once I tailor your itinerary!
JapanMan 