Road trips from Tokyo offer flexibility, stunning landscapes, and access to places you can’t reach by train. From Mt. Fuji to coastal drives, these routes are perfect for day trips or short getaways. This article covers the best road trip routes, driving tips for visitors, rental advice, toll road info, and itineraries to make your journey smooth and memorable.
Why Take a Road Trip from Tokyo?
While Japan’s train network is excellent, it can’t take you everywhere. A road trip from Tokyo offers the freedom to create your own schedule, stop at scenic viewpoints, and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations without worrying about train timetables.
Many hidden gems—like quiet lakes around Mt. Fuji, secluded hot springs in Hakone, or scenic coastal drives in Chiba—are only accessible by car. Driving lets you experience these places at your own pace, away from the crowds.
Essential Driving Tips for Visitors
For those who want a deeper dive into driving in Japan, check out this article. Here are the essentials you need to know before hitting the road from Tokyo.
Renting a Car in Japan – What You Need
To rent a car in Japan, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP), a valid credit card, and usually a minimum age of 18–20 depending on the rental company. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during weekends or holiday seasons.
Need tips for renting a car? Read our full guide → How to Rent a Car in Japan
Driving Rules in Japan You Must Know
Japan drives on the left side of the road, with strict speed limits and zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Obeying traffic signs, seat belt rules, and pedestrian crossings is essential to avoid fines.
Toll Roads & ETC Cards Explained
Many highways around Tokyo are toll roads. You can pay manually, but using an ETC card makes it faster and often cheaper. Rental cars can usually be equipped with an ETC device for convenience.
Parking Tips & Costs
Parking can be expensive in cities and popular tourist spots. Look for coin-operated lots or park-and-ride options. In some rural areas, parking is free but limited, so plan ahead.
Please refer to the following article for specific information on how to use parking lots in Japan.
Best Navigation Apps for Japan
Apps like Google Maps, NaviTime, and Waze are reliable, but make sure they support ETC-equipped routes if you’re using toll roads. Offline maps can also help in areas with poor mobile reception.
Best Road Trip Routes from Tokyo
Mt. Fuji Road Trip – Best Scenic Stops & Hot Springs
The area around Mount Fuji, accessible by car in about two hours from Tokyo, is one of the best driving destinations to enjoy scenery throughout the seasons. You will enjoy taking photos by the lakeside while touring the Fuji Five Lakes and Fuji Sengen Grand Shrine, and hiking with Mount Fuji as a backdrop is also possible. Furthermore, hot spring inns and day-trip hot springs are scattered around Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, making them perfect for soothing the fatigue of driving. Enjoy a flexible trip while taking in the crisp morning air or the sunset view of Mount Fuji. Along the way, numerous cafes with Fuji views and local gourmet spots let you savor impromptu stops only possible by car.
Please read the following article for more details about the model course for a road trip to Mt. Fuji if you are interested!
The view of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi is breathtakingly beautiful, and on clear days, you can see all the way to its summit. Taking photos of my car with Mount Fuji and the lake in the background is a memory I’ll cherish forever. I truly hope everyone gets to experience this. Cycling around Lake Yamanaka was also fantastic, and the taste of the hoto noodles I had at a restaurant I stopped at along the way is unforgettable. Soaking in the hot springs to ease my fatigue, I truly felt the unique joy of a road trip where you can freely make detours
Hakone & Izu Peninsula – Relax with Onsen and Ocean Views
Driving through Hakone and the Izu Peninsula offers a luxurious route where you can enjoy hot springs and ocean views all at once. In Hakone, explore Lake Ashi and Owakudani, then savor art at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. On the way to Izu, winding mountain roads and coastal routes stretch out, making the drive itself a pleasure. On the Izu Peninsula, drive along the coastlines of Atami and Shimoda while enjoying fresh seafood dishes and day-trip hot springs. Having a car allows you to freely stop at hidden small hot spring inns and scenic viewpoints, enabling a journey of freedom unattainable by train. I’ve posted my Hakone driving experience in this article! Please give it a read.
In a nutshell, this route lets you indulge in scenery, food, and hot springs all at once. The sulfur scent at Owakudani and the views of Lake Ashi are breathtaking. Along the Izu coastline drive, I savored seafood bowls while listening to the waves. The charm lies in easily stopping by hidden hot spring inns by car, offering a refreshing escape for both body and mind—even on a day trip!
Nikko Road Trip – Temples, Waterfalls, and Nature
Nikko is about a 2.5-hour drive from Tokyo. Its appeal lies in the road trip experience, combining visits to the World Heritage site of Nikko Toshogu Shrine—a structure steeped in Japan’s long, long history—with natural wonders like Kegon Falls and Ryuzu Falls. Driving through mountain roads allows you to enjoy seasonal changes like autumn foliage and snowy landscapes, a unique pleasure of traveling by car. The surrounding area offers hot spring facilities like Nikko Yumoto Onsen and Lake Chuzenji Onsen, where day-trip bathing is possible, allowing you to relax after sightseeing. Parking is relatively plentiful, making this an area easily accessible by car.
I’ve only visited once, but the autumn foliage around Lake Chuzenji is breathtakingly beautiful, and with ample parking, getting around by car was smooth.
Karuizawa Driving Guide – Luxury & Nature Escape
Karuizawa is a resort town about a 2.5-hour drive from Tokyo, known for its lush greenery and sophisticated streetscape. Enjoy shopping in Old Karuizawa Ginza or the outlet mall, or explore nature through cycling and hiking. The walking paths around Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond offer beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, and driving allows easy access to hidden spots in the outskirts. Luxury resort hotels and vacation homes are scattered throughout, making it a delightful destination where you can experience that resort feeling even on a day trip.
Shopping in Old Karuizawa Ginza and strolling around Kumoba Pond offered different scenery to enjoy throughout the seasons. With the freedom to drive around suburban nature parks and cafes, you can fully savor that resort feeling even on a day trip. Shopping at the outlet mall was also convenient, allowing for a relaxed pace.
Chiba Coastal Drive – Beaches & Fresh Seafood
A drive along Chiba’s coastline is perfect as a day trip spot accessible within 1-2 hours from Tokyo. Enjoy breathtaking views while feeling the sea breeze as you drive along the coast of Kujukuri Beach and Minamiboso. We also recommend stopping at fishing ports or roadside stations along the way to savor fresh local fish and seafood bowls. Exploring the lighthouses and small capes of the Boso Peninsula offers photo-worthy scenery. With a car, you can freely visit lesser-known beaches and cafes while avoiding crowded tourist spots, making this a stress-free route to fully enjoy the ocean.
Please read the following article for a road trip guide to Chiba Prefecture. It introduces different spots from those recommended in this article.
The vast sandy beaches and sea breeze of Kujukuri Beach are the best. The seafood bowl with local fish I ate at a fishing port along the way was incredibly fresh—even as a Japanese person, I was amazed. Having a car lets you avoid crowds and stop at small capes and lighthouses, giving you great freedom. It’s the perfect day trip route, letting you enjoy the exhilaration of driving along the coast and the pleasure of great food at the same time.
Road Trip Itineraries
One Day Trip Ideas
If you only have a day, a Mt. Fuji or Hakone drive is perfect. Start early, enjoy scenic lakes or hot springs, and stop by local cafés on the way. Chiba’s coastal route is also great for quick escapes—fresh seafood and ocean views make for a refreshing short trip.
Weekend Trip Suggestions
For a weekend, go further and explore Nikko’s temples and waterfalls or head to Karuizawa for nature and luxury shopping. These routes allow for a relaxed pace with time for hot springs, sightseeing, and even a gourmet dinner. An overnight stay adds depth to your trip.
Seasonal Recommendations (Cherry Blossoms, Autumn Leaves)
Spring is ideal for driving to Chichibu or Kawaguchiko for cherry blossoms framing Mt. Fuji. Autumn brings stunning foliage in Nikko and Hakone, making the winding roads even more scenic. Winter is great for onsen trips, while summer offers coastal drives and beaches in Chiba.
FAQs about Road Trips from Tokyo
- QDo I need a car for sightseeing in Tokyo?
- A
No, you do not need one. The public transportation system is well developed, and there are problems with traffic congestion and expensive parking fees. We recommend using trains and buses for sightseeing in Tokyo.
- QIs an ETC card required?
- A
It is not required, but recommended due to the discount on expressway tolls. The discount rate is especially high on holidays. With Toyota Rent-A-Car, you can rent a car for 300 yen per day.
- QWhen do I need to make a reservation?
- A
We recommend making reservations at least two weeks in advance for weekends and holidays. Early reservations are especially necessary during the autumn foliage season and year-end and New Year holidays. There is a possibility that the car type you want may not be available for reservation.
- QIs it difficult to drive in Japan as a foreigner?
- A
Not really. Roads are well-maintained, signs are mostly in English, and navigation apps work great. Just remember to drive on the left side!
- QIs it possible to drive in winter?
- A
Yes, but you will need winter tires in the mountainous areas, especially from November to March. Check with your rental car company to see if they have vehicles with winter tires.
- QCan I reserve a parking space?
- A
Reservations are not required for large parking lots in tourist areas. Commercial facilities in the city center may have reservations available. We recommend that you check in advance.
Summary
’ve personally driven all these routes – here are my best tips! Road trips from Tokyo offer the ultimate experience, whether for a day trip or weekend getaway, letting you fully enjoy nature, culture, and gourmet food. Each route is packed with its own unique charm: the majestic views of Mount Fuji, the hot springs of Hakone, the historic temples and shrines of Nikko, the resort atmosphere of Karuizawa, and the seaside drives of Chiba. The seasonal changes are especially not to be missed, with spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage offering exceptional beauty along every route. When planning your drive, I recommend checking travel times and stopover spots in advance while keeping your schedule flexible. Meal spots and rest areas along the way are part of the journey’s enjoyment, so don’t hesitate to stop at places that catch your eye.
Comment Comment