Would you like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature by car on weekends? Here are some attractive sightseeing spots and hot spring resorts that can be reached from Tokyo in a few hours. We will also provide practical information for first-time road trip travelers.
Popular Road Trip Routes nearby Tokyo
Here are some day-trip driving spots that can be easily reached from Tokyo. The Kanto region is home to many attractive sightseeing spots, with spectacular seasonal scenery, hot springs, and recreational spots. We have picked out four areas that we particularly recommend.
- Mt. Fuji Area Mt.Fuji, a symbol of Japan that has been registered as a World Heritage site, can be enjoyed up close. Fuji, a symbol of Japan that has been registered as a World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy nature to the fullest by touring the five lakes, strolling in the highlands, and viewing the seasonal flowers.
- Karuizawa Karuizawa is a highland resort famous as a summer resort. Karuizawa offers sophisticated shopping and fine dining in a lush natural setting. The cool climate and relaxed atmosphere characteristic of a summer resort make it an ideal break point for a road trip.
- Hakone One of the most popular hot spring resorts in Japan, this popular area also offers spectacular views of Mt. Hakone is full of attractions such as the atmosphere of an inn town that has existed since the Edo period, the powerful plume of Owakudani (Owakudani Valley), and Hakone Shrine. A stop at a hot spring on the way to the city on your drive will soothe your tired body.
- Chiba The open coastline facing the Pacific Ocean and a wide variety of leisure facilities are attractive. Family-friendly spots such as Kamogawa Sea World and Nozomizo Falls are scattered throughout the area. There are also many restaurants where you can taste fresh seafood, making it the perfect place for a gourmet drive.
These areas are within a 2-3 hour drive from Tokyo. If you leave early in the morning, you can enjoy a leisurely sightseeing tour and return home in the evening. This is a great option for a weekend getaway or a quick vacation.
Below are the details of each area (best season, recommended spots, and example driving routes).
Mt. Fuji Area
Fuji is a symbol of Japan and is registered as a World Heritage Site. Fuji and its surrounding area, which has a rich natural and cultural heritage.
- Best Season.
- Cherry blossoms and Mt.
- Fuji in autumn.
- Fuji covered with snow is beautiful on many sunny days in winter.
- Recommended Spots:
- Fuji Five Lakes Area
- Kawaguchiko: sightseeing boats, museums, and autumn foliage
- Lake Yamanakako: Upside-down reflection of Mt. Fuji, water activities
- Lake Saiko: Cave exploration, camping
- Oshinohakkai: Eight spring ponds created by underground water from Mt.
- Shiraito Falls: Fantastic waterfall created by melted snow from Mt.
- Fuji Five Lakes Area
- Example of a recommended driving route.
- Tokyo → Chuo Expressway → Kawaguchiko IC → Fuji Five Lakes Tour → Oshinohakkai → Gotemba Outlet → Tomei Expressway → Tokyo
- Travel time: 6-8 hours round trip (excluding sightseeing time)
- Expressway toll: Approx. 6,000 yen (with ETC card)
- Distance traveled: Approx. 300 km
- Tokyo → Chuo Expressway → Kawaguchiko IC → Fuji Five Lakes Tour → Oshinohakkai → Gotemba Outlet → Tomei Expressway → Tokyo
Please read the following article for more details about the model course for a road trip to Mt. Fuji if you are interested!
Karuizawa
Karuizawa has been loved by foreigners as a summer resort since the Meiji era. Bill Gates also built a villa here. The sophisticated shopping area and abundant nature coexist here, making it the perfect place for an adult holiday.
- Best season: June-September
- Ideal climate for a summer retreat.
- Fall foliage season (October) is also popular.
- Recommended Spots:.
- Old Karuizawa Ginza Street
- Historic architecture coexists with the latest stores.
- Lined with cafes, restaurants, and general stores
- Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
- Over 200 brand-name stores
- Sales held throughout the year
- Mt. Asama
- Tombo no Yu (day spa)
- Harunire Terrace (waterside café/restaurant)
- Shiraito Falls
- Beautiful waterfall with a drop of 70 meters
- Old Karuizawa Ginza Street
- Example of recommended driving route.
- Tokyo → Kanetsu Expressway → Usui Karuizawa IC → Old Karuizawa Ginza Street → Shiraito Falls → Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza → Harunire Terrace → Usui Karuizawa IC → Tokyo
- Travel time: 5-6 hours round trip (excluding sightseeing time)
- Expressway toll: Approx. 5,000 yen (with ETC card)
- Distance traveled: Approx. 250 km
- Tokyo → Kanetsu Expressway → Usui Karuizawa IC → Old Karuizawa Ginza Street → Shiraito Falls → Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza → Harunire Terrace → Usui Karuizawa IC → Tokyo
Hakone
Hakone is one of the most popular hot spring destinations from Tokyo. Fuji, hot springs, and a wealth of historical sights.
- Best Seasons:.
- Autumn leaves (November)
- Hatsumode (New Year’s visit) (January)
- Fuji view (winter)
- Recommended Spots:
- Lake Ashinoko Area
- Pirate Ship Cruise
- Historic Hakone Shrine and Peaceful Torii Gate
- Lakeside Restaurant
- Owakudani Valley
- Black Eggs (Extends life span by 7 years!?)
- Powerful volcanic plume area
- Hakone Skyline
- A driving spot with a spectacular view
- Fuji can be seen if the weather is fine!
- Lake Ashinoko Area
- Example of recommended driving route.
- Tokyo → Tomei Expressway → Gotemba IC → Hakone Skyline → Ashinoko Lake → Owakudani Valley → Hakone Sekisho (barrier) ruins → Odawara Atsugi Road → Tokyo
- Travel time: 4-5 hours round trip (excluding sightseeing time)
- Expressway fare: approx. 4,000 yen (when using ETC)
- Distance traveled: approx. 200 km
- Tokyo → Tomei Expressway → Gotemba IC → Hakone Skyline → Ashinoko Lake → Owakudani Valley → Hakone Sekisho (barrier) ruins → Odawara Atsugi Road → Tokyo
If you are interested, please read the following report on our experience of renting a car and enjoying a road trip in Hakone!
Chiba Prefecture’s Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast of Chiba Prefecture offers a beautiful coastline, fresh seafood, and a wide variety of leisure spots. Minami-Boso, close to central Tokyo, is ideal for a casual day trip.
- Best Season: April-October
- Swimming (July-August)
- Flower picking (March-April)
- Recommended Spots: Kamogawa Sea World
- Kamogawa Sea World
- Dolphin shows
- Beluga petting zoo
- Aquarium
- Konomizo Falls
- Famous as an Instagram-worthy spot. Mysterious atmosphere
- Dining Spots
- Tateyama Nagisa Restaurant: Fresh seafood rice bowl
- Katsuura Tantanmen
- Seafood Market
- Kamogawa Sea World
- Example of recommended driving route.
- Tokyo → Aqualine → Tateyama Expressway → Kamogawa Sea World → Chiba Flower Line → Nozomizo Falls → Tateyama Nagisa Restaurant → Tokyo Bay Ferry (Kanaya Port – Kurihama Port) → Tokyo
- Travel time: 5-6 hours round trip (excluding sightseeing time)
- Expressway fare: Approx. 4,500 yen (when using ETC, excluding ferry fare)
- Distance traveled: Approx. 280 km
- Tokyo → Aqualine → Tateyama Expressway → Kamogawa Sea World → Chiba Flower Line → Nozomizo Falls → Tateyama Nagisa Restaurant → Tokyo Bay Ferry (Kanaya Port – Kurihama Port) → Tokyo
Please read the following article for a road trip guide to Chiba Prefecture. It introduces different spots from those recommended in this article.
Recommended car rentals in Tokyo
This page introduces three rental cars that can be rented in Tokyo.Also introduces how to rent a car, so please take a look.
(This is an example of renting a GR86 at Toyota Rent-A-Car. It is the same way to rent other types of cars, so it may be helpful.)
Toyota Rent a Car
- Location:
- Many major train stations and airports
- English Support:.
- Fully supported (staff and reservation site)
- English navigation available
- Car Models:
- Compact: Yaris, Corolla
- Middle: Camry, Prius
- Minivan: Alphard, Voxy
- Fee:
- 8,000-15,000 yen/day
- Features:
- Many of the latest car models
- 24-hour support
- Official Website
Times Car Rental
- Location:
- Over 30 locations in Tokyo
- English Support:
- Partial support
- Reservation site is available in English.
- Vehicle Type:
- Mini car: N-box
- Compact: Fit
- Middle car: Prius
- Fee:
- 6,000-12,000 yen/day
- Features:
- Many station-front locations
- Cheaper than other companies
- Official website
Nippon Rent-A-Car
- Location:
- Airport Center
- English Support:
- Reservation site available in English
- Airport counter is English-speaking
- Car Types: Wide Range of Car Models
- Wide range of car models
- Sports cars are available.
- Fee:
- ¥7,000-14,000/day
- Features:
- Strong corporate use
- Many rental records with international driver’s license
- Official website:
Required Documents
The following three items are generally required, although they vary depending on the rental company.
- International Driver’s License (issued by a Geneva Convention member country)
- Passport
- Credit card
Notes on Reservations
- Early reservations are recommended (especially on weekends and holidays)
- Check cancellation policy
- Consider insurance options
- Check car navigation system language settings
- 2-3 tourist attractions
Driving tips
This article is a simplified version. If you want to know more details, please check the following articles
Navigation
We recommend using Google Maps on your smartphone and a car navigation system.
- Google Maps: Traffic congestion information is updated in real time, and suggestions for loopholes are accurate.
- Car navigation system: Stable guidance even in tunnels and mountainous areas
Tips for advance preparation:
- note down the phone number of your destination (for car navigation system search)
- download Google Maps offline for the target area
- save screenshots of key transit points (for locations with weak reception)
Traffic Rules
- Driving on the left
- Speed limit
- Highway: 40-60km/h
- Highway: 80-100km/h
- Drunk driving is strictly prohibited
- Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison
- Fines: Up to 1 million yen
- Obligation to wear seat belt
- No cell phone use while driving
ETC card
- Can be rented from car rental companies
- Fee: ¥300-500/day
- Advantages
- Discount on highway tolls
- Reduced payment hassle
- Eases traffic congestion
Tips for using parking lots
- Coin-operated parking fee guidelines
- Urban area: 400-800 yen/hour
- Suburbs: 100-300 yen/hour
- Commercial and tourist parking
- Free in some cases
- In many cases, there is a time limit for use
Please refer to the following article for specific information on how to use parking lots in Japan.
FAQ
- 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 ?
- A
If you are not used to driving on the left, you may feel confused at first. We recommend that you avoid the city center and start getting used to driving in the suburbs.
- 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.
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