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Japan Self-Drive Holiday

Semi-escorted tour

Japan Self-Drive Holidays

Discover Japan by road

Hiring a car to get around Japan is a fantastic way to explore the country, especially as they drive on the left. All major road signs are in English, the well-kept roads are comfortable and easy to drive on, and when refuelling your car, you will receive first class service at petrol stations. By taking to the road, you have the freedom to explore the country at your own pace, seeing the diverse scenery and witnessing local life you wouldn’t encounter by another mode of transport. We have put together this sample self-drive itinerary to give you an idea of one of the many routes available. Please contact us now for your own self-drive holiday of Japan, tailored to suit your specific requirements.

road fuji japan

Locations you will be visiting

  • Asakusa Tokyo

    Tokyo

    Discover Japan's dazzling capital - where ancient meets modern

    2 Days + 1 Day

  • Lake Ashi hakone japan

    Hakone, Japan

    Discover the sights and traditions for Hakone with this handy destination guide.

    1 Day

  • blossom hamamatsu castle japan

    Hamamatsu, Japan

    Discover the sights and traditions for Hamamatsu with this handy destination guide.

    1 Day

  • Nagoya castle japan

    Nagoya, Japan

    Discover the sights and traditions for Nagoya with this handy destination guide.

    1 Day

  • pool Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya yunomine onsen

    Yunomine Onsen, Japan

    Discover the sights and traditions for Yunomine Onsen with this handy destination guide.

    1 Day

  • clear water Shirahama onsen japan

    Shirahama, Japan

    Discover the sights and traditions for Shirahama with this handy destination guide.

    1 Day

  • Osaka Castle Autumn Osaka Japan

    Osaka

    An exciting and bustling city with a wide range of tasty cuisine on offer

    2 Days

  • Kyoto

    Explore historic sights and wander the atmospheric streets of Kyoto

    2 Days

  • Matsumoto castle japan

    Matsumoto, Japan

    Discover the sights and traditions for Matsumoto with this handy destination guide.

    1 Day

YOUR TOUR ITINERARY

Japan Self-Drive Holiday

15 day Tour Itinerary

An overview of your trip

DAY 1 UK to Tokyo

Take a scheduled flight from your regional airport to Tokyo.

  • Transport: Flight
DAY 2 Arrive Tokyo

Arrive at Tokyo International Airport, where you will be met and assisted to board an airport bus for the transfer to your hotel.

DAY 3 Tokyo

Day at leisure to explore Tokyo.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 Tokyo to Hakone

Make your way to the car rental office to pick up your hire car. From there, travel to the Mt. Fuji area using the expressways, which should take approx. 2 ½ hours. Discover Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area, such as Kawaguchi Lake, and in the evening, continue to Hakone for a night at a ryokan, where your dinner will be served.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Transport: Drive
DAY 5 Hakone to Hamamatsu

From Hakone, drive to Hamamatsu, approx. 2 ½ hours, and marvel at the Hamana Lake and Nakatajima Sakyu, sand dunes.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • Transport: Drive
DAY 6 Hamamatsu to Nagoya

Your next destination is Nagoya and a day there at your leisure. There are many sites to see, for instance Nagoya Castle, the aquarium, Tokugawa Art Museum, Osu Kannon Temple and Korankei Valley. Stay in Nagoya for one night.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • Transport: Drive
DAY 7 Nagoya, Hongu and Yunomine Onsen

After a night in Nagoya, travel to Hongu to walk some of the Kumano Kodo and visit the Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seigantoji. Once you are done, continue onto Yunomine onsen for an overnight stay in a ryokan.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Transport: Drive
DAY 8 Yunomine onsen to Shirahama

The next day sees you make your way to Shirahama. Once you have arrived, check into your accommodation for a night, and spend the rest of the day discovering Shirahama and its onsens.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • Transport: Drive
DAY 9 Shirahama to Osaka

From Shirahama, travel to Osaka using the expressways, and check into your hotel for a two night stay. Osaka, is a large port city and commercial powerhouse, is known for its modern architecture, boisterous nightlife and hearty street food. In the heart of the city is the perfectly restored, and impressive, Osaka-jo Castle. Osaka’s north gate, Umeda, has a gigantic stretch of underground mall that houses many
restaurants, fashion and general stores. It is also widely known as the Nation’s Kitchen, offering an incredible array of tasty Japanese cuisine.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • Transport: Drive
DAY 10 Osaka

Explore Osaka at your leisure, visiting places such as the Sky Observatory, Osaka Castle, the Namba area, Dotonbori and more. Maybe visit Mt. Koya to see the cemetery and temples.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11 Osaka to Kyoto

Travel from Osaka to Kyoto in the afternoon, which should take under an hour. Arrive at your accommodation and check in for two nights.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • Transport: Drive
DAY 12 Kyoto

Explore Kyoto at your leisure. Visit places such as Ryoanji, Fushimi Inari shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo Castle and more. You can travel to Nara or even Arashiyama by car or public transport.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13 Kyoto to Matsumoto

From Kyoto, travel to Matsumoto by car, which takes approximately 4 ½ hours. Once you arrive, check into your accommodation to stay for a night.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • Transport: Drive
DAY 14 Matsumoto to Tokyo

Leave your accommodation in the afternoon and travel back to Tokyo. Return your car to the Car Hire Office and check into your accommodation for one night.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • Transport: Drive
DAY 15 Fly to UK

Day at leisure until your shuttle bus to the airport and your flight back to the UK.

  • Meals included: Breakfast

 

Note: Self-drive itineraries are also available for the islands of Hokkaido and Kyushu, where exploring by car is the best way to cover the vast distances. Please contact us for more details.

Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences

There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.

  • geisha performing music japan
    Japan

    Japan: Dinner with Maiko, Kyoto

    Enjoy a traditional dinner with a Maiko, or apprentice Geisha and enjoy two traditional dance performances. Opportunity to ask questions and take photos with Maiko.

    View this package
  • Matcha Tea Japan
    Japan

    Japan: Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Ginkau-ji Temple Walking Tour

    Experience traditional tea ceremony and visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ginkauji Temple for a taste of Japanese culture.

    View this package
  • sumo wrestling tokyo japan
    Japan

    Japan: Tokyo Sumo Experience & Chanko Lunch

    Be a sumo wrestler for a day! Learn from the Sumo wrestlers about the history, practice and the tournaments. Try on a Sumo costume and challenge a Sumo wrestler to a match. Enjoy the traditional and symbolic meal Chanko-nabe.

    View this package
  • ninja wifi features japan
    Japan

    Ninja Wifi, Japan

    WiFi on the go in Japan to help you stay connected.

    View this package

Sample Accommodation

3★ Shiba Park Hotel, Tokyo

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3★ Nanpuso Hotel, Hakone

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3★ Hotel Concorde, Hamamatsu

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3★ Ekimae Montblanc Hotel, Nagoya

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3★ Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya, Yunomine Onsen

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3★ Kisyu Shirahama Onsen Musashi Ryokan, Shirahama

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3★ Osaka Castle Hotel, Osaka

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4★ New Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

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3★ Matsumoto Tokyu REI Hotel, Matsumoto

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Your holiday details
Japan: Japan Self-Drive Holiday
price
from
£3,499
Make an enquiry
What's included:
  • International flights
  • Accommodation
  • Car hire
  • Transfers
  • Meals as specified
  • Airport taxes
  • Local tips
  • Local parking
  • IDP
  • Personal spending
  • Travel insurance

Departures are available every day.
Prices from £3,899
Land only from £2,799

(excluding international flights)

Prices based on minimum of two travelling

Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.

The deposit for these arrangements is £300 per person. Balance is due 12 weeks before departure

When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.

TOUR MAP

Extend your holiday with a stopover

  • DUBAI Downtown Dubai
    Stopovers Tailor Made Beach

    Dubai Stopover

    Dubai, the ultimate stopover destination for shopping and relaxation

    View this package

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