
Japan Self-Drive Holiday
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.
Locations you will be visiting
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Tokyo
Discover Japan's dazzling capital - where ancient meets modern
2 Days + 1 Day
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Hakone, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Hakone with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Hamamatsu, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Hamamatsu with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Nagoya, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Nagoya with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Yunomine Onsen, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Yunomine Onsen with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Shirahama, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Shirahama with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Osaka
An exciting and bustling city with a wide range of tasty cuisine on offer
2 Days
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Kyoto
Explore historic sights and wander the atmospheric streets of Kyoto
2 Days
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Japan
Ninja Wifi, Japan
WiFi on the go in Japan to help you stay connected.
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Japan: Japan Self-Drive Holiday
from£3,499
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

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