The Ultimate Self-Drive Holiday: See the Real Japan
The Ultimate Self-Drive Holiday
See the Real Japan
One of the best, most underrated ways to get around Japan is by car, and if you have your international driver’s licence, it’s easy. Enjoy the total freedom that comes with travelling around Japan by car.We have a wide selection of modern vehicles with built in English speaking GPS navigation systems. Follow our planned Itinerary for get the best from this special country.
Locations you will be visiting
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Osaka
An exciting and bustling city with a wide range of tasty cuisine on offer
3 Days
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Kyoto
Explore historic sights and wander the atmospheric streets of Kyoto
1 Day
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Kanazawa
An intriguing city with a fascinating ancient samurai district
1 Day
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Takayama
Enjoy a scenic setting and well-preserved Edo-style streets
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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Tokyo
Discover Japan's dazzling capital - where ancient meets modern
2 Days
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Nikko, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Nikko with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Matsumoto, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Matsumoto 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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Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Japan with this handy destination guide.
8 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
The Ultimate Self-Drive Holiday: See the Real Japan
19 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Osaka
Arrive at Osaka, then transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is at Leisure.
DAY 2 Osaka Street Food Tour
Free in the morning. Enjoy 3 hours food tour in the afternoon. The tour guide will take you to Namba Osaka where you can enjoy the street food.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3 Full Day Osaka and Nara Tour
After breakfast meet at the hotel’s reception area with your private guide. The tour will last 8 hours. During the tour you will visit Osaka Castle. Ride a train to Nara, then visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Deer Park. Check in your hotel in Kyoto.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 Kyoto Private Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the city by public transport with a tour guide giving you the opportunity to discover memorable moments in Kyoto. It was a prosperous city, home to the emperor of Japan and a long-standing central metropolis and culture.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5 Train to Kanazawa and Half Day Tour
Kanazawa serves as the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, and is sometimes referred to as “little Kyoto”. Take the train to Kanazawa, the journey will take 135 minutes. Enjoy Kanazawa afternoon private tour.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Drive from Kanazawa to Takayama
Pick up your car from Car Hire Office and drive to Shirokawag, where you can explore the village. From here you drive to Takayama, explore the local area then onto Oku-Hida Hirayu area, where you will find your hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7 Drive to Lake Kawaguchi
A morning drive from the Hotel to Lake Kawaguchi. Spend the afternoon exploring Lake Kawaguchi.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8 Drive to Tokyo via Hakone
Leave Kawagochiko and drive to Hakone. Today, you get a chance to explore Hakone yourself. Then drive to Tokyo and return the car to rental office.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Tokyo Private Tour
A full day tour of the city by public trans- port with a tour guide. It gives you the opportunity to discover memorable moments in Tokyo. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to your preferences.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10 Drive to Nikko
Pick-up the car from car hire office. Drive to Nikko. Upon arrival, explore Nikko yourself. visit Kirifuri Waterfall, Lake Chuzenji, Toshogu Shrine etc.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11 Drive to Matsumoto
Drive from Nikko to Matsumoto. Self explore Matsumoto yourself. Visit: Matsumoto Castle, Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12 Drive to Narai - Tsumago - Magmome - Inuyama
After breakfast, drive from Matsumoto to Narai then on to Tsumago. In the afternoon, drive from Tsumago to Magome then on to Inuyama.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13 Drive to Tokoname - Irako Peninsular
Drive from Inuyama to Tokoname. Explore Tokoname yourself. In the afternoon, drive from Tokoname to Irako Peninsular (no ferry needed).
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 14 Drive to Irako Pier ~ Take Ferry to Toba
Drive to Irako Pier then take Ferry to Toba. In the afternoon, drive from Toba to Shingu Taisya. Visit Nachi Falls and Niikura Shrine.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 15 Drive to Wakayama
Drive from Shingu to Wakayama.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 16 Ferry to Tokushima to Udatsu
Take Ferry to Tokushima. Visit Japanese Indigo Experience. In the afternoon, drive from Tokushima to Udatsu. Visit the Umbrella making experience.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 17 Drive to Iya Valley to Matsuyama
After breakfast, drive to Iya Valley. Enjoy a River Boat Cruise. In the afternoon, drive from Iya valley to Matsuyama.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 18 Drive to Kurashiki to Okayama
Drive to Kurashiki. Kurashiki is located in Okayama Prefecture, not far from the prefectural capital of Okayama City. Kurashiki has a preserved canal area that dates back to the Edo Period. Explore this beautiful town yourself. Lastly, drive to Okayama.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 19 Drive to Kansai
Drive to Kansai where you drop off your hire car.
- Meals included: Breakfast
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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View this packageJapan
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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View this packageJapan
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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View this packageJapan
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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View this packageJapan
Ninja Wifi, Japan
WiFi on the go in Japan to help you stay connected.
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Japan: The Ultimate Self-Drive Holiday: See the Real Japan
from£4,395
What's included:
- 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 £4,395
(excluding international flights)
Prices based on minimum of two travelling
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
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.
Extend your holiday with a stopover
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View this packageStopovers Tailor Made Beach
Dubai Stopover
Dubai, the ultimate stopover destination for shopping and relaxation