Driving Adventure In Japan

Self-drive through two scenic peninsulas and the Japan Alps, visit key locations in central Japan

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Tailor-Made Tour

  • Duration13 Days
  • Flights IncludedYes
  • Prices From £ 6000

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  Places Visited : Tokyo, Nikko, Kusatsu, Kanazawa, Noto Hanto, Kyoto, Izu Hanto

Japan is arguably the best Asian country to drive in, especially for British drivers since the Japanese drive on the left.  The roads are in excellent condition, all signs are in both languages, and the included satnavs invariably have an English language option these days.  Self-drive is the best way to explore the fading hillscape of the Izu peninsula between Tokyo and Kyoto, and the rugged Noto peninsula on the north sea coast beyond Kanazawa. But perhaps the most stunning drive is ‘the romantic road’ from the ornate shrines at Nikko, up the winding Irohazaka road to a beautiful lake plateau, past majestic waterfalls and picturesque traditional mountain villages to the hot spring mountain town of Kusatsu. The drives are interspersed with bullet train rides and the city hotels with cosy traditional inns, making this one of our most varied and adventurous Japan itineraries.

Remember, this trip can be personalised to suit your travel needs - we can tailor everything from hotel, travel type, duration and more.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1
UK

Overnight flight from the UK to Tokyo.

Day 2
Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to acclimatise and perhaps explore the local area.

Day 3
Tokyo

Meet with your private guide and explore some key sights of the city by public transport. Visit the hallowed Meiji Shrine and bustling Shibuya in the morning, then stroll around the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji temple in the afternoon.

Day 4
Nikko

Take the express train to Nikko and explore the ornate Toshogu Shrine area, nestled in a forest up in the mountains north of Tokyo.

Day 5
Kusatsu

Pick up your first rental car and drive the scenic switchback road up to the Chuzenji lake plateau and three beautiful waterfalls – Kegon, Ryuzu and Akechidaira. Then take the ‘romantic’ road’ past more scenic waterfalls and picturesque little towns to one of Japan’s premier hot spring resorts, Kusatsu.

Day 6
Kusatsu

Spend the day relaxing in Kusatsu, soaking up the atmosphere around the Yubatake hot springs at the centre of the town, or in the bath house at your ryokan (traditional inn). Some ryokans have rooms with private hot spring baths, ideal for couples since the communal baths are segregated.

Day 7
Kanazawa

Continue on down the romantic road to Karuizawa, another renowned weekend getaway location for Tokyoites. Drop off the car and take the bullet train over to the north coast of Japan. Tour an original teahouse in the Higashichaya district and explore Kenrokuen Garden with a private guide this afternoon.

Day 8
Kanazawa

You are at leisure today to explore the other fine historical buildings in Kanazawa, and Omicho market with its super-fresh ‘kaisendon’ restaurants.

Day 9
Noto Hanto

Pick up your next rental car and drive around the Noto peninsula, with its rugged coastline, terraced rice fields and onsen towns. Stay in a traditional-style ryokan with sea views, a private hot spring bath and luxury traditional dinner this evening.

Day 10
Kyoto

Complete the loop of the Noto peninsula, drop off the car in Kanazawa and take an express train to Kyoto. Meet your guide and explore The Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizudera temple and the geisha quarter of Gion.

Day 11
Kyoto

You are at leisure today to explore the many other historical sights and gardens of Kyoto.

Day 12
Kyoto

Take the bullet train to Mishima, pick up your next rental car and take in some magnificent views of Mt Fuji before driving down the picturesque coast of the Izu peninsula to the historic port town of Shimoda.

Day 13
Tokyo

Complete the circuit of the Izu peninsula, drop off the car and take the bullet train back to Tokyo, thus completing you loop of central Japan.

Day 14
Tokyo, UK

Transfer to the airport and fly home for same-day arrival in the UK.

What's Included

✓   International flights from the UK
✓   12 nights accommodation including some heritage and boutique stays
✓   Private arrival and departure transfers and all intercity transport inc. 6 days car hire with sat nav
✓   3 Days with English-speaking guides, including public transport and entrance fees
✓   Breakfast daily, 4 'kaiseki' luxury traditional dinners included with stays at ryokans (traditional inns)
✓   Hotel-to-hotel overnight luggage forwarding on two occasions
✓   Unlimited expert advice, restaurant recommendations and reservations
✓   Customised maps and English/Japanese translation sheets

flight

International flights from UK

apartment

Accommodations Included

Private English-speaking guides

Private English-speaking guides

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Breakfast daily

commute

All road travel and transfers using private, chauffeur-driven vehicles

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Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary

Places and Experiences in this tour

What our clients say on Trustpilot

Plan your Next Adventure

Now is the time to begin planning your next adventures in Asia. Our Travel Specialists are ready to take your call and discuss the perfect getaway you have been dreaming of.

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