Renting a Car and Driving in Japan: Essential Tips and Scenic Routes

Japan is a fascinating country with a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Exploring Japan by car is an excellent way to experience its diverse landscapes, from bustling urban streets to serene countryside roads. Whether you're planning a road trip through Hokkaido's natural beauty or the picturesque coastlines of Kyushu, renting a car offers flexibility and convenience that trains and buses sometimes can't match.

Tips for Renting a Car in Japan

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Before you can drive in Japan, you need an International Driving Permit based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. Make sure to get this in your home country before traveling.
• Age and License Requirements: Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 18 years old, and driver's licenses must be valid and recognized.
• Booking in Advance: Especially during peak seasons such as Golden Week or cherry blossom season, it is advisable to book your car rental early.
• Navigation Apps: Many rental cars are equipped with GPS, but using apps like Google Maps with offline capabilities can be very helpful.
• Insurance Coverage: Check your rental agreement carefully to understand insurance options, and consider purchasing additional coverage for peace of mind.
• Rental Car Types: Options range from compact kei cars perfect for city driving to larger vehicles for family trips.

Understanding Japanese Traffic Rules

• Drive on the Left: Japan drives on the left-hand side of the road.
• Speed Limits: Generally, 60 km/h on ordinary roads, 100 km/h on expressways; watch for local signs.
• Seat Belts and Safety: Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
• Alcohol and Driving: Japan has zero-tolerance for drinking and driving. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%, and penalties are strict.
• Use of Mobile Phones: Using handheld devices while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free system.
• Parking: Parking spaces can be limited; illegal parking can lead to fines or towing.
• Traffic Signals & Signs: Japanese traffic signs are mostly in English and Japanese, but it’s good to familiarize yourself beforehand.

Recommended Scenic Routes in Japan

• Japan Alps Route: Drive through Nagano and Gifu Prefectures to see stunning mountain scenery, hot springs, and traditional villages like Shirakawa-go.
• Shimanami Kaido: This 70 km route connects Japan's main island Honshu with Shikoku via a series of bridges, offering incredible views over the Seto Inland Sea.
• Hokkaido’s Furano and Biei Area: Known for its lavender fields and rolling hills, this area is beautiful, especially during summer.
• Okinawa Island Drives: Explore tropical beaches and crystal-clear waters by car in Okinawa.

Additional Tips

• Cash is king in many parking lots and toll booths, so keep some yen handy.
• Many toll roads (expressways) require electronic toll collection cards (ETC), which can be rented with your car.
• Plan your routes and check weather conditions, as some roads may close seasonally, especially in mountainous areas.
• Respect local customs and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.

Driving in Japan is a rewarding experience that allows you to discover hidden gems at your own pace. With the right preparations and awareness, your road trip across Japan will be an unforgettable adventure.

Introduction

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a paradise for road trip enthusiasts. With its vast open spaces, well-maintained roads, and breathtaking landscapes, renting a car is undoubtedly the best way to explore this beautiful region. Summer in Hokkaido brings mild weather, blooming flower fields, and lush greenery, making it the perfect season for a driving adventure. In this guide, we will introduce the top 5 scenic driving routes in Hokkaido that you must add to your summer itinerary.

1. Furano and Biei: The Patchwork Road

The Furano and Biei area is famous for its stunning lavender fields and rolling hills. The Patchwork Road in Biei offers a picturesque drive through colorful flower fields and iconic trees. Renting a car allows you to stop at various viewpoints, such as the Shikisai-no-Oka flower park and the mesmerizing Blue Pond. The scenic drive is relaxing and provides endless photo opportunities. Don't forget to try the local lavender ice cream during your stops!

2. The Shakotan Peninsula: The Shakotan Blue

If you love coastal drives, the Shakotan Peninsula is a must-visit. Located just a couple of hours from Sapporo, this route offers dramatic cliffside views and crystal-clear blue waters, famously known as "Shakotan Blue." The drive along Route 229 takes you through charming fishing villages and spectacular coastal scenery. Make sure to stop at Cape Kamui, where a short hike rewards you with panoramic ocean views. Summer is also the season for fresh sea urchin (uni), a local delicacy you must try.

3. Daisetsuzan National Park: The Roof of Hokkaido

For those seeking majestic mountain landscapes, a drive through Daisetsuzan National Park is highly recommended. As Japan's largest national park, it features towering peaks, dense forests, and pristine lakes. The drive up to the Sounkyo Gorge offers breathtaking views of waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs. Navigating these mountain roads in a rental car gives you the freedom to explore remote hot springs and hiking trails at your own pace.

4. Shiretoko Peninsula: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Shiretoko Peninsula, located in eastern Hokkaido, is one of Japan's most pristine and unspoiled regions. The Shiretoko Pass (Route 334) connects Utoro and Rausu, offering stunning views of Mount Rausu and the Kunashiri Island on clear days. Driving through this UNESCO World Heritage site, you might even spot local wildlife, such as Ezo red foxes and deer. Please drive carefully and respect the natural habitat of these animals.

5. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park: The Vast Wetlands

Experience the unique landscape of Japan's largest marshland by driving around Kushiro Shitsugen National Park. The roads surrounding the wetlands offer numerous observation decks where you can admire the vast, untouched nature. If you are lucky, you might spot the endangered red-crowned cranes. A rental car is essential here, as public transportation options are limited, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the area.

Conclusion

A summer road trip in Hokkaido offers an unforgettable experience filled with diverse landscapes, from vibrant flower fields to rugged coastlines and majestic mountains. Renting a car with Relax Rent-A-Car ensures a comfortable and convenient journey, allowing you to discover the hidden gems of Hokkaido at your own pace. Book your rental car today and get ready for the ultimate Japanese driving adventure!

Why Renting a Car in Japan Can Be Worth It

Renting a car gives you freedom to explore Japan beyond train lines: coastal drives, mountain passes, and small towns where public transit is infrequent. With good planning you can reach onsen villages, roadside markets and remote scenic spots at your own pace. This guide covers the essentials—paperwork, tolls, safety, and scenic routes—so your self-drive trip runs smoothly.

Before You Go: License, Insurance, and Booking

• Driving permit: Most visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention plus your home-country license. Rules vary by nationality—check with your embassy or the rental company in advance.
• Book early: Reserve vehicles and optional items (ETC card, child seat, winter tires) online, especially in peak seasons like Golden Week, cherry blossom time, and autumn foliage.
• Insurance: Basic coverage is standard; consider Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability coverage for peace of mind.

Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)

Japan’s expressways are mostly tolled. ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) is the fastest and most convenient system: insert an ETC card into the onboard unit and use ETC lanes to pass toll gates without stopping. Most rental companies offer ETC cards for a small daily fee; they can also charge tolls to your rental contract or a credit card. If you don’t have ETC, use the cash/manual lanes—expect slower service and exact change or card at larger booths.

Highway and Road Rules to Know

• Drive on the left: Keep left; overtake on the right. This is the major adjustment for many foreign drivers.
• Speed limits: Expressways typically 80–100 km/h; urban roads 40–60 km/h. Watch signage in km/h and adjust for weather.
• Seat belts & phones: Seat belts required for all passengers. Hands-free only for calls; cellphone use while driving is illegal.
• Alcohol: Japan has very strict drunk-driving laws; even trace amounts can cause arrest. Don’t drink if you’ll drive.
• Accidents: Call 110 for police, 119 for ambulance/fire. Do not move injured people unless necessary; exchange information and contact the rental company and your insurer.

Parking, Fuel, and Navigation

• Parking: Use coin-operated lots, multi-storey garages, or parking at roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki). Illegally parked cars are frequently towed and fined.
• Fuel: Fuel types are labeled in Japanese: レギュラー (regular), ハイオク (premium), 軽油 (diesel). Many stations accept credit cards; carry cash in rural areas.
• Navigation: Rental cars often include Japanese car nav systems—ask for English settings, or bring your phone with Google Maps and a local SIM or portable Wi‑Fi. NAVITIME and JAF apps are useful for route planning and emergency help.

Seasonal and Safety Tips

In winter, many northern and mountainous roads require studless tires or chains—book these in advance. Watch for narrow rural roads, sharp turns and agricultural vehicles. In wildlife regions (Hokkaido, Tohoku), be alert for deer and boars at dawn and dusk. Rest frequently on long drives; expressway Service Areas (SA) and Parking Areas (PA) are clean, well-equipped stops.

Top Scenic Drives to Consider

• Shimanami Kaido: A stunning island-hopping route between Honshu and Shikoku with bike paths and ocean views.
• Izu Peninsula & Hakone: Coastal cliffs, hot springs and dramatic views of Mount Fuji.
• Noto Peninsula: Rugged coastline, rice terraces and quiet fishing towns.
• Hokkaido’s Furano–Biei: Wide open roads, rolling fields and flower farms (best in summer).
• Kyushu’s Aso & Yufuin: Volcanic landscapes, onsen towns and winding mountain roads.

Final Checklist

Bring your passport, driving license and IDP, confirm ETC and insurance options, book seasonal tires if needed, and download offline maps. With preparation and cautious driving, renting a car in Japan unlocks many experiences trains can’t reach—enjoy the ride and respect local traffic rules and customs.

Top 5 Scenic Drives in Japan: A Guide for Renting a Car

Japan rewards drivers with roads that weave through volcanic highlands, rugged coasts, alpine meadows, and emerald gorges. If you’re comfortable behind the wheel, renting a car unlocks places trains and buses can’t easily reach—and lets you stop anywhere that catches your eye. Below are five unforgettable routes, plus practical tips to make your road trip smooth, safe, and fun.

1) Hokkaido’s Furano–Biei Panorama Roads

In central Hokkaido, gentle hills ripple with patchwork farmland and flower fields. Base yourself in Furano or Biei and link “Panorama Road” and “Patchwork Road” with Route 237. The loop is flexible—expect 60–90 km over a half-day with photo stops.

• Highlights: Lavender at Farm Tomita (summer), rolling “patchwork” fields, Shikisai-no-Oka gardens, Blue Pond (Aoiike).
• Best time: June–September for blooms; October for foliage. Winters bring stark, beautiful snowscapes but require snow tires and caution.
• Tips: Fuel up in town; rural stations close early. Watch for tractors, cyclists, and wildlife at dawn and dusk.

2) Noto Peninsula Coast and Chirihama Beach (Ishikawa)

The Noto Peninsula offers fishing hamlets, terraced paddies, and craggy sea cliffs. Drive Route 249 along the coast and detour to Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, an 8 km stretch where you can drive on hard-packed sand when conditions permit.

• Highlights: Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces, Ganmon rock arch, salt farms, coastal onsens.
• Best time: Spring to autumn for milder weather and longer daylight.
• Tips: The beach drive may close after storms or high surf—obey local signage. Expect narrow lanes through villages; take it slow.

3) Bandai–Azuma Skyline (Fukushima)

This highland route climbs into volcanic terrain between Fukushima City and the Urabandai area. The Skyline itself is roughly 29 km of summit views, steaming vents, and alpine twists; combine it with the Bandai–Azuma Lake Line for a fuller loop.

• Highlights: Jododaira plateau, crater views, mirror-like lakes in Urabandai.
• Best time: Late April/May to November; the road typically closes in winter due to snow.
• Tips: Weather changes fast—pack layers. Use low gear on descents to spare your brakes, and stop at viewpoints to enjoy the scenery safely.

4) Iya Valley and Oboke–Koboke Gorge (Shikoku)

Deep in Tokushima Prefecture, the Iya Valley rewards confident drivers with switchbacks, vine bridges, and misty ravines. Follow Routes 32, 45, and 439 for a 70–100 km day of slow, spectacular driving.

• Highlights: Kazurabashi vine bridge, Oku-Iya double vine bridges, Oboke Gorge riverboats, mountain hamlets.
• Best time: Spring and autumn for clear views; summer is lush; winter can bring ice in shaded sections.
• Tips: Roads are narrow with frequent blind corners—use mirrors and pull-outs. Avoid oversized vehicles if you’re new to left-side mountain driving.

5) Yamanami Highway: Yufuin to Aso (Kyushu)

One of Kyushu’s best-loved drives, the Yamanami Highway (Prefectural Route 11) strings together grasslands, hot-spring towns, and the Aso caldera. The core stretch runs about 50–60 km, but you’ll want time for viewpoints and onsen stops.

• Highlights: Yufuin and Kurokawa Onsen, Kuju Highlands, sweeping views of Mt. Aso’s crater rims.
• Best time: Year-round. Spring brings fresh greens; autumn offers golden pampas grass; winter mornings can be misty.
• Tips: Fog is common—use headlights and keep distance. Check volcano alerts for Aso-area closures before detouring to crater viewpoints.

Renting a Car in Japan: Quick Essentials

Licensing and paperwork

• Bring your passport, your home-country license, and an International Driving Permit based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. Drivers from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan typically need an official Japanese translation instead of an IDP—confirm current rules before travel.
• Minimum driving age is 18, but some rental companies set higher age or license-duration requirements.
• Children under 6 must use a child seat; request one when booking.

Tolls, navigation, and fueling

• Expressways are tolled. Rent an ETC card with your car to use dedicated lanes and access discounts; tolls are charged to your card after return.
• Speed limits: usually 40–60 km/h in towns and 80–100 km/h on expressways—always follow posted signs and slow for tunnels and curves.
• Navigation: Ask for an English GPS or use CarPlay/Android Auto. In rural Japan, “Mapcodes” help pinpoint attractions.
• Fuel: Regular (レギュラー), High Octane/Premium (ハイオク), and Diesel (軽油). Most stations are self-service; pay by card or cash at the pump or kiosk.

On the road

• Drive on the left. Keep left except when overtaking; no right turn on red.
• Parking is regulated. Use coin lots, convenience stores (with permission), and michi-no-eki roadside stations.
• Seasonal prep: Winter in Hokkaido/Tohoku demands snow tires and gentle inputs. Mountain roads may close—check prefectural advisories.
• Rest often. Service Areas and Parking Areas on expressways have food, fuel, and spotless facilities.

With the right documents and a little planning, Japan’s roads unfold into one continuous viewpoint. Pick a region that fits your season, rent a compact car with ETC and navigation, and let the curves lead you from one unplanned stop to the next.