ROAD TRIPS IN JAPAN
Explore Japan's wild side on a road trip
If you want to discover mountain roads, coastal routes and hidden hot springs far beyond the usual tourist trail, a road trip is the way to go.
Why you should consider road tripping in Japan
Japan is one of those countries that really rewards you for getting off the main route. While the famous bullet trains make it easy to travel between the big cities, renting a campervan gives you the freedom to explore places that are harder – or even impossible – to reach by public transport. So, if you want to see parts of Japan that not many tourists get to see, a road trip is the perfect choice.
You can easily mix and match famous highlights such as Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka with quieter destinations like the Japanese Alps, Nagano, Kanazawa or the wild landscapes of Hokkaido, making the trip your own.
You can drink your morning coffee here
You can enjoy all the beautiful natural landscapes
You can combine culture and nature
You can visit both famous and hidden temples
You can still visit must-sees like Senbon Torii
You can camp by Lake Motosu
You can relax in an onsen after a long day
You can make a stop in Tokyo to explore the city
You can learn more about Japanese culture
You can sample amazing food along the way
You can stop whenever you see something cool
You can spot animals
Need help planning your road trip?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
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Explore Japan in a campervan
If you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, travelling Japan in a campervan is a great option. A campervan lets you take your home on the road and reach some of Japan’s most remote corners without having to worry about accommodation. It is a particularly appealing option if you want to spend time in nature.
At KILROY, we can help you arrange campervan rental through trusted partners. And whether you are dreaming of driving through the Japanese Alps, exploring Hokkaido or combining the big cities with quieter countryside, we can help you plan a road trip that works for you.
Enjoy the ultimate freedom in a campervan
Wake up looking at Mt. Fuji
Explore the Japanese nature
The perfect road trip for food lovers
Japan is a dream destination for foodies, and a road trip is a great chance to taste your way through Japanese cuisine. Stop for a quick bowl of ramen, grab some takoyaki or okonomiyaki from a street food stall, or try regional specialities as you travel from one part of Japan to the next. Need something quick on the road? Japan's konbini – convenience stores – are packed with surprisingly good onigiri, bento boxes, sushi, snacks and desserts. And if you're travelling in a campervan, you can also pick up ingredients and cook for yourself when you feel like it. Just make sure you save room for the next food stop.
Streetfood in Kyoto
Make sure to visit the local markets
A trip to Japan is not complete without ramen
Takoyaki prepared at a street food stall
Get ready for the most incredible sushi
Grilled skewers from a street food stall
Taiyaki: Japanese pancakes shaped like fish
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Japan is a great destination for a road trip - especially if you want to explore beyond the major cities and wish to travel at your own pace. The country has excellent roads, beautiful and varied landscapes and a well-developed network of campsites and roadside facilitie, making it an easy and rewarding place to enjoy a road trip.
We recommend spending at least two weeks on a Japan road trip if you want to combine several different regions without rushing. With three weeks or more, you have better time to explore the Japanese Alps, take longer scenic routes or head further north to Hokkaido.
For most travellers, driving in Japan is fairly straightforward once you get used to driving on the left-hand side of the road. Roads are generally well maintained, although driving in large cities and on narrow mountain roads can require a little extra concentration.
No. You should not assume that you can camp or stay overnight whereever you park. Use designated campsites and approved overnight parking options - there are plenty to choose from.
Spring and autumn are particularly popular because of the mild weather and beautiful scenery. Summer is a good time to explore Hokkaido and the mountains. If you want to travel on a budget, it's a good idea to travel outside the peak seasons, when car rental is generally cheaper.
Absolutely. You could explore some of the big cities by train and then go on a road trip in the more remote parts of the country. This way, you get the best of both worlds.
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You should go on a road trip in Japan if you...
...want to explore beyond the big cities
Japan has far more to offer than bustling cities. Hit the road to discover mountain villages, hidden temples, quiet countryside and spectacular landscapes.
...love the freedom to explore at your own pace
With your own vehicle, you can take your time on the scenic drive, stop when something catches your eye and spend longer in places you really want to explore.
...want to combine culture and nature
One day you're exploring ancient temples, the next driving through the Japanese Alps or relaxing in a hot spring — Japan offers endless variety on the road.
