A LITTLE PLANNING. A LOT TO DISCOVER.
Japan,
at your own pace.
Island roads. Mountain escapes. A taste of something unforgettable. Find your corner of Japan, with practical travel guides to help you along the way.
For independent travellers · Written in English

What would you like to explore?
Different places.
Different kinds of wonderful.
Pick an island, a city or a whole region.
Start with somewhere you want to be.
Ishigaki
Start planning your stay with weather and seasonal travel tips.
Hokkaido
Open roads & four seasons
Kyushu
Hot springs & volcanic landscapes
Osaka
Food, city days & Kansai trips
Kyoto
Temples & cultural discoveries
Shizuoka & Mt. Fuji
Airport-to-mountain road trips
Nagano
Mountain towns & scenic routes
A closer look at Kyushu
A few days. A great escape.
From a few hours in Kumamoto to a longer journey around Mt. Fuji, find a route to make your own.
A little prep.
A smoother drive.
New to driving in Japan? Start with the details that matter before you book, pack or pick up the keys.
Explore driving guides ↗Your driving documents
Find the licence and permit guide for your country.
02Road rules & practical tips
Get familiar with driving, tolls and parking.
03Understand rental cover
Read up on CDW and questions to ask before pickup.
04Room for people AND bags
Compare luggage space, not just the number of seats.
Your journey starts at the airport.
Right place. Your kind of weather.

Okinawa Climate Guide: Temperature & Humidity Charts | GO!GO!TOUR Rent-A-Car
Read the guide
Miyako Island Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit, Season-by-Season Temps & What to Pack
Read the guide
Charm of the Four Seasons! Seasonal guides for more fascinating travel in Hokkaido
Read the guideWhat makes a trip yours?
More places to put on your list.
Fresh reads from our Japan travel guides.

Where to Eat Near Kouri Island: Agu Pork Tonkatsu at Ryukyu BABE
Read the guide3-Day Shizuoka Itinerary: Mt. Fuji Views by Rental Car
Read the guideSun Messe Nichinan Moai: A Miyazaki Coast Drive
Read the guideAoshima Miyazaki: Surf, Shrine and Devil’s Washboard
Read the guideKagoshima Road Trip: Sakurajima to Kirishima in One Day
Read the guideSuizenji Jojuen Garden: Admission, Parking & Photo Guide
Read the guideA few things you may be wondering.
Where should I start planning?
Choose a destination first, then an itinerary that fits your time. Add airport transfers, rest stops and time to explore without rushing. Our six-region itinerary guide can help you compare ideas.
Do I need a rental car for every trip?
Think about the route, not just the destination. Compare public transport for city days with a car for places farther apart. Check parking and pickup locations before deciding.
What should I check before booking a car?
Start with your driving documents, then check luggage space, cover, pickup instructions and the supplier’s conditions for your booking.
Found your kind of Japan?
Discover more of Japan, from rental cars to local experiences.

