7 Incredible Road Trips To Take In Japan During Your Visit

Japan’s diverse topography, from rolling plateaus and beaches to lush countrysides and the Japanese Alps, makes exploring the country a delight. While the island nation's public transport system is second to none, boasting trains like the Shinkansen, buses and ferries, seeing the country through two wheels or four allows you to stop and soak in the breathtaking scenery. This opens up the possibility of finding off-the-beaten-track attractions and meeting locals spontaneously. Before you book a rental, make sure to apply for an International Driving Permit issued by your country to be able to drive on Japanese roads.

Here are seven road trips you should undertake during your Japan tour.

Wakayama

Drive from the city of Wakayama to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Seiganto-ji Temple, which has a stunning 133-metre waterfall in its vicinity. The trip takes just over three hours and offers some picturesque ocean views. On the way, check out the historical port town of Yuasa to the south of Wakayama, which is the birthplace of soy sauce. The charming streets are still lined with well-preserved heritage buildings dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). Learn about the traditional brewing process and see some of the old-fashioned tools used to create soy sauce at the Kadocho Soy Sauce Factory, where brewers still produce the traditional condiment from a recipe unchanged for over 170 years. Don’t miss the beautiful white beaches and hot spring onsens of Shirahama town.

Roller Coaster Road, Hokkaidō

Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaidō is home to picturesque landscapes, open stretches of farmland and some of the best ski slopes in winter. Two of Japan’s most beautiful drives happen to be on this island, and they are connected, making it easy to hit them up on one leisurely day trip. The stunning Roller Coaster Road takes you over undulating hills flanked by pristine farmlands. Head north, and about 12 kilometres later, you’ll reach the scenic Patchwork Road, known for patches of farmland which resemble a colourful quilt.

On the way to the Roller Coaster Road from Sapporo, you’ll pass by Farm Tomita, known for its vibrant flower fields and fragrant stretches of lavender in summer. Another worthwhile detour before reaching Roller Coaster Road is the Shirogane Blue Pond. This man-made pond is a brilliant blue in colour thanks to the presence of aluminium that has seeped into the water.

Tsushima Island

Limited access to public transport and an abundance of lush coastal scenery makes Tsushima Island the perfect place for a road trip. Located off Japan’s west coast and only 70 kilometres from north-to-south, Tsushima brims with natural and manmade wonders: the Korean-style Kaneda Castle, the Watazumi Shrine, Asō Bay and the Kankoku Observatory on the island’s northern tip. Day hikers can summit one of Tsushima’s forested peaks, while its rivers and beaches offer plenty of inviting spots to relax along your drive.

Izu Peninsula To Hakone

This is one of the most exciting road trips to go on in Japan. Embark from Izu Peninsula’s southern tip on a coastal highway that passes through Shimoda, a historic port town, and Higashiizu, whose “Moon Road”—known for its views of waxing moons that trace a beam of light across the Pacific Ocean—are a draw with visitors. Further north, the road hugs the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, from which you’ll get scintillating views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. The road trips end at the Hakone Skyline, a famously twisty tōge (mountain road).

The Venus Line, Nagano

The Venus Line drive passes through the beautiful Japanese Alps and connects Nagano’s central highlands, which range from a staggering altitude of 1,400-2,000 metres. The drive starts from the city of Chino and passes through several nature spots before hitting the city of Ueda. This road trip can be split into a two-day adventure with multiple sights and stops to enjoy along the way. The Tateshina Shinyu Onsen makes for an ideal overnight spot, as the area is home to some of the best hot springs. Instead of going all the way to Ueda, you could also end your road trip in Matsumoto, artist Yayoi Kusama’s hometown. The city’s art museum is filled with her works, and the black Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s top historic landmarks.

Noto Peninsula

Recovering after a deadly earthquake that struck on January 1, 2024, the Noto Peninsula is a 100-kilometre stretch of land that juts out into the sea, making up the northern area of Ishikawa Prefecture. Noto is home to solemn shrines and dramatic seascapes that will make for a memorable coastal holiday. In West Noto, you’ll also find the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces that reach towards the sea and the port city of Wajima, known for its lacquerware tradition and 1,000-year-old morning market. Finish the journey in Kanazawa, a former samurai stronghold and custodian of Japan’s traditional arts and crafts.

Seto Inland Sea

A popular cycling and scenic driving route, the Nishiseto Expressway—commonly referred to as the Shimanami Kaidō—traces lazy “S” shapes along the Seto Inland Sea via wind-whipped suspension bridges and island villages. Drivers who move at a leisurely pace will be rewarded with watercolour views of the Inland Sea haze silhouetting the many islands that dot its expanse. Make a detour to Kōsan-ji, a kitschy temple on the island of Ikuchijima. This garish religious monument fuses a litany of architectural styles, from Italian marble foundations to ancient Chinese iconography.