Driving in Japan is a wonder experience for those who want to escape the touristy areas over-visited
by JR Rail Pass holders. Yes, Japan has some of the world’s best trains, but it’s also a big car
culture, many of the world’s top car makers based in Japan and the roads here were built for them.
Driving a car can be more economical for families and rather than wheeling around suitcases, cars
will be able to get your luggage around faster. You always have a locker to keep your things safe!
But is it better than a JR Rail Pass?
Depending on what you want to do, I think so. With an international driver’s license, you can get
around those scenic roads, stop anywhere you like for a photo or go in your own direction. Away
from Tokyo and Osaka, you’ll be surprised a
t how spacious Japan really is!
Since rental cars all come with English Navigation Systems, you almost ever get lost.
Just study some of the traffic laws before you start and take it easy out there.
Special thanks to Toyota Rent-a-Car for allowing me t
o film in their shop at the Kochi Airport.
So, what do you think? Do you prefer the rails or the roads?
LINKS:
Rules of the Road (by JAF-Japanese Automobile Federation)
www.amazon.co.jp/dp/499084333...
Study the laws of the road. Available as digital download. • Driving to Mt Fuji | J...
. #johndaub #onlyinjapan
A few notes to add on to this video for tourists eager to drive in Japan: 1. If you plan to travel alone by car, do remember that it is generally more expensive to drive, especially if you're traveling via the the highway. For a group trip, it is worth it. 2. Plan your journey before hand. If the destination is via the highway, ETC rental is a must-have. 3. Not all staff of the rental car office can speak in English. Better check online before arriving in Japan. 4. Do not park your car by the roadside, park at a designated parking space (most of the time there is a parking fee). 5. Gas prices differ from stations to stations, generally cheaper at a self-service station. 6. Never stop on the highways or bridges to take photos. 7. Seatbelt always. 8. Beware of speed traps. 9. Don't drive fast especially when exiting a tunnel as the cross wind can be quite strong, especially if you're renting a K-car.
over the course of three days of driving I spent $100 in tolls. That was using the rental companies toll express pass to save money too.
Driving around Japan is much more better than bullet trains. There are sceneries that can only be seen if you're driving. You can drive through the mountains. It's amazing. Went on a roadtrip from Shizuoka to Tokyo then Gunma then headed to Saitama. Always saw the Mt Fuji during roadtrips. It was truly an amazing experience.
That bridge is probably wider than a California parking spot.
Despite most cars in Cali are smaller than in Japan.
@@linkskywalker5417 Wrong, cars in Cali are bigger than the ones in Japan. Surprisingly, the Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee are somewhat common to find in Tokyo and in the countryside (Okay, they are really rare to be seen driven, but I had my expectations too low.). Most cars in Japan are Kei cars, most common brand I've seen were Toyotas and only Toyota. The smallest recent car in America is the Smart car and barely anyone drives that, a subcompact car in America is the next size up and it is much bigger than a kei car. Source: Myself because I live in California and I came back from a three week vacation in Japan for Comiket 97, and many other stuff. California is a weird place, most Western/American marketplaces, yeah you will find great parking spots with plently of room to open your door and not worry about smashing into another car. But those Asian marketplaces? Good luck, they brought their own way of thinking and totally forgot that everything is bigger in America.
@@A_Degenerate_with_Glasses Yeah. I got that backwards. I meant to say that cars are bigger in Cali than in Japan, though not by all that much. Still, most electric cars are bigger than kei cars.
For foreign visitors to Japan, there’s also the Japan Expressway Pass (including several regional variations) which covers a substantial amount of expressways for a fraction of a price compared to paying for individual toll fares. Quite useful for touring Hokkaido, parts of Tohoku and the San’in Regions where trains are sparse and limited by the JR Pass. This is something many Japanese could dream of.
hm... Good to know. Maybe I'll have a family member hey one of those next time they/we visit.
Is it still going on?
@@PratikLawate The Japan Rail pass still exists, but the prices increased much so other options are often cheaper I think.
The sticker on the back is such a great idea! Thanks John for demystifying the dark art of car rental in Japan, if I’m ever lucky enough to go I would certainly consider it myself.
just remember to apply for international drivers licence in your home country before going or you cant drive in japan
@@ando1135 International Driver's *Permit. Totally worth it, btw.
In the US, some people would just ignore it.
@@Psychol-Snooper In the past I've read of news of robbers in Malaysia intentionally shunting cars from neighbouring Singapore to prompt the shunted car's driver to stop (to settle accident insurance claims), so that the shunted car can be robbed. There was 1 case when the shunted driver knew of this M.O. and continued on, but somehow his/her car stalled after it was shunted a 2nd time
@@Psychol-Snooper By 'shunt' I meant rear-ending, & the insurance scams I know of in my country include people jumping onto vehicles' bonnets & trying to claim compensation from the vehicle owner's insurance. Dashboard-mounted cameras would be useful in this circumstance, though caution may still be needed - I previously heard of some one who was penalised for breaching security regulations after parking his dashboard camera-equipped car in the military base he worked in
Always rent a car when going to rural places in Japan. It’s been my “travel hack” because it allowed me to go wherever I want whenever I want. Makes travel cheaper and easier with bigger groups too. Highly recommend.
and most important its way more convenient as well as if you lets say go somewhere a bit more remote and its late and you are tired, you can rest in the car rather than find transport back
As a car guy and a fan of JDM cars, i'd love to see your take on Japanese car culture, such as drifting and tuning etc. As always awesome video!! I'd love to visit Japan someday!
There's more to Japanese car culture than that, you know.
too much work,,,,
@@CardboardSliver he said etc bruh
I'm so happy there is a new episode on this channel. Your livestreams are also good, but I always like a fully elaborated video even more.
I can't believe I've already watched 90% of this channel's videos.
Gnossienne N they’re so interesting right?
You should do a video on the Car culture in Japan! Japan has a car culture like no where else in the world 🚗🚙
I use youtube for a lot of different types of channels, but honestly once i found your channel it has hands down become my favorite. Please keep up the amazing work!
Yes, a new OIJ episode! Thanks for making these John, always looking forward!
What car is that? Japan hiding all the cool looking Toyotas from the rest of the world.
2017 Toyota Mark X
They just announced recently they will discontinue this model
@@keai650 they actually did in December 2019, Sad Day Indeed.
You can also buy one in China. It’s called the Toyota Reiz.
The good thing about that is that China is right-hand drive.
I drove in Japan for 12 days, mid Dec 2019. It was great experience. Japanese drivers were so tolerable, obedient and understanding. The roads in Japan can be very adventurous, some with narrow, lots of tunnel and mountainous sharp bend. It's a new exciting experience to explore Japan.
I'm a new driver, so watching this video was different than if I would have seen it a year ago. I had no idea it was that simple to rent a car when travelling to a different country, or at least Japan. Trains are nice and all, but with a car you can go your own way and see so much more! And now that I know, I might do this when I visit Japan in the future. Thanks Daub-san, and nice job on nailing that bridge crossing twice!!
Finally ! One in the main channel 👌
So nice to see a new video from only in japan, long time no upload, really missed it. Very nice and informative video, thank you John!
Such a great way to see the countryside on your own schedule. Good driving over the bridge! 👍 That will test your driving skills!
John, I really hope you take this the right way, but I absolutely love the NHK style Vibe of your videos. Educational and easy to digest. And lots of rewatch value both by choice and when it shows up in the recommendations again. Great work. I wish you all the best in 2020. Keep these delightful main Channel videos coming.
I can tell you were stoked to make this video. Made me happy to see
8:46 - "Make sure you don't leave anything in the car" says John and leave the bottle in the door (seen on 9:06). :)
😂😂🤣🤣🤣youre right!!
i bet it was an empty bottle….thos this mean is he loitering in the car ?
He got the footage from that camera, which means he must've went back to get everything he left in the car for the video :)
@@NeutralGenericUser It must be. But anyway it was fun to notice. :)
Hahaha
Thanks for helping to de-mystify the rental system. Love the different badges you can attach to inform local drivers there are visitors about but that bridge John... AAAHHH!!!" Thumbs up from me!
Hi! Saw you at Ryōgoku station last week while on holiday in Tokyo with my wife! Love your videos, many thanks! Cheers from a Switzerland!
This was the beautiful experience! Thank you! 👍😍
You driving through the bridge gave me stress I have never felt before
I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about the promised Shikoku driving video, but at last, here it is! Nice!
I'm always looking foward to the winderful video from you! Thank you so much and happy new year to you❤
Hey John thanks for all the awesome uploads this year I cant wait to see what 2020 brings. Continue the great work my man
Omg. yes! WE NEED MORE OF THESE! 😰👑🤘
Great to see another Only In Japan video. I love this channel!
Great topic and video , John. Really important topic for tourists. Thank you so much. Wishes from INDIA.
Have always loved the Mark X. So happy you got that for the video
Very nice! Thank you John Good job as usual!
It's good to see that you're having such a good time!
Have been waiting fix your next video. Excellent. Your channel and “Life from where I’m from” Are the only two channels that are actually informative. I think you can host this show in almost any country.
Not just japan.
The Mark X was a great hire car! The mountainous route between Takayama and Shirakawago was breathtaking and I would recommend hiring a car to anyone. The refuelling part was a bit more complicated, but the kind assistant at Eneos got us sorted!
Cool vid, quite informative. I've also watched your driver's license transfer vid as well last year, also informative. But I just wanna add a little bit about the International Driving Permit (IDP) policy in Japan. Japan so far only accept IDP with 1949 Geneva Convention, while some countries issues IDP based on 1968 Vienna Convention, so make sure to double check what's your countries IDP policy before renting a car in Japan as a tourist. As for another feedback, I hope on your next video, you would show us how to own a car in Japan. Things like renting a parking spot, car tax, road worthy inspection process and fee, is there any foreigner friendly car dealership, etc. I think that would be awesome. Anywho, happy new year to you John. Cheers. . .
Great video man I love your channel ❤️
the quality of these videos are too good, great channel
Imagine navigating that bridge drunk at night=dead.
@Randominator chill yo , it was not so wide ...
Hey John, any chance you'd ever explore Japanese car culture further? Love the videos, keep up the good work! Mata ne!
Try WasabiCars on KZhead. Lots of car culture vids.
Awesome video John. Have a happy new year as well.
Banter at Kochi Department of Works: “How many gaijin plunged off chinkobashi this season?”
The spelling in the video should have been "chinkou". Chinko means p*nis in Japanese...............
NARUdaARC Thanks! You won’t catch me dicking around on a bridge that narrow anyway.
Heh-heh... I wanna run that bridge in my semi! Fun! 😬->😂
@@AlexThomson-EasternApproaches: Just vulgar usage ............
Actually it's CHINKABASHI but someone missed the spelling >_< who could that be?
Interesting video simply impressive only in Japan where you can find something unique as that cool enjoy watching the video lots of love and abundance blessings thank you for the wonderful videos 💕thank you Happy New year💕
As many ex-pats always say that if you go to rural Japan, rent a car and drive around. Rural trains are good to explore and there are many beautiful spots for sight-seeing but, the routes are fixed. If anyone wants to explore more of the beautiful countryside of Japan then, rent a car as you can explore far more awesome places that are often missed by tourists and get to experience the local point of view there. That would personally be the first option I would choose when visiting rural Japan (ofc you would need an international driving license -o- that's the only sad part for beginner drivers like me T-T)
It's easy to get an international driver's license in the United States. If you have a driver's license, you just take it to AAA and pay around $20. They'll fill out the paperwork and you receive the international driver's license in the mail 2-3 weeks later. That it.
@@jetfowl that's cool but, it's much harder here in Asia where I live x.x Will try my best tho~
Canada like in the US are left hand driving , is it a must to train and master right hand driving before attempting to drive in Japan? If not, is the transition easy?
@@r2kin2phils Right-hand mastering in Asia is especially important if the rental car has a stick. I have never driven a left-sided one so, I won't know about the difficulty in transition but, I would find it a bit difficult to ride left-handed for the first time. Also, many are natural at it so do give it a try before attempting to rent one for a longer drive.
@@r2kin2phils It's a lot less daunting than it might seem at first. There is only one thing you really have to look out for and that's the distance to the guardrail. In the beginning it'll always feel like you're way too far on the right of the road even when you're perfectly centered. This isn't a problem in most cases but in rural Japan the roads can get quite tight. I rented a manual GT86 together with a friend and we travelled over 1000km without any real problem (other than the GPS sending us the wrong way once). The other drivers also played a rather big role in that as Japan's drivers are all excellent which made driving there a joy.
I was just watching the video about Hiroshima and now a new video?! I'm soooo happy 🤩
Awesome video thanks! I can't wait to drive in Japan!
Again a wonderful video. I am amazed how humble the people in japan are. Love you japan.
Go to his other channels to find the newest vids of him
When i rented my first car in japan, the windshield wipers got a lot of workout even thoug it was not raining...
Why?
@@GrinFlash007 The wipers and turn signal are on reversed side, it took me a while to get used to it when I rent a car in Japan.
Driving in Hokkaido with some friends was the best experience of my life, especially during winter. I will be on a road trip in Hokkaido again in 5 days! I'm excited :)
So did you?
@@rhodesianwojak2095 I most certainly did. I might have been caught speeding by the camera though. Oops 😅
Im thinking of doing the exact same thing this year! Did you fly to hokkaido from tokyo? Any advice or help would be very appreciated!! :)
@@MissHayleyKendal I believe I did. I couldn't remember which airlines I took, but I think it was one of the budget domestic airlines. It's way cheaper than taking the shinkansen for sure--shorter travel time too. I hope you enjoy your road trip!
The narrow bridge looks like the ultimate level of a nightmarish driving license exam
Here in rural Mexico you can see similar bridges but made of damp wood and mud, they get the adrenaline pumping for sure! Also one time me and dad had to drive in reverse for about 4km because the roads are so narrow you can't even turn the car around haha. Great views though
New Zealand has one lane bridges.
That bridge is still way wider than the rural road to my grandma’s house that has like 1 inch gap between the tire and overhanging of the road. It gets daunting at first but when you have to use the roads for years, you get used to it. My father’s van slip into paddy field twice in a matter of 5 years (I never did). However I’d still choose the road than this bridge because falling into paddy isn’t as bad as falling into a river.
If you think that bridge is scary, check out the one they built on Top Gear during the Burma Special.
That bridge is nothing tbh, he had plenty of space left
How to take a Shinkansen to how to rent a car in Japan. We needed this video to show us what it's all about so we can explore more of Japan. Thanks Only In Japan. Great video.
When we went in June I rented cars twice in three weeks. We took a train from Kyoto to Nara and then rented a car for our overnight trip to Koyasan. With four of us and our luggage it was much easier than all those different modes of public transport that are required and also allowed us to drive to Okuno-in twice while we were in Koyasan. The second time we took a train from Hamamatsu to Kakegawa and rented a car for the day while we explored our old stomping ground (Fukuroi, Makinohara, Omaezaki area) where there is very little public transport. The freedom was great - we discovered a temple we had never seen before (Yusan-ji) which we highly recommend and also were lucky enough to get a rare June sighting of Fujisan from Makinohara Park. Without a car we would have been limited to places near the Tokaido Line.
I once rented a car in Kanazawa. They changed the language of the navigation system to english. As soon as I turned off the ignition the next time everything changed back to japanese automatically. :) I was glad I had offline maps on my phone!
Not Google's Offline maps right? Because when i visited Japan last year it wasn't available there
@@lzh4950 No it wasn’t Google’ Offline maps. I don’t remember which app, it was 5 years ago.
I truly enjoy your videos. I find it far more interesting when someone lives or is greatly familiar with the country they are making the video about. Your videos are like lush Mini-Documentaries. I have Cambodia on my list primarily for Angkor Wat. I'm heavily considering Japan but I worry greatly about communication as I speak No Japanese. Thank You for sharing your time, expertise & Your Infectious smile. I love your passion & Joy.
Amazing. Pretty beautiful view of country side. ✌️
Driving in Japan is a lot of fun, especially when you hit the Touge! My only dislike about driving in Japan, are that there are so many tolls.
just wanna add.. ABSOLUTELY delightful experience with Toyota ... been renting with them for my last few trips... (Hokkaido, Aomori, Yamagata, Fukuoka).. Notes. do get the full insurance.. don't cheap out.. last time i accidently scratch right before i return the car at the gas station.. and it was hassle free.. u are in a foreign country and the driving side is different.... also a hybrid was super comfortable to drive there.
Awesome job dude! I don't know how you come up with some of these more unique videos. Clever! Look forward to the next one! This may not be the best place for this comment, but I'd love to ask you a question about Japan, whether it's on Patreon, Twitter, or some other platform. I recall you having a chat group from one of the Go episodes. Anyway..... Good video again.
I would stick to the train thanks John. Happy New Year 🤗😍📸👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
This is a very good piece of information which I might need in the near future.
You've been sitting on this footage for a while, huh? I remember all the live streams.
Dear John, Thank you for featuring this topic,renting from Toyota has been in my mind for our next easter trip. 😊💪👍❤️ I would definitely request for the foreign driver sticker, what a good idea. Since I bring a lot of stuff with me whenever I travel, like for example my folding bike and I might be studying ramen at a culinary school and have to bring my chef’s gear. 4:57 - I literally shrieked whenI saw the Chinkobashi bridge, oh what to do if I would ever take a dunk accidentally? 😅
I'm watching you since 2years because I love Japan , I wanna go this beautiful place
Love this type of video John fantastic
Great video and very informative. 👍👍
I love this channel :D
The magnet on the cars to let other drivers know your from interstate or overseas is such A SMART IDEA! Australia jump this!
oh my gosh bro- that bridge. Holy cow I was nervous too and I was just watching u
Great detail.....Driving looks pretty easy. Nice Mark X That magnet is great....here in SF it would provoke an instant Car breakin
Would be great if you could do another one on how to deal with gas stations attendants (self serve vs full service), how to do and input target place on the navigation in English, tips on what key road signs to watch out for, how to park in crowded cities vs in the countryside, how to find parking, driving etiquette, how to spot rest stop exits, basics on planning a trip using the car, etc.
I rented a car in the Tsukuba area and it worked wonderfully to see all the sights!
At last! Another great video at the main channel!
Hey John, we love the channel. Please add more videos for Only in Japan.
Road trip is such a nice idea when you visiting japan.
a "how to drive in japan" video would be cool! like what certain signs mean, what are common rules....a lot is different from western countries so that would be cool to know...its the reason i didnt get a rental in japan both times i went....im just not sure what i need to look out for. i think i would miss drive thrus the most since its not very common in japan to just drive up and get food.
The most unique thing I remember from Japan is that their 'Stop' sign isn't a red octagon, but an inverted red triangle (different from the 'Yield'/"Give Way" signs which are white inverted triangles with a red border)
Nice video. Very informative.
Recently on my honeymoon I rented from Toyota in Osaka and drove to Kyoto and it was a fantastic experience and pretty much like driving on the road back home in the UK. I'd recommend anyone who can to try it. Just make sure that you have your international driving permit.
The best thing about driving in Japan is a service center on highway. The food was sooo good :D
Mark X Toyota is my favourite car made in japan so amazing
If you are driving a lot, I recommend getting the unlimited ETC card, where you pay a fixed price for unlimited tolls, as toll fees in Japan is quite expensive.
Didn't know that was available. Good to know.
Watching this makes me want to rent a car next time we go back.
Love ur videos💙
I actually did this in Okinawa, mostly because there is little public transport outside of Naha, I got to see a lot more of Okinawa than I would've if I stayed on public transport.
funny how i was just thinking yesterday I haven't seen a video from you and then its up haha
Another great episode 👍🙂
Very nice idea as usual, for there are places that aren't convenient connected by public transportation as mentioned. I've only rented in Japan a few times but thought I'd add the following so you are not caught out in the cold without a ride;). -Check out the business hours of the rental office as they are not generally open 24 hours. Reservations are usually a must beforehand. -If you are able to pass through the automated gates at immigration, you need to ask for a entry stamp on your passport. The agency will check for this and the next point without fail. -Not all International Permits are the same, one has to have one issued under the Geneva Convention of 1949. If your International License is valid greater than a year, it is a sign that it won't work in Japan. The Toyota rental site has more info on this and other requirements in English. -Some familiarity with the road as suggested is a great idea. There are some towns like Nagoya, where a red light at an intersection does not necessarily mean that a stop is required. They have green arrows that allow left, right turns of course, but also allow one to go straight through the intersection on red. Oh yes, no turns against the red lights. It might be worth going into a full service station for the experience. While not as good as decades ago, you are still greeted well generally, windshield washed, etc. Have fun! Don't forget your water bottle!;)
Hi John, one thing I noticed being different compared to EU/US: the navigation systems works with telephone numbers as well! This made driving around much more easy if you don't read or write Japanese characters.
I've driven a few times there now, and it's always best to just get a kei car. Too many narrow roads to worry about navigating a large car through them. Speed limits are so low, a kei car is fine on the hwy.
Thank you! I'm going to Japan next week and looking at car hire, do most rental places offer flexibility on you returning the car to a different provinence?
Wow the car magnets is a fun idea!
Thanks John for the video. I love my freedom. Plane + car seems to be less expensive than the Shinkansen.
I went to Ine, Yoza District, Kyoto by car with my Japanese friend. The road is amazing and I enjoyed country side in Japan.
Awesome information 👍👍
I love driving in Japan; the drivers are so courteous and obey the rules of the road. Then I come back to the US and its maniacal road-rage drivers everywhere!!!
Japan has plenty of speeders and trucks always tailgating me when I was there :P speed limit was 80 but noway were they following that, I was doing around 100 and still large trucks past me was faster and tailgated that I wasn’t going fast enough
@@OLGMC is this true? Aren't they compliance society?
@@UltimateAlgorithm It is true, but they also expect you to not drive in the passing lane. Left is the slow lane, right is for passing. Many that are used to driving on the right forget or do not know that and cruse in the right.
@@AddariaLightfingers ah I see, so the speed limits are for the slow lane. So you can pass vehicles even when they're at the speed limit.
@@UltimateAlgorithm No, but like in Germany and many places, the law is that "slower traffic keep left/right", not "slower traffic keep left/right unless you're doing the speed limit."
Nice driving!
Okinawa is another place that's amazing to drive. Plus you get alot of coastal roads as well.
I would NEVER be able to cross that submergible bridge. I'd probably cry the entire time. Props, John! You're tougher than me 😭😜😊
I love these videos bru
Do a video on the Racing/Drift culture in Japan maybe?! ♥