A Japan travel blog · 日本
ChasingCherry Blossoms
Japan by car — the roads, the onsen towns,
and the food worth the detour.
Why we drive
The Japan the trains don’t reach
Most Japan travel writing assumes you’ll take the train. For Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, that’s the right advice — and we’d give it too.
But the Japan we keep coming back for isn’t on the Golden Route. It’s the Aso caldera at dawn, a roadside station selling produce picked that morning, an onsen town two hours from the nearest station. You need a car to reach any of it, and almost nobody writes in English about what that actually involves.
That’s what this site is for. We drive in Japan, we work out the licence paperwork and the toll systems and the parking so you don’t have to, and we write down what things really cost.
- 47+
- Prefectures, all drivable
- 14,125
- Islands make up Japan
- 1200+
- Roadside stations (michi-no-eki)
- 27%
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Start here · 始めよう
Planning your first drive in Japan?
Read these four in order — they are the paperwork, the tolls and the honest maths that stop most people before they ever leave home.
Renting a Car in Japan
The licence rules that stop most people before they leave home — IDPs, translations and the documents rental desks actually ask for.
Read the guideETC Card in Japan
Why declining the toll card in 2026 can leave you stuck at a toll barrier — and how to get one with a foreign credit card.
Read the guideExpressway Passes Compared
Two of the passes everyone still recommends no longer exist. Here is what replaced them, region by region, with real prices.
Read the guideJR Pass vs Renting a Car
The honest break-even maths, updated for the October 2026 price rise — when the train wins, and when the car pays for itself.
Read the guide
Not sure when to go? Start with the best time to visit Japan, month by month.
From the road
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Discovering the Hidden Gems of Kyushu: Exploring Japan’s Southern Island
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The Iconic Tokyo Tower: A Must-Visit Landmark for Spectacular Views and Cultural Immersion
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Discovering the Hidden Gems of Fukuoka: A Journey through Japan’s Vibrant City
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Akihabara: The Ultimate Destination for Anime and Gaming Enthusiasts
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Discovering the Hidden Gems of Okinawa, Japan: A Journey of Culture, Nature, and Adventure
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Discovering the Hidden Gems of Kumamoto: Exploring the Rich Culture and Natural Beauty of Japan’s Best Kept Secret
Nestled in the southwestern part of Japan’s Kyushu Island, Kumamoto is a city that often gets overlooked by tourists in favor of…
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Exploring the Hidden Gems of Sendai: A Journey Through Japan’s Northeastern City
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Discovering the Serene Beauty of Nikko: A Journey Through Japan’s Cultural Heartland
Nikko, located in the Tochigi Prefecture of Japan, is a place of immense cultural and historical significance. Known as Japan’s cultural heartland,…
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Exploring the Vibrant Culture and Cuisine of Kansai: A Journey Through Japan’s Heartland
The Kansai region, located in the western part of Japan’s main island of Honshu, is known for its rich cultural heritage and…
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Discovering the Hidden Gems of Okayama: Exploring the Charming Prefecture in Japan
Okayama, located in the Chugoku region of Japan, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular destinations like Tokyo and…
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Discover the Hidden Gems of Japan with Visit Japan Web: Your Ultimate Guide to Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Japan is a country known for its vibrant cities, ancient temples, and stunning landscapes. Popular tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka…
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Exploring the Vibrant and Iconic Shibuya: A Must-Visit Destination in Tokyo
Shibuya is a vibrant and bustling district located in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. Known as the center of youth culture, Shibuya…
“Under the cherry blossoms,
— Kobayashi Issa · 小林一茶Find the best time to visit Japan
there are no strangers.”
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