Self-driving in the Japanese countryside can be a great way to explore the country and experience its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local way of life. Here are some reasons why we choose to self-drive in Japan’s countryside:
- Scenic routes: Japan’s countryside is known for its stunning scenery, including mountains, valleys, rivers, and forests. By self-driving, you can take your time and explore these scenic routes at your own pace, stopping to take pictures or enjoy the views along the way.
- Convenience: Renting a car in Japan is relatively easy and can be more convenient than relying on public transportation, especially in rural areas where train and bus services may be limited. With a car, you can travel to remote areas and small towns that are not easily accessible by other means of transportation.
- Flexibility: Self-driving gives you the freedom to plan your own itinerary and make impromptu stops along the way. You can also adjust your schedule based on your own preferences and travel at your own pace.
- Cultural experiences: By self-driving in Japan’s countryside, you can experience local culture and customs, such as visiting rural villages, trying local cuisine, and interacting with locals who may not speak English but are often friendly and welcoming.
- Unique accommodations: Japan’s countryside offers a variety of unique and charming accommodations, such as traditional ryokans, farm stays, and hot springs resorts. By self-driving, you can easily reach these accommodations and enjoy a more authentic Japanese experience.
Check out the 10 days Itinerary
Day 1 & 2 – Singapore – Japan touched down in the morning and picked up the car from Kansai Airport with Car rental.
- Lunch at Uji town – things are cheaper in Uji town
- Uji town -famous for tea and Byodo-in Temple, must try tea soba noodles and tea dessert
- easy to park at self-service parking lots, hourly charges, from 100 yen to 500 yen per hour
Arashiyama – 2 Nights
- Check in Ranzan Hotel 2 nights
- Explore Arashiyama town and check out street food
- Kimono Forest- best time is evening and wait for the light up
- Must try Yudofu or tofu cuisine when you are in Arashiyama, Vegetarian love this
- Please dine in restaurant by 6 pm as this town become a ghost town when sunset and all shops close early.
- Public Bath
- Japanese breakfast set is served on table – tofu cuisine
Day 3
- Tenryuji Temple – from Ranzan Hotel there is a shortcut that only takes 5 mins if you don’t walk to the main busy street in Arashiyama town.
- Bamboo Forest – next to Tenryuji
- Sagano Romantic Train Ride – you can walk from Bamboo Forest or drive to the station nearby.
- Lunch at Sagano station – Kyoto Ramen
- Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, 20 mins walk from Ranzan Hotel
- Dinner in Arashiyma town
- Public bath
- Japanese breakfast set is served on table – tofu cuisine
Day 4
Kyoto – 2 Nights
- Kiyomizu dera, Gion district and nearby attractions such as
Yasaka Shrine
Kodai Temple
Sannen Zaka and Ninen zaka
Maruyama Park - Lunch nearby Kiyomizu dera
- check in Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari Temple
- Dinner at Kyoto Station – 10 mins walk from Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto lot of choices to choose from in Kyoto subway, near Isetan shopping mall, we choose Japanese western fusion
- no public bath
- Breakfast is not included in hotel. We bought some bread and sushi from Kyoto station last night
Day 5
- Nara Deer Park and Todaiji, nearby Kasuga-taisha Shrine
- Park at private resident car park which cost 500yen for whole day
- Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) if you have limited time just go to the Golden one
- Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
- Dinner at Kyoto Station – we choose Korean fried chicken and cold noodles and oyster hot pot rice
- Breakfast is not include – We had our breakfast in convenient store, they heat up the noodles and spegetti and you can eat in the car
Day 6
Toba – 1 Night
- Okage Yokocho Ancient Street, must have food Ise Udon and Akafuku Mochi
- Ise Grand Shrine, nearby
- Drive to Toba
- Check in Wisterian Life Club Toba before sunset
- Dinner bento is included
- no public bath because it was low season and I think they closed the public bath
Day 7
Gifu – 1 Night
- Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, to check out Ama Female divers collecting pearls in the cold sea
- Lunch at Ninja Expressway service area
- Check in Miyako Hotel Gifu Nagaragawa
- Stroll around the river behind the hotel
- Yakiniku Dinner with Hida Beef in the nearby small restaurant, beef super yummy and value for best with Hida high-quality beef.
- No public bath
- Buffet breakfast – Good range of choice
Obama – 1 Night
- Gifu Castle
- Squirrel park near the castle
- Lunch at Expressway service area called Yoro 养老 Town (Translate as Pension town)
- Stopped at Obama city, famous for the beaches, a small ghost town but we loved it because it is so countryside
- Stay in hotel called Uminpia Hotel half an hour drive from Obama city
- We got our dinner from the supermarket and eat it in the tatami area in the room, local supermarket is only 2 mins walk from hotel
- Public bath
- Japanese breakfast set is served on table
Kumihama – 1 Night
Day 9
- Kayabuki No Sato
- Amanohashidate – Lunch and Boat Ride and Cable car to the top for the scenic view
- Check in Resorpia Kumihama Resort
- Dinner at Italian Restaurant nearby recommended by front desk, 15 mins drive
- Public Bath
- Japanese breakfast is served on table
Day 10
Himeji
- Tottori
- Lunch at Tottori sand dune tourist area
- Use national highway to Himeji – stopped by a small town for toilet break
- Hotel Monterey Himeji
- Dinner near hotel at the Shotengai shopping street – having Japanese Chuka Chinese
- No public bath
- Buffet Breakfast is included – best among all breakfasts I have so far for the whole trip
Day 11
Osaka
- Himeji Castle
- Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway
- Check in Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport
- Dinner in Rinku Mall
- Buffet breakfast is included – very basic, nothing fancy
Day 12
- Car return at Kansai Airport
- Check in Airport
- Fly back to Singapore
Final thoughts:
Most importantly food and accommodation are a lot cheaper compared to the city and especially the space in the room is so much spacious and relaxing.