Japanese Rental Car Experience: Better than Trains?

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)

. #johndaub #onlyinjapan

[NARUdaARC]

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.

[atomicplease]

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.

[joeychan]

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.

[rickzabroski]

That bridge is probably wider than a California parking spot.

[ZhnYe]

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.

[JFomo]

What car is that? Japan hiding all the cool looking Toyotas from the rest of the world.

[matt]

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.

[Kitora_Su]

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)

[thisisnothere]

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!

[GeckoOnTheWall]

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.

[AlexThomson-EasternApproaches]

Banter at Kochi Department of Works:
“How many gaijin plunged off chinkobashi this season?”

[michaelmontefusco]

You should do a video on the Car culture in Japan! Japan has a car culture like no where else in the world 🚗🚙

[onemorefreak]

I can't believe I've already watched 90% of this channel's videos.

[oleksandrzubchenko]

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). :)

[JeremyToh]

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.

[wonziba]

When i rented my first car in japan, the windshield wipers got a lot of workout even thoug it was not raining...

[Glasmoon]

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.

[sebastianlim]

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.

[keviouk]

The narrow bridge looks like the ultimate level of a nightmarish driving license exam

[zZiLyRj]

Imagine navigating that bridge drunk at night=dead.