We have a holiday post Christmas with a group of 7. Due to itinerary, it seems the best and most flexible mode of transport is to rent a people mover. However, traffic is supposed to be atrocious. Don't fancy navigating trains and flights with 7 people though.
Any tips or considerations would be appreciated.
Driving in Japan over Christmas/New Year
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Thanks. We've ordered an etag and etag holder with the rental. Have watched a few YouTube videos. Yes parking is definitely the issue but only when we're in Osaka. Planning to pay to park there for 3 days before heading back to Tokyo.
their version of an etag.
It's called an ETC card.
Not all toll roads accept them and many toll readers don't take CCs so have cash handy.
Driving in Japan is not a nightmare. But having 7 people without SIM cards in one car might be
My thoughts exactly.
Which areas?
Did you already factor in tolls and parking? Tolls is probably 2nd highest to Sydney, but divided by 7 people it should be fine.
What is the height clearance of your vehicle? This will limit your parking options. I don't think it matters too much but personally, I like having more options in areas of expensive parking.
Expect to use your hazard lights more. Pulled over but not parked? Turn your hazards on. Someone let you into their lane? Flash your hazards 3x to thank them. Unexpected traffic jam that is not readily visible to those approaching? Turn your hazards on to warn other drivers behind you.
It's so safe that you can pull over, keep the engine running and keep your keys in your car while you do a quick errand. Some people do this to keep the heater running. Of course, do this at your own risk.
Thanks! Thoroughly good tips regarding hazards lights. Yes, tolls are expensive but we figure it's ok for 7 people.
We're flying into Tokyo, then head to Fuji and Nagano, then Osaka and back to Tokyo for a few nights before flying onto another country.
Just remember to get snow tires if it's snowing in Nagano.
There's also edge cases of once-off 'heavy snow' weather (in areas that don't expect snows. When this happens, the expressway operator will get people to gatekeep the entrances and refuse entry to any vehicles that don't have snow-compatible tyres.
Sure. Have ordered them on the rental. That was a bit difficult actually as some don't allow you to order snow tyres easily online during the booking process, but we managed to find one.
Having been to all of those places, I just can't believe it would be easier to drive, especially if you haven't driven in any of these places before. You won't need to fly, and trains run frequently in any direction. Buying train tickets is easy, and there are plenty of people to ask for help. There are options ranging from Japan Rail Pass through to super-cheap local trains. The view from the trains is sometimes very nice too, and sometimes the train trip itself is considered part of the destination. I hate driving long distance, so can't imagine it being more enjoyable than a train. Honestly, I think Australians are obsessed with driving, and it is nice to have a change in a different country, away from traffic and the constant threat of car accidents.
I hate driving long distance, so can't imagine it being more enjoyable than a train.
If you hate driving, of course you can't imagine driving being more enjoyable. :)
The trains are very convenient but cars let you visit different places along the way. You mentioned the nice view from the trains; if you were driving you would be able to stop at little towns along the way and enjoy the nice view close-up.
Of course that will eat up more time than a train so it really depends on the schedule and what kind of holiday you enjoy.
Driving in Tokyo and Osaka itself though … that's a different story. :)
It's obvious you only travelled to major cities.
@star-ggg: Not really. I have driven friends cars in the countryside, and also rented a motorbike in Japan and travelled around the mountains. It's fun, but then again, it can be hard work, especially if you have to find your hotel/airbnb before dark and you don't want to get lost. On a rainy day it's horrible. Most of the places I visited by bike/car were still accessible by bus. And then there are also local taxies even in small town/villages. There are also buses connecting smaller towns to the train lines. Of course, in many cases driving will be more convenient, but then again, you can get lost and it can be hard work, and you have to hope there is going to be somewhere to park. There can be traffic jams, and there are many places in the country/mountains where the road is so narrow that only one car can pass at a time, and the road gets backed up during holiday seasons. I reckon you would be better off with local knowledge and Japanese friends if going so far off the major routes in a car.
Fixed speed cameras (on a structure on the side of the road or gantry) won't be set off until you go 30-40 km/h over. Speed limits are low (30km/h is the 40km/h here) so most people speed. The only speed camera you'll set off going over the speed limit is the temporary ones on a tripod. It has a blue warning sign but it would probably be too late when you notice it: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20210322/ddl/k39/040/330000c
More gems! Thanks. Haven't read that before, so am glad you told me.
Big difference depending on where you're going. In cities, driving a people mover in Japan would be challenging if you've never driven there. Street parking is non-existent and parking spaces are tiny. Outside cities it's very easy and is very convenient method to go between places quickly.
My driving experience was outside of winter though.
We've hired a cancellable people mover with winter tyres. Figure since it's the same side of the road as home, it'll be a lot easier than driving around Europe or US, like we've done several times.
Originally had a flight booked between Tokyo and Osaka but decided to drive instead so that we can detour to Nagano and stop over at Mt Fuji. Difficult to do that on Shinkansen.
Detour to Nagano? That’s more than a detour…(there is a shinkansen that goes Osaka to Nagano). But for 7 people a car will save you money.
In any case, driving in and through cities is a nightmare. Can easily take several hours to get anywhere and there is hardly ever any parking. However between places is easy - the expressways are fast and excellent quality (with tolls); the lesser roads can be really quite a lot lesser and the speed limits are low (30km/h, not that people comply).
Yes, only driving between cities and to places that are difficult to reach without a car. Otherwise, will use trains and buses when possible and convenient. Thanks.
and the speed limits are low (30km/h, not that people comply).
I noticed that too, after realising my campervan seemed to be holding people up. I asked a local and he said doing 20km/h over on some roads is pretty normal. Don't look for me if you get a ticket though!
Could just use taxis. You'd pay for the vehicles only when you need it and it'd be driven for you. I'm sure a taxi wouldn't mind taking your directions if you wanted to explore for a bit, if you are paying. They may legally not be able to be a guide though.
Maybe some of the time. Thanks for the suggestion.
'Exit' in Japanese is 出口. Useful to know if you're in a parking lot as some don't have English.
is that the same on the expressways or is there both Japanese/English signage on them?
most public navigational signage has english
is that the same on the expressways or is there both Japanese/English signage on them?
I drove Nagasaki-Kyoto using the coastal route 3 weeks ago. I had no clue what 70% of the signs said. It was a really pleasant 1000km over 5 days.
Thanks! Good tip!
You'll possibly need an international driving permit.
I drove around Hakone and it was pretty easy. Japan still has a lot of cash toll booths unless it's changed in the past couple of years so you might need cash.
Definitely need an international driving permit (IDP) https://www.aaa.asn.au/international-motoring/international-…
I don't know how many countries actually recognise IDPs. I've driven in Portugal, Canada and US in recent years and wasn't asked about it. A park ranger was confused by it haha. The MariKart place and car rental in Japan did check for them though.
I am not sure too, I was just looking to drive in Japan and found out that they asked for IDP lol. The rental place did check it when I was picking up my car.
I rented from Toyota Car Rentals. They won't give you the car if you haven't got an IDP.
Both wife and I already got ours ready for the trip. Thanks.
Thanks. Will make sure we have cash just in case. Have also ordered the etag and holder with our car rental.
Good for contingency but I just used the etag lane and had no issue.
It was stated above but to reiterate** "you must have an international drivers license/IDP".**
I lived in japan and had a japanese drivers license (expired) and forgot to get an interational license one trip , so when i arrived at the car rental desk at Narita airport the rental company said "no".
I had planned and booked around driving for 2 weeks, luckily i could cancel all my accomodation booking with out penalty, and just ended up visiting tokyo and osaka (took an over night bus).
In other countries they never bothered checking my International licence when renting a car (france and USA)
IDPs are necessary in Spain and Greece too we found. When we were in Barcelona and Bilbao/San Sebastian last year, they insisted on seeing our IDP AND passport. Only brought our IDP so had to get a taxi to fetch our passports from our hotel safe.
Needed IDP a few years back on Santorini too.
No IDP in Switzerland last year though as they said it was not as good as our actual Aussie drivers licence. Never needed IDP in France or Italy either.
Watched a tiktok on it recently, you need to rent their version of an etag.
Tolls everywhere
I think parking is your issue. Obviously you won't rent in major cities