Self-Drive Trip Around Tokyo: What to Know
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Thinking about a self-drive trip around Tokyo's outskirts? With a mix of scenic views, cultural sites, and urban adventures, driving can be a great way to explore destinations like Nikko, Kawaguchiko, and Yokohama. Let's discover if driving is the right fit for you.
Your Itinerary
Here are a few of the places that you will explore:
Exploring the Outskirts
- Nikko (2 Nights): Known for its historic shrines and natural beauty, it's best to rent a car for locations outside of the main areas. Parking can be challenging in the main areas.
- Ashikaga: Enjoy this quaint location as a stopover. You can consider staying overnight.
- Kawaguchiko (2 Nights): A great location to drive yourself and explore all the lakes and scenic spots. Having a car here is highly recommended.
- Kamakura: Famous for its temples, but narrow roads make it hard to drive here, consider using public transportation, and walking around.
- Yokohama (3 Nights): Driving can be convenient and cumbersome. Public transport is great here, but parking fees can be high.
- Tokyo (Odaiba & Sky Tree): Driving in central Tokyo can be difficult due to traffic, and high parking costs. Public transport is a better fit here.
Is Driving the Right Option for You?
While driving can be useful for flexibility, it might not be the best option for all locations:
- Traffic and Parking: High traffic volumes and expensive parking is common in urban areas.
- Public Transport: Japan has an amazing public transportation system, which might be better for your needs.
- Toll Fees: Driving between cities can incur significant fees, so you will need to plan accordingly.
Our Recommendations
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Consider renting a car for areas where public transport is less efficient, like Kawaguchiko and outskirts of Nikko.
- Use public transport for crowded urban areas like Kamakura, Yokohama, and central Tokyo.
- Look into the logistics of your rental, so you avoid extra fees.
Final Thoughts
A self-drive trip around Tokyo's outskirts offers a unique experience of Japan’s scenic and cultural sites. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you decide. For a balanced trip, try using public transportation and driving. Safe travels!