Ultimate Road Trips in Japan with GoTravelDaily
Want to see the best of Japan? We suggest hitting the road.
Whether you’re swerving along the asphalt in the wild and expansive north, skirting the towering bluffs and wave-battered coasts, or winding through the archipelago of the Inland Sea, you can’t beat the freedom of being behind the wheel.
As an island nation with nearly three-quarters of its terrain covered by mountains, Japan knows how to deliver epic scenic drives. Buckle up: here’s the list of our 10 favorite road trips in Japan.
1. The Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaidō
Best road trip for scenic island-hopping via suspension bridges
Onomichi – Imabari; 70km (43 miles), allow one day
A popular cycling and scenic driving route, the Shimanami Kaidō traces lazy “S” shapes along the Seto Inland Sea via wind-whipped suspension bridges and island villages lost in time. Moreover, drivers who move at a leisurely pace will be rewarded with watercolor views of the Inland Sea haze silhouetting the many humpbacked islands that dot its expanse.
2. Coast-to-coast Hokkaidō
Best road trip for gorgeous northern countryside
Rausu – Hakodate; 700km (435 miles), 3–4 days
Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaidō, is a driver’s dream: vast, untamed, sparsely populated, and veined with quality roads (though they’re best avoided during winter’s copious snows). This recommended coast-to-coast drive traverses over 400 miles (644 km) of open road, from the UNESCO-recognized Shiretoko Peninsula in the east to the old colonial port town of Hakodate in the west.
3. Shikoku’s 88 Temples Pilgrimage
Best road trip for meditative magic, secret surf spots, and solitude
Naruto – Sanuki; 1200km (745 miles), two weeks
This pilgrimage has 88 individual temples to discover along 1200 kilometers of terrain dedicated to the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kōbō Daishi. Entering from Kōbe along the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge, provides jaw-dropping sea-to-coast vistas. Moreover, the route encourages plenty of stops for bucolic forest walks and onsen soaks.
4. Izu Peninsula to Hakone
Best road trip for variety, from sea level to Mt Fuji highs
Minamiizu – Hakone; 115km (71 miles), 1–2 days
This epic route is a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The coastal highway passes through Shimoda, a surfers’ haunt and historic port town, further north, hugging the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, from which you’ll get scintillating views of Mt Fuji on a clear day. Furthermore, finish in style on the Hakone Skyline, a famously twisty tōge (mountain road).
5. Kyūshū: Mt Aso to Cape Sata
Best road trip for soaking up subtropical volcanic vibes
Mt. Aso – Cape Sata; 322km (200 miles), 2–3 days
Drive through the rolling grasslands of Kumamoto to find Japan’s largest caldera and active volcano, Mt Aso. The Aso Panorama Line offers the best course, weaving along the caldera’s outer rim while casting its gaze toward the volcano in the middle.
6. The Noto Peninsula Drive
Best road trip for dramatic coastal seascapes
Takaoka – Kanazawa; 236km (147 miles), 1–2 days
This journey will take you past some of Japan’s finest coastal scenery, from the picture-perfect sunrise of Amaharashi Beach to the bracing coastline of Ishikawa Prefecture. Consequently, you’ll discover the dark, rugged peninsula that’s home to solemn shrines and dramatic seascapes.
7. Coastal Wakayama
Best road trip for onsen, sacred trails, and a castle
Wakayama City – Shingu; 180km (112 miles), allow one day
Wakayama Prefecture, located on the bulbous Kii Peninsula, is the gateway to the misty forests of the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage trail. The coastal road skirts Wakayama’s 16th-century feudal castle, offering a quintessential Japanese experience.
8. Central Western Japan: Shimane to Kyōtango
Best road trip for cool geology, chill coastline, and an ancient shrine
Iino-Ura – Ine; 355km (220 miles), 2–3 days
This scenic drive snakes between dense forests and a sparsely populated coastline, hitting Izumo, home to one of Japan’s oldest shrines. Additionally, the sparkling bay of Lake Shinji and Japan’s only large dune system await you.
9. Tōhoku
Best road trip for exploring rural backroads
Fukushima City – Aomori City; 335km (208 miles), 2–3 days
The Tōhoku region features immaculate roads that carve through its national parks and virgin forests. The journey from Fukushima to Aomori swerves past the green-coated islets of Matsushima Bay and follows the stunning Michinoku Coastal Trail.
10. Tsushima
Best road trip for remote historic sites and isolated beauty
Cape Tsutsu – Kankoku Observatory; 70km (43 miles), 1–2 days
Limited access to public transport and lush coastal scenery make Tsushima ideal for exploring on a road trip. This small island is peppered with natural and manmade wonders: the Kaneda Fortress ruins and the serene Watatsumi Shrine. Consequently, this route offers plenty of inviting spots to relax along your island drive.
The stunning landscapes of Japan await you, and each of these routes promises unforgettable experiences. Choose your adventure and drive through Japan’s beauty with GoTravelDaily!
