{"id":24949,"date":"2019-11-29T09:54:20","date_gmt":"2019-11-29T09:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=24949"},"modified":"2026-04-10T16:03:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T15:03:16","slug":"driving-vacations-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2019\/11\/29\/driving-vacations-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Hit the road: Driving vacations in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F24949&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F24949\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li 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class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F24949%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F24949\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F24949\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>Every month, our <em>Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler<\/em> Top Travel Specialist <strong>Amy Tadehara<\/strong> brings us insider knowledge on how to access semi-impenetrable experiences, avoid crowds, and find hidden delights.\u00a0 This month, she\u2019s letting us in on her favorite stops for driving vacations in Japan.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24957 size-half-width\" title=\"driving vacations in japan\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"driving vacations in japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kusatsu-Panorama-Line-1-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Japan is famous for its futuristic bullet trains. If you\u2019re thinking of visiting the country, it may not even occur to you that you could hire a car. However, driving vacations in Japan have always been a favorite of mine, and I\u2019d love to spread the word on this staggering cultural experience.<\/p>\n<p>To enjoy the flexibility and freedom of exploring a side of Japan most visitors can\u2019t access, grab some wheels, travel at your own pace and stop wherever you like \u2013 spend the night in little hot spring towns, stumble across little-known local festivals, or admire impressive mountain views on your own terms.<\/p>\n<p>If researching driving vacations in Japan has left you feeling daunted at the prospect of navigating the country&#8217;s cities, you needn\u2019t worry. Beyond picking and dropping off a rental car, it\u2019s possible to spend your whole vacation cruising around the countryside, far from any busy metropolis (unless that\u2019s your scene, of course). So \u2013 here&#8217;s my advice below on where you can drive to find authentic experiences in the heart of unexplored Japan!<\/p>\n<h2>Sado Island<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24960 size-half-width\" title=\"driving vacations in japan sado island\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-720x540.jpeg\" alt=\"driving vacations in japan sado island\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-564x423.jpeg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-1200x900.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-900x675.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-1440x1080.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-390x293.jpeg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-780x585.jpeg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ANS-Sado-Coast-4-510x383.jpeg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With its beautiful coastal scenery, slow pace of life and fascinating history, the largest island in the Sea of Japan makes an unusual yet highly rewarding addition to an adventurous itinerary.<\/p>\n<p>Once a penal colony for political exiles, Sado Island benefitted from an influx of culture, philosophy, art and architecture from the mainland. Stretching back for centuries, Noh theater \u2013 a type of musical drama \u2013 has been deeply connected with Sado Island. Today, Sado is probably most famous for its excellent taiko drummers, who have won international renown for their superior skill. I really recommend visiting Sado Island Taiko Center, where you can learn about the history of taiko and have a go on the drums yourself.<\/p>\n<p>Another claim to fame for Sado Island is related to the Gold Rush of the early 17th century. The discovery of gold in 1601 changed the course of history for the island. I\u2019d definitely suggest you pay a visit to the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sado,_Niigata#Gold_mine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sado Gold mine<\/a>, which you can explore sections of on a guided tour.<\/p>\n<p>With its untouched cedar forests and rocky bays, this wild island is perfect for exploring by foot, kayak or bike. However, I\u2019d recommend renting a car for zipping around, as it\u2019s easy to feel isolated and a bit stranded with the infrequent bus system.<\/p>\n<p>If this sounds like your kind of thing, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-nhc\/northern-highlights\/\">Northern Highlights<\/a> tour.<\/p>\n<h2>Noto Peninsula<\/h2>\n<p>Beautiful and isolated, the Noto Peninsula on Japan\u2019s north coast makes for a perfect driving destination. Meander along the coastline and you\u2019ll find tiny fishing villages dotting the rugged landscapes and dramatic rock formations. Check out Senmaida, thousands of rice paddies clinging to the slopes in terraces climbing down to the ocean. For those interested in traditional crafts &#8211; Wajima is known for their unique lacquer ware, you can learn about the extensive process during a factory tour or simply admire the finished products at the Wajima Morning Market. The local cuisine is often prepared with deep sea salt that is locally harvested. I loved staying a few nights at the Lamp no Yado, a luxury ryokan with hot spring baths.<\/p>\n<p>Note: Public transport does not reach far into the Noto Peninsula, making getting around very expensive and difficult without a rental car.<\/p>\n<p>Curious? Take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-tje\/traditional-japan\/\">Traditional Japan<\/a> tour.<\/p>\n<h2>Hokkaido<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24961 size-half-width\" title=\"hokkaido flowers view nature\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"hokkaido flowers view nature\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/kamifurano.rupinasu1-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019d suggest a driving trip on the northernmost island of Hokkaido for those that truly want to get away from it all. Hokkaido is quite different from the rest of Japan. You really get the sense of being somewhere completely different. To some it doesn&#8217;t even feel like Japan, until you come across a roadside vending machine to remind you that you\u2019re still in civilization!<\/p>\n<p>Rugged and remote, Hokkaido contains miles upon miles of untamed wilderness, making it a haven for those who love the great outdoors. In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to Hokkaido. However, there are draws for Hokkaido in every season: colorful spring blooms; warm, lavender-filled summers and a rich autumn foliage.<\/p>\n<p>Soak in the scent of lavender as you drive by purple fields in Biei and Furano. Here, they sell lavender everything. I\u2019d definitely encourage you to try the lavender flavored ice cream. While in Biei, check out the other-worldly Shirogane Blue Pond, made a deep blue color from minerals dissolving in the water over time. Another must-see in Hokkaido is Jigokudani a famous hot spring resort, in Noboribetsu, to experience the natural wonder of volcanic activity up close and personal.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019d also recommend visiting Daisetsuzan National Park and Akan National Park. Keep in mind, however, that national parks like Daisetsuzan and Akan are really hard to see\/do anything on foot alone. You can find more staff recommendations here.<\/p>\n<p>Though technically Hokkaido is accessible by public transport, if you want to experience the truly wild side of Hokkaido, I\u2019d advise renting a car to get around. A rental car allows you the freedom and flexibility to experience the most of a rural destination: being able to go anywhere, stop anywhere and take pictures anywhere. And in Hokkaido there are definitely a lot of places to stop for a photo-op!<\/p>\n<p>Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-wdh\/wild-hokkaido\/\">Wild Hokkaido<\/a> tour!<\/p>\n<h2>Shikoku and the Iya Valley<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24967 size-half-width\" title=\"shikoku driving vacations in japan\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"shikoku driving vacations in japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07803-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Get off the highway and head for the land that time forgot! Nestled in the crook between western Honshu and Kyushu, Shikoku is the least visited of Japan\u2019s four main islands. Therein lies its charm; easy to reach, yet off the beaten path. Shikoku boasts sleepy isolated villages, original castles and unique arts and crafts such as Bunraku puppet theater and paper making &#8212;all set to the backdrop of Shikoku\u2019s dramatic scenery: mountains towering above winding roads that lead you deep into hidden valleys of waterfalls and vine bridges.<\/p>\n<p>Iya Valley, buried in the heart of Shikoku, is Japan\u2019s hidden secret, cut deep in an island of gorges, steep sided mountains and untamed rivers. Here, you will find authentic Japan at its best. Wherever you are on Shikoku, you are never far from one of the 88 temples of Japan\u2019s well-loved pilgrimage route. In honor of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, it takes two months to complete the 1400 km journey on foot. While you might not have that much time available, I really recommend visiting a temple or two and looking out for the white-clad pilgrims in their pointy straw hats.<\/p>\n<p>Shikoku is famous throughout Japan for udon: steaming bowls of thick white wheat noodles. Sweet potatoes in Ehime prefecture, sudachi citrus fruit in Tokushima and a huge variety of seafood along the southern shores of Kochi prefecture are also gourmet highlights.<\/p>\n<p>Driving through the winding roads of Shikoku and standing on the edge of a deep gorge watching the river rush by you, you can\u2019t help but feel like you\u2019ve been let in on a well-kept secret.<\/p>\n<p>Keen to see for yourself? You\u2019ll love our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-sosc\/secrets-of-shikoku\/\">Secrets of Shikoku<\/a> tour.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24970 size-half-width\" title=\"shikoku driving\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"shikoku driving\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/DSC07801-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>And if you\u2019d like tips on how to navigate the roads during\u00a0 your driving vacations in Japan, check out Amy\u2019s guide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2019\/02\/12\/top-10-tips-for-driving-in-japan\/\">here<\/a>!<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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Help us by sharing it! Every month, our Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist Amy Tadehara brings us insider knowledge on how to access semi-impenetrable experiences, avoid crowds, and find hidden delights.\u00a0 This month, she\u2019s letting us in on her favorite stops for driving vacations in Japan. Like this post? Help us [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":107,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,4427,2359],"tags":[3538,4396,4399,4402,4430],"class_list":["post-24949","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-tips-by-amy","category-transport-and-travelling-in-japan","tag-driving-in-japan","tag-driving-trips","tag-driving","tag-self-drive","tag-tips-by-amy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24949","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/107"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24949"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24949\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24990,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24949\/revisions\/24990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24949"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}