Driving in Japan may not be the most common option to get around but a road trip offers the flexibility that rail doesn't. Public transport is not as readily available in smaller towns in the countryside, where hidden gems are abundant.

Driving in Japan is worth it only if you are exploring rural areas like Hokkaido, the Japanese Alps, or the Noto Peninsula. In these regions, public transport is infrequent, and a car offers the freedom to find hidden onsens and remote shrines. However, in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, driving is a liability; traffic is dense, parking is astronomically expensive (often $30–$50 per day), and the world-class rail system is far faster and more efficient. Driving in Japan requires an International Driving Permit (IDP), and you must drive on the left side of the road. While the toll roads are pristine and offer incredible "Service Areas" with gourmet food, the tolls themselves can be very high. For most 2026 travelers, a Japan Rail Pass combined with occasional local car rentals for specific 2-day rural excursions is the most cost-effective and stress-free strategy.