Travel Guides

Japan

Car Rental in Japan

The Japanese culture is still one that fascinates world travelers, as the juxtaposition between the truly traditional ways is mixed with the latest in 21st century gadgetry. For American visitors in Japan, a car rental provided is almost certainly going to be one manufactured by one of the big three: Toyota, Honda or Mazda. The vehicle will be kitted up with state-of-the-art electronics, and with every safety feature available.

Travelers Favorites

Japan has two islands, both of which offer historic attractions, but most start at the busy but exciting capital of Tokyo. The arrivals point for a trip to Japan from the US may be in Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya. All have major airports and from these locations the country can be explored via car hire.

Tokyo itself has a wealth of attractions with the Sansojji Temple, which epitomizes historic Japanese architecture. This is quite close to the Sumida River where river cruises are available. In the center of the city is the Imperial Palace, featuring superb gardens, and in the evening the traveler can be entertained in nightspots that feature a distinctly Japanese flavor.

At the center of the natural attractions there is the almost symmetrical Mount Fuji. Getting there by car is straightforward and is set just to the west of Tokyo. The shrines and temples located in the rural areas of the country are well worth visiting and provide a glimpse into one of the world’s most interesting cultures.

Best Time to Visit

The favored times for trip to Japan are in the spring period around April and May when the cherry blossom is in full bloom and temperatures are comfortable. The winters can be harsh in the country, which has four distinct seasons. Autumn in the Kyoto region is another outstanding sight as the foliage turns to a burnt orange during October. In Okinawa, the beaches are as good as any in the region and offer summer sailing, windsurfing and camping.

Driving in Japan

The vehicles from car rental companies in Japan are maintained to the highest standards and the roads are excellent. For the American or visitor, the main difficulty is the road signage, which is often in Japanese script off the main routes. The main highways follow the American numbering system and there are plenty of signs with a visual interpretation and there is regular use of numbers. Compare car hire rates in advance to avoid being overcharged in the high season.