Driving Through Japan: Effortless Exploration

15 days from £9,280 for 2025 per person

• Tokyo
• Hiroshima and Miyajima
• Naoshima
• Kurashiki
• Kyoto
• Mount Koya
• Kanazawa

Renting a car in Japan is a surprisingly smooth and enjoyable experience. The country’s well-maintained roads, clear signage and scenic routes make driving a breeze, even for first-time visitors. English-friendly GPS systems come standard in most rental cars, and many are equipped with Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) cards for seamless toll payments. With an International Driving Permit in hand, renting a car is straightforward and major companies cater to English speakers. The lack of public transportation in rural areas makes driving ideal for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, while parking is conveniently available, particularly outside of major cities. With Japan’s low accident rates and excellent emergency services, you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind, knowing you're on one of the world’s safest roads.

Embark on this captivating 15-night fly/drive journey that weaves together Japan’s rich history, vibrant culture and contemporary artistry. Start your adventure in Tokyo, where the city’s dynamic neighbourhoods, iconic landmarks like Meiji Shrine, and world-class museums will immediately immerse you in its electric energy. After two days of exploring Tokyo’s eclectic mix of modern and traditional, fly to Hiroshima and Miyajima and collect your rental car. Here, visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park and witness the ethereal floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. From Hiroshima, ferry across to Naoshima, Japan’s art island, where cutting-edge museums and unique art installations blend harmoniously with the island’s natural beauty.

Drive next to Kurashiki, a charming town steeped in Edo-period history, known for its atmospheric canal district and preserved merchant houses. After soaking in the town’s timeless beauty, drive to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart. Spend two days delving into Kyoto’s historical wonders, from the Golden Pavilion and Ryoan-ji Temple to the peaceful Philosopher’s Path. Journey next to Nara, home to the majestic Todai-ji Temple and its colossal Great Buddha, before heading to Mount Koya. Here, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Shingon Buddhism with an overnight stay in a temple lodging, where you’ll partake in prayer and meditation.

From Koyasan, drive to Kanazawa, a city where the echoes of Japan’s samurai past linger in its well-preserved districts. Stroll through Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, and discover the contemporary art scene at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Kanazawa is also famed for its local gold leaf artistry, which you can explore at various workshops. Conclude your journey back in Tokyo, where your final days allow for a deeper dive into the city’s avant-garde art scene, including visits to the Mori Art Museum and teamLab Planets, as well as a walk through the historic streets of Asakusa.

This expertly crafted itinerary invites you to experience Japan’s blend of ancient traditions, modern innovation and artistic excellence. Stay in luxurious accommodations throughout and enjoy carefully selected experiences that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling