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Tag: car rental

  • Driving Through Kyushu: A Journey Across Japan’s Southern Island

    Exploring Kyushu by Car

    Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, is best experienced with a rented car. Starting in Fukuoka, travelers can navigate a route filled with historic sites, scenic drives, and cultural highlights.

    Day 1: Fukuoka and Dazaifu

    Begin your journey in Fukuoka, with dinner at a local yatai food stall near the airport or Hakata Station. Rent a car the next day and drive to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a cultural landmark dedicated to the deity of learning.

    Day 2: Yufuin and Beppu

    Travel to Yufuin, a charming town in Oita Prefecture, known for its picturesque lake and local delicacies like Hitumabushi. From there, head to Beppu, famous for its onsen. Consider visiting Chikugawara Onsen, a tattoo-friendly hot spring for relaxation.

    Day 3: Takachiho in Miyazaki

    Drive to Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture, where you can experience the nighttime Takachiho Kagura, a traditional performance. Stay overnight near Takachiho to prepare for the next day’s exploration.

    Day 4: Takachiho Gorge and Aso

    Enjoy kayaking through Takachiho Gorge or visit Amanoyasukawara, a sacred cave. Continue to Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes. Stay overnight in Kumamoto.

    Day 5: Nagasaki and Shimabara

    Return the rental car and move to Nagasaki. From there, visit Shimabara, a historic town by the sea, before heading back to Nagasaki for the evening.

  • Driving in Hokkaido: Tips and Highlights

    Driving Essentials in Hokkaido

    Exploring Hokkaido by car offers the freedom to visit its scenic landscapes at your own pace. For toll roads, using an ETC card is highly recommended. This card is inserted into a device in your vehicle, allowing automatic toll payment at expressway gates. An added bonus is the discounted rates on toll roads, which can significantly save costs over long distances.

    Expressways (Kosoku-Dōro)

    Expressways in Hokkaido connect major cities and regions, offering smooth travel. With an ETC card, you can enjoy hassle-free toll payments and discounts.

    Regular Roads (Ippan-Dōro)

    Most of Hokkaido’s roads are regular roads, which are well-maintained and ideal for exploring smaller towns and rural areas. These roads let you enjoy Hokkaido’s natural beauty up close.

    How to Rent a Car

    You can rent a car through services like Nippon Rent-A-Car. Remember to obtain an international driving permit in your home country before your trip, as it is required for driving in Japan.

    Must-Visit Destinations

    Driving in Hokkaido allows you to visit iconic spots such as Hakodate, Otaru, Furano, Biei, and Farm Tomita. Nature lovers should not miss Shiretoko National Park, while cultural enthusiasts will enjoy Upopoy Ainu Park. For city vibes, head to Asahikawa.