Jul 20, 2023
Consider these pros and cons when deciding whether to rent a car or rely on public transportation for your hiking adventures in Japan.
Pros and Cons of Renting a Car
Pros:
Trailhead Accessibility: Renting a car is crucial for reaching remote trailheads with limited public transportation options. It enables you to explore off-the-beaten-path trails. Approximately half of the popular mountain trails in Japan require a car for access.
Wider Options: It enables you to conveniently make stops at convenience stores, day spas, and hotels along your journey. Moreover, having a car broadens the scope for exploring secluded areas that harbor traditional hotels and restaurants.
Comfort: You can leave your belongings securely in the vehicle, eliminating the need to carry heavy bags while exploring the trails. In rural Japan, parking is rarely a concern, freeing you from the hassle of finding parking spots common in urban areas.
Cons:
Bound by Return: The need to return to the starting point can pose limitations, particularly when finishing trails at different locations, like the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route that spans Nagano and Toyama prefectures.
No Cars Allowed: Certain environmentally protected areas like Kamikochi and Southern Alps restrict personal car access, necessitating the use of shuttle buses.
Cost and Time: The cost of highways in Japan can be quite substantial, with a round trip from Tokyo to the Northern Alps totaling around 10,000 yen, even with an ETC discount. Adding fuel expenses to the equation, this may not be the most cost-effective choice for individuals or pairs. Conversely, the bullet train offers a quicker and hassle-free alternative. To illustrate, driving from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station takes roughly 3 hours each way, while the bullet train covers the distance in just 75 minutes.
How to Rent a Car
Nippon Rent-a-Car is your top choice in various aspects such as operating hours, customer service, and availability. They also have an English website for booking online. You can pick up rental cars at major airports and most stations.
For cost-saving discount coupons, consider booking through Rakuten Travel Japan or Jalan. These platforms allow you to compare prices with other rental car companies, ensuring you get the best deal. Use the Japanese portal, as the English version may have different menus and may not provide the same information. If you are planning to book for weekends, it is recommended to make your reservation at least 30 days in advance to secure availability and favorable rates.
Step-by-Step Guide
Make a Reservation Online: Reserve at least 30 days in advance, as many websites also provide the option for early reservations up to 90 days ahead.
Pick up the Rental Car: you will be asked to provide either a valid driver's license from your home country or an international driver's permit, a valid passport, and a credit card for the deposit and rental fees.
Complete the Rental Agreement: Make sure to add insurance coverage including "NOC", which ensures you are not liable for any downtime when the car is being repaired.
Vehicle Inspection: Check for any pre-existing damage. Request guidance on setting up Bluetooth and Navigation systems, as they can be perplexing.
Drive Responsibly: Familiarize yourself with the traffic rules and regulations in Japan, particularly the lower speed limits compared to many other countries. If you are accustomed to driving on the opposite side in your home country, remember that the driver's position is always on the side closer to the oncoming traffic, towards the center of the road.
Returning the Car: It may be possible to return the car to a different location than where you picked it up, but may come with an additional expense. If you fail to return the car by the end of the day, the rental agency will request you to return it the following morning. If you were unable to refuel the car, there may be an additional charge of approximately 10% for gas, which is actually a convenient and time-saving service.
In the Event of an Accident
Promptly contact the police at 110 and provide them with details of the incident. After they inspect the scene, they will ask you to accompany them to a nearby police station to complete the necessary paperwork. Never leave the accident site before informing the police of the situation to comply with insurance requirements.
What About Public Transportation?
Public transportation in Japan is known for its punctuality, making trip planning easy. It is a cost-effective option for solo travelers, and not having to navigate foreign roads can be a significant advantage. Additionally, public transportation is essential for accessing National Parks where personal cars are prohibited.
Traveling Smart
Download the Suica or Pasmo app on your phone for touch payment, eliminating the need for physical cards or tickets. You can link it to your credit card via Apple Pay and even enjoy small ride discounts. Download the Ekinet app (available in Japan) or web version (accessible to all) to book Bullet Train seats in advance to avoid queues, secure your preferred seats, and benefit of up to 30% early purchase discounts. Note that these apps are available in Japanese only.
Japan Rail Discount Tickets
Japan Rail offers a variety of cost-effective passes for traveling within Japan that can be used in combination with local buses and shuttle buses to explore national parks and other hiking destinations. The TOKYO Wide Pass is ideal for exploring mountains around Tokyo, including popular peaks like Mt. Asama, Mt. Tanigawa, and Mt. Fuji. The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) provides access to the Japan Alps. Meanwhile, the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) allows you to reach all mountains north of Tokyo up to Aomori.
The Verdict
Renting a car is ideal for those seeking trailhead accessibility, a wider range of options, and added comfort. However, if you anticipate trail routes that don't align with returning to the starting point or if you wish to explore environmentally protected areas with restricted car access, alternative transportation options may turn out to be more convenient. Additionally, cost-conscious travelers may find the bullet train to be a more time-efficient and cost-effective alternative to driving especially for solo travel.