Lonely Planet Beste Roadtrips Japan

Hit the road with Lonely Planet's Best Road Trips Japan and discover 36 amazing routes that range from 1-day escapes to week-long adventures. Each route comes with easy-to-use maps and detailed directions, plus tips on when to go, how long it takes, and how to link related drives. Explore secluded hot spring towns between Matsumoto and Kanazawa, circumnavigate the lush island of Yakushima populated with sea turtles, and cross into the Iya Valley to swing on vine bridges. This guide invites you to experience the freedom of the open road and unforgettable drives across Japan.

Inside you’ll find top stops and photo moments along the way, plus sections that highlight the best experiences. The book also includes a practical toolkit with guidance on arriving, hiring a car, local driving laws, accommodation, health and safety, and more. It covers diverse regions from Around Tokyo and Central Honshū to Kansai, Western Honshū, Tōhoku, Hokkaidō, Shikoku, Kyūshū, and Okinawa, offering a broad view of Japan’s road-trip possibilities.

Features

• 36 open-road escapes from 1 day to 1 week
• Each route includes maps, directions, and practical tips
• Our Picks highlight historical, onsen, coastal, rural drives
• Regional coverage: Tokyo, Honshū, Kansai, Hokkaidō, and more
• Local experts share why they love each trip
• Toolkit on arriving, car hire, driving laws, safety