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Driving around Japan 2019/1/4 22:48
Hi there
We're planning our very very first trip to japan for April and i can't tell you how excited i am. i'm so overwhelmed, that i have no idea where to go to. there are some areas, but on the otherside, i don't want to go to the tourist areas i want to see rural japan! where is that? do you know some places???
then i was thinking about to rent a car, would you recommend?
plus my full back is tattoed, is japan still that strict? the last forum i found here was 2013, over 5 years ago ;)
thanks a lot for your help!!!
miaaau
by ladymiau  

Re: Driving around Japan 2019/1/5 08:42
i want to see rural japan! where is that? do you know some places???

90% of Japan is rural and non-touristic. Every region of the country has rural areas with its charms. Below are some of the areas that are not only rural, but also offer a few sites of interest:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5060.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6430.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6075.html (this one I may be too popular for your liking)
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7675.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6310.html (this one I may be too popular for your liking)
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7650.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4250.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3985.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4175.html (this one I may be too popular for your liking)
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7025.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7825.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5430.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4675.html

then i was thinking about to rent a car, would you recommend?

In rural areas, a rental car is often a big convenience.

plus my full back is tattoed, is japan still that strict?

Tattoos can pose a problem in baths and beaches, but not for exploring rural Japan, especially if you do not expose them.
by Uji rate this post as useful

Re: Driving around Japan 2019/1/5 09:02
An easy option would be to travel the length of the western coast of Honshu - some pretty rural pieces there (and some really nice scenery and food too).
by JapanCustomTours rate this post as useful

Re: Driving around Japan 2019/1/5 17:53
Oh yes, i think it's a good idea to see rural Japan by means of self drive.
Even better if you go for a camper-van. No worries about checking in & checking out. And there are lots of "Hey this is Japan" spots to camp for the night. Friends of us just did a 6 weeks tour and they luffed it.
by Alishan rate this post as useful

Re: Driving around Japan 2019/1/8 04:26
Driving is a really good option. I drove for the first time in Japan on the northern tip of Honshu island in a place called Cape Tappi. Seriously if I did not drive there, I would not have found such an amazing place. And being from Canada, driving on the other side of the road was easier than I thought. I agree with others that you see the "Real" Japan that the vast majority of tourists, and even locals, don't get to see.
by Villagemayor rate this post as useful

Re: Driving around Japan 2019/1/8 08:19
What works for me is to take trains for the long journeys and then to mix that up with a few days car hire
by Winter Visitor rate this post as useful

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