Guided Self Drive Up to 4 JDM Car Tour to Hakone and Daikoku PA

If you’re a car enthusiast or someone craving a unique way to experience Japan’s scenic beauty, this guided self-drive tour to Hakone and Daikoku PA might be just the ticket. Combining exhilarating mountain roads with legendary JDM cars and a chance to mingle at the famous Daikoku parking area, this tour offers a mix of adrenaline, stunning views, and automotive culture.

What we love about this experience:

• The opportunity to drive up to four iconic Japanese sports cars, from the legendary Nissan GT-Rs to the sleek Honda S660.
• The thrill of tackling some of Japan’s most scenic and challenging mountain drives, like Hakone Turnpike and Lake Ashinoko Skyline.
• The chance to visit Daikoku PA, the world-famous car meet spot, and see a variety of impressive JDM vehicles.
• The presence of an experienced English-speaking guide who leads the way and ensures safety and smooth navigation.

A potential consideration for travelers is that driving in Japan requires familiarity with manual transmissions for some of the cars, and participants must bring valid driving documents. Also, the tour is weather-dependent, with poor conditions possibly leading to cancellations.

This guided self-drive attracts car lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting a blend of scenic sightseeing and automotive culture. It’s ideal for travelers comfortable with manual driving and looking for an adrenaline-filled day in Japan’s beautiful mountains.

Good To Know

• Multiple Iconic Vehicles: Drive 2 to 4 different JDM cars, including Nissan GT-Rs, RX-7, Supra, Yaris, and more.
• Stunning Routes: Experience famous mountain passes like Hakone Turnpike and Lake Ashinoko Skyline, offering breathtaking scenery.
• Professional Guidance: An English-speaking guide leads the route, providing safety, tips, and expert commentary.
• All-Inclusive Cost: Price covers car rental, fuel, tolls, and insurance (with excess). Lunch is not included.
• Flexible Driving Experience: The industry-first rotation system allows sharing cars, giving each participant a chance to drive various models.
• Meet at Noborito: Convenient pickup at Noborito Station, just 16 minutes from Shinjuku, making it accessible for visitors.

The Experience: A Detailed Breakdown

Starting Point and Overall Layout

The tour kicks off at Noborito Station at 9:00 am, with a pickup at 8:45 am. From there, the group heads straight into a day packed with driving, sightseeing, and socializing at Daikoku PA. The tour lasts about 11 hours, wrapping up back at Noborito around 8:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights and sounds.

The Drive Up Hakone

The first major highlight is the Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone, renowned for its winding curves and stunning vistas. Driving this route in a sports car amplifies the thrill. Reviewers mention that guides do a great job keeping everyone safe, especially on this challenging stretch. The Turnpike Skylounge stop provides a chance to stretch, sip some coffee, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

Lake Ashinoko Skyline

Next, the route takes you along the Lake Ashinoko Skyline, one of Japan’s top touge roads. Expect tight corners, spectacular scenery, and the chance to snap photos of Mount Fuji from Mikuni Parking. Reviewers have shared that this route is “arguably one of the best” in Japan, making it a must-try for anyone who loves twisty mountain roads.

The Hakone Skyline and Tsubaki Line

After the lake route, you’ll continue on the Hakone Skyline, which rivals the Ashinoko route for its exhilarating curves and scenic views. Then, the Tsubaki Line delivers the final dose of mountain driving—another highlight praised for its fun and technical challenge.

The Daikoku Parking Area

The climax of the day is the visit to Daikoku PA, a legendary gathering spot for car enthusiasts. Here, you’ll join the world-famous car meet, often filled with jaw-dropping JDM legends. Reviewers mention the opportunity to see a wide variety of cars, chat with other enthusiasts, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a social hub that’s become iconic in Japan’s car scene.

The Cars and Drive System

One of the most innovative features of this tour is the industry-first car rotation system. This means that participants share the fleet’s cars, getting to drive at least two or up to four different models during the day. This system maximizes the variety and makes the day feel like a mini car festival.

Popular cars include:

• Nissan R35 and R32 GT-Rs
• Mazda RX-7 FD3S
• Toyota Supra and GR Yaris
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6
• Honda Integra Type R
• Honda S660 (Spoon) and Alto Works (Monster)

Most reviewers highlight how well the cars are maintained and how exciting it is to experience different driving characteristics.

Driving Requirements and Safety

Participants must be comfortable with manual transmissions for some of the cars. All driving is done under the guidance of an English-speaking lead, who provides instructions via walkie-talkie. The guide, Josh, is praised for his extensive knowledge of the roads and cars, making the experience both safe and fun.

Insurance and Costs

The fee covers fuel, tolls, and insurance with an excess of up to JPY 350,000. Travelers need to bring a valid credit card for insurance purposes, and should be prepared for the possibility of extra costs in case of an accident.

The Social and Cultural Aspect

While the main focus is on driving, the tour also offers a glimpse into Japanese car culture, especially at Daikoku PA. Reviewers mention the welcoming atmosphere and the chance to see a variety of JDM legends, from classic Skylines to modern supercars. It’s a rare chance to mingle with local enthusiasts and witness Japan’s vibrant car scene firsthand.

Weather Considerations

The tour runs rain or shine, but severe weather like snow or typhoons may cancel the day. This is an important consideration, especially if you’re planning during the winter or rainy season.

Practical Tips

• Bring all necessary documents: passport, local and international driving licenses.
• Be familiar with manual driving for some cars.
• Arrive early for pickup at Noborito Station.
• Pack a camera or smartphone for photos—not just of the cars but also the spectacular mountain views.
• Consider your comfort level on mountain roads; the routes are winding but well-maintained.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for car aficionados eager to drive some of Japan’s most legendary models. It’s also great for travelers who appreciate scenic mountain drives combined with a lively social scene at Daikoku PA. If you’re comfortable with manual transmissions and want a day packed with adrenaline and stunning vistas, this tour will hit the mark.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience or are uncomfortable with driving in unfamiliar conditions, this might be less suitable. The focus on driving and car sharing means participation requires some confidence behind the wheel.

Final Thoughts

This guided self-drive tour offers a compelling mix of adrenaline, scenery, and automotive culture. The ability to drive multiple iconic JDM cars along some of Japan’s best mountain roads is an experience few can match. The inclusion of a visit to Daikoku PA elevates it from a typical scenic drive to a genuine car enthusiast adventure.

The tour’s value comes from the combination of professional guidance, variety of cars, and the highlight of Japan’s legendary driving routes. It’s best suited for travelers who love cars, enjoy scenic mountain roads, and want an active, hands-on day in Japan.

If you’re looking for a memorable, tailored, and high-octane experience, this could be one of the most exciting ways to see Hakone and its surroundings.

FAQ

Do I need a special license to participate?
You need to bring your passport, local driving license, and an International Driving License (under the 1949 Geneva Convention). Make sure you’re comfortable driving a manual transmission if you plan to drive certain cars.

Can I request specific cars to drive?
You may ask for specific cars, and the team will try to accommodate your preferences, but availability depends on the day’s fleet.

Is the tour suitable for non-drivers?
Each car can accommodate one driver and one non-driving companion, so non-drivers can enjoy the sights while the driver handles the wheel.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers car rental, fuel, tolls, and insurance (with an excess). Lunch is not included, so plan to bring your own or buy something along the way.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 11 hours, from pickup at 8:45 am to drop-off around 8:00 pm.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine, but extreme weather like snow or typhoons could lead to cancellation, with full refunds or rescheduling options.

Are there any restrictions on driving?
Participants should be familiar with driving manual vehicles and should follow all traffic laws in Japan. The guides will provide instructions and support throughout.

Where do I meet and how do I get there?
Meet at Noborito Station, just 16 minutes from Shinjuku, with pickup at 8:45 am. It’s a convenient location for travelers staying in Tokyo or Yokohama.

This tour combines passion, scenery, and social thrill—perfect for those who want a high-energy day exploring Japan’s mountain roads in legendary cars. Whether you’re a seasoned car lover or just curious about Japan’s automotive scene, it promises a truly memorable experience.