Hakone JDM Sports Car Self Drive Tour! Drive Up to 4 Cars!

Driving through Japan’s iconic mountain passes in a fleet of legendary JDM sports cars sounds like a dream—and for those who love adrenaline, scenic views, and a bit of car culture, this Hakone Self Drive Tour offers an exciting way to tick all those boxes. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it’s a well-organized, memorable day for car enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike.

What we love about this experience: the chance to drive multiple legendary cars, spectacular views of Mount Fuji, and the opportunity to swap cars during the day for a truly varied experience. The inclusion of a traditional Japanese lunch adds a cultural touch to balance out the high-speed thrills.

A possible consideration is the requirement to handle manual transmission cars if you want to drive some of the most exciting models—so, it’s best suited for confident drivers. This tour appears perfect for those who are passionate about cars, enjoy scenic mountain drives, and want a hassle-free way to explore Hakone’s famed Touge routes without the stress of navigation or planning.

Good To Know

• Multiple JDM Sports Cars: Experience up to four different legendary cars, including Nissan GT-R, Supra, RX-7, and more.
• Spectacular Mountain Roads: Drive iconic routes like Hakone Skyline, Izu Skyline, Ashinoko Skyline, and Tsubaki Line.
• Stunning Fuji Views: Stop at scenic points such as the Turnpike Skylounge and Mikuni Parking Area for breathtaking Mount Fuji photos.
• Comprehensive Experience: Includes car rental, fuel, tolls, guide, communication, and navigation—no hidden costs.
• Flexible Car Selection: Nominate preferred cars in advance; final allocation depends on availability.
• Cultural & Scenic Mix: Enjoy local attractions and a traditional Japanese lunch during the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Look at the Hakone JDM Sports Car Self Drive Tour

Introduction to the Experience

Driving in Japan is a bucket list activity for many, especially on its legendary mountain roads lined with sweeping curves and stunning scenery. This Hakone self-drive tour brings that experience to life in a way that combines adrenaline, scenic beauty, and a deep dive into Japan’s car culture. If you’ve ever dreamt of piloting a Nissan GT-R or a Supra along mountain passes with Mount Fuji looming nearby, this is your shot.

What makes this tour appealing is the chance to drive multiple cars—up to four in one day—thanks to the clever car rotation system. This means you can sample different models, each with its own feel and character, all within the same adventure. The tour also promises around six hours of driving and covers approximately 260 km, giving you plenty of time behind the wheel.

One of the standout features is the guided nature of the day. You’ll start from Noborito Station, with a pickup scheduled early in the morning, and end the day back at the same spot. The route isn’t just about the cars, however; it’s about soaking in some of Japan’s most famous mountain roads, including the Hakone Turnpike, Ashinoko Skyline, and Izu Skyline.

The beauty of this experience lies not only in the thrill of driving these legendary cars but also in enjoying the landscapes and cultural stops along the way. Plus, with the in-car communication and navigation systems, everything runs smoothly, even if you’re unfamiliar with the roads or Japanese driving rules.

The Itinerary: What to Expect Day-by-Day

Morning Pickup & Introduction

Your adventure kicks off outside a Family Mart just outside Noborito Station at 8:45 am. It’s a convenient meeting point, easy to find, with a friendly team ready to get you started. After a quick briefing, you’ll board the transfer vehicle and head toward the starting point for the day’s driving.

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The Drive & Scenic Stops

Once on the roads, the real fun begins. You’ll start with some of Japan’s most famous mountain passes—each offering spectacular views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The Hakone Turnpike is particularly renowned among car enthusiasts for its sweeping curves and lush scenery. Along the way, you’ll make stops at viewpoints like the Turnpike Skylounge and Mikuni Parking Area, perfect spots for those iconic Fuji photos.

Reviewers mention that the views are “breathtaking” and that the roads are “some of the best mountain routes in Japan.” One even said, “Driving along these passes felt like stepping into a racing anime—initial D fans will feel at home.” The routes include the full Izu Skyline, Ashinoko Skyline, and Tsubaki Line, ensuring you experience the best of Hakone’s mountain scenery.

Car Rotation & Driving Experience

The flexibility of swapping cars keeps the experience fresh and allows you to try different models. Whether you’re eager to feel the raw power of a Nissan R32 GT-R or enjoy the more manageable Toyota GR Yaris, the rotation system gives you a variety of sensations and handling experiences.

Participants can nominate their preferred cars beforehand, but final assignments depend on availability. It’s worth communicating your preferences early if you have a specific model you’re eager to drive—enthusiasts have noted that staff are accommodating but limited by stock.

Lunch & Cultural Relaxation

A traditional Japanese lunch at a local restaurant offers a welcome break from the high-speed fun. Reviewers have appreciated this aspect, noting it’s a chance to relax and enjoy authentic local cuisine after several hours on the road. This balance of adrenaline and culture is part of what makes the tour stand out.

Afternoon & Return

The drive continues with scenic stops and car swaps until around 5 pm, when you’ll head back to Noborito Station. Throughout the day, you’re covered with fuel, tolls, and guide support, making it a seamless experience from start to finish.

The Cars: What You Can Drive

This fleet features some truly legendary Japanese cars, including:

• Nissan R35 GT-R (automatic transmission, iconic for its performance and styling)
• Nissan R32 GT-R (a classic, revered among car fans)
• Mazda FD3S RX-7 (lightweight, turbocharged, with a cult following)
• Toyota GR Supra RZ (automatic, a modern sports car with a rich heritage)
• Toyota GR Yaris (small but mighty, perfect for mountain roads)
• Lancer Evolution 6 (a rally-inspired favorite for handling)
• Honda Integra Type R DC5 (fun and nimble)
• Honda S660 Spoon Complete Car (a tiny, sporty kei car)
• Suzuki Alto Works Monster Sports (compact and unique)

Participants can specify their preferences, but it’s good to keep in mind that the final lineup is subject to availability. The cars are kept in excellent condition, and reviews mention the thrill of driving these iconic models.

Special Notes on Car Use

• Drivers must be comfortable with manual transmission cars if they wish to drive models like the RX-7 or the Evo.
• Each person can bring one non-driving companion free of charge, but if the companion also wants to drive, an additional fee applies.
• The tour requires a valid passport, driver’s license, and International Driving Permit (IDP) under the Geneva Convention.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The price of $727 per person includes not just the car rental, but also fuel, tolls, guide support, communication and navigation systems—a package that simplifies planning. The idea of experiencing up to four different legendary cars for a single fee makes it a fantastic deal for car lovers wanting variety without the hassle of organizing rentals and routes on their own.

Compared to typical rental experiences, where you’d pay extra for insurance, navigation, and fuel, this all-inclusive approach makes it easier to focus on the driving and scenery. The quality of the cars and the scenic routes justify the cost, especially for enthusiasts eager to combine scenic drives with a cultural experience.

Final Thoughts: Who is This Tour Perfect For?

If you’re someone who appreciates Japanese car culture and dreams of driving a GT-R or Supra along mountain passes, this tour is tailored for you. It suits adventurous drivers confident with manual gear, and who want to maximize their time exploring the best roads Hakone has to offer without the stress of navigation or planning.

It’s also ideal for those who love unique travel experiences—combining scenic beauty, cultural stops, and adrenaline in a single day—making it more than just a car rental. For travelers seeking a memorable photo-op with Mount Fuji or eager to feel the power of legendary JDM cars, this adventure checks all the boxes.

However, if you’re not comfortable handling manual transmission cars, or if you prefer a more relaxed sightseeing day without driving, this might not be the best fit.

FAQs

Can I nominate specific cars to drive?
Yes, you can nominate your preferred cars during registration. Final car assignments depend on availability and staff discretion.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers car rental, fuel, tolls, guide charges, in-car communication and navigation systems, and pick-up from Noborito Station.

Is there a limit to how many cars I can drive?
Participants can experience from two to four cars during the tour, thanks to the car rotation system.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, driver’s license, credit card, and International Driver’s Permit (IDP).

Can I bring a non-driving companion?
Yes, one companion can join for free. Additional drivers must be pre-registered and pay an extra fee of JPY 22,000.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour continues in rain but may be canceled in snow or extreme weather conditions like typhoons. Refunds or reschedules are offered if canceled.

Do I need to be familiar with manual cars?
Yes, some cars are manual, so a basic proficiency is required to drive them.

Are children allowed?
The tour is designed for drivers comfortable with their driving skills and legal requirements. Children are not specifically mentioned, so check with the provider if traveling with minors.

What is the total driving time?
Approximately 6 hours of driving, covering about 260 km, with plenty of time for stops and car swaps.

This Hakone JDM Sports Car Self Drive Tour offers an exclusive and exhilarating way to experience Japan’s mountain roads and legendary vehicles. It’s an adventure that combines high-speed thrills with breathtaking scenery and cultural touches—perfect for car buffs and scenic explorers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby