Ivan from Russia: A Perfect Family Road Trip in Japan

For years, my family and I had dreamed of visiting Japan. My two sons have been passionate about Japanese culture, language, and history for as long as I can remember. They had spent years studying Japanese, watching anime, and reading about Japan’s samurai traditions, technological advancements, and rich spiritual heritage. As a father, I had made a promise: one day, we would go on a grand adventure to Japan.

Introduction: A Long-Awaited Dream Trip to Japan

Finally, the time had come. We planned an ambitious family trip, not just to Tokyo, but also to Kyoto, Osaka, Nikko, the hot springs of Hakone, and even a skiing trip in Nagano. To make this happen, we needed the perfect transportation—a rental car that could handle Japan’s diverse landscapes, from bustling city streets to snowy mountain roads.

However, renting the right car in Japan proved to be a much bigger challenge than expected. We needed a spacious, all-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle, a highway card (ETC card), full insurance coverage, and enough room for our skiing and snowboarding gear. Finding a company that met all these requirements seemed impossible—until we found Japan Travel Assist.

Their exceptional service, attention to detail, and commitment to making our journey smooth and stress-free made all the difference. Thanks to them, we traveled across Japan effortlessly, and our family adventure was truly unforgettable.

Planning Our Ultimate Family Road Trip in Japan

Deciding on a Self-Drive Adventure Rent a car in Tokyo 24/7

Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, with its famous bullet trains (Shinkansen), subways, and buses. However, as a family traveling with ski equipment, luggage, and a desire to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, we knew that relying on trains and taxis would be inconvenient.

A rental car was the only logical choice. Having a car meant:

✅ Complete Freedom – No need to follow train schedules; we could explore at our own pace.

✅ Comfort for the Family – No struggling with luggage between train stations.

✅ Flexibility for Skiing – Easy transportation of our snowboarding and skiing gear.

✅ Access to Remote Areas – Many hot springs and scenic locations are only accessible by car.

However, renting a car in Japan is not as easy as in other countries.

The Challenges of Finding the Right Rental Car

After researching multiple rental companies, we faced several major challenges:

1. Most Japanese rental companies don’t offer 4WD cars. Since we were traveling to Nagano for skiing, we needed a vehicle with 4WD and winter tires. However, most companies only had small sedans or two-wheel-drive cars.

2. Highway Convenience – The Need for an ETC Card. Driving on Japanese highways requires an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card, which allows automatic payments at toll booths. Most rental companies do not provide these to foreign tourists, making highway travel inconvenient.

3. Full Insurance Coverage. Many companies had strict insurance policies with high deductibles or limited coverage. We wanted comprehensive insurance to ensure peace of mind.

4. Ski Equipment Storage. Since we were bringing snowboards and skiing gear, we needed a car with a roof rack or enough trunk space—something that was hard to find in Japanese rental companies.

After contacting multiple companies and getting either refusals or unsatisfactory responses, we almost gave up hope. Then, we found Japan Travel Assist, and everything changed.

Discovering Japan Travel Assist: The Perfect Rental Solution

When we reached out to Japan Travel Assist, their response was immediate, professional, and reassuring. Unlike other companies, they listened to our specific needs and tailored their service to meet every requirement.

What They Provided Us: Rent a car in Tokyo 24/7

✅ A Spacious 4WD Vehicle – Exactly what we needed for our skiing trip.

✅ Winter Tires & Roof Storage – Ensuring safety in the snowy mountains.

✅ ETC Card for Highway Travel – Making toll road access easy.

✅ Full Insurance Coverage – Giving us peace of mind on the road.

✅ English Support – Communication was smooth and hassle-free.

This level of customer service and personalized attention was something we didn’t find anywhere else.

Our Family Road Trip Across Japan

Day 1: Tokyo – The Start of the Adventure

We arrived in Tokyo and picked up our rental car from Japan Travel Assist. The car was clean, modern, and exactly what we requested. The team even took time to explain Japan’s driving rules, highway system, and navigation tips before we hit the road.

That day, we explored Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara, where my sons were thrilled to visit anime stores and gaming centers.

Day 2-3: Kyoto – The Heart of Tradition

The highway journey to Kyoto was smooth thanks to the ETC card provided by Japan Travel Assist. Kyoto was a dream come true for our family, especially for my sons, who had studied Japanese history.

✅ Fushimi Inari Shrine – A breathtaking walk through the famous torii gates.

✅ Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – A mesmerizing sight.

✅ Traditional Tea Ceremony – A cultural highlight.

With a rental car, we could explore lesser-known temples and gardens that many tourists miss.

Day 4: Osaka – The Food Capital

A short drive from Kyoto, Osaka welcomed us with delicious street food and lively markets.

✅ Dotonbori – The famous neon-lit food street.

✅ Osaka Castle – A must-see historical site.

Having our own car allowed us to explore Osaka without relying on public transport.

Day 5-6: Hakone & Nikko – Hot Springs and Nature

We drove to Hakone for its famous onsen (hot springs) and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Our 4WD car handled the mountainous roads effortlessly.

In Nikko, we explored the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO site surrounded by stunning forests.

Day 7-9: Nagano – The Skiing Experience

Our final destination was Nagano, where we fulfilled our dream of skiing in Japan’s world-class snow resorts.

✅ Shiga Kogen & Nozawa Onsen – Incredible skiing conditions.

✅ Snow Monkey Park – Watching monkeys bathe in hot springs.

Without Japan Travel Assist’s 4WD rental, our skiing plans would have been impossible.

Final Thoughts: Why Japan Travel Assist is the Best Choice

Our family road trip in Japan was a dream come true, and Japan Travel Assist played a huge role in making it smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable.

Why We Recommend Them:

✅ Perfectly Customized Rentals – They tailored the service to our needs.

✅ Reliable 4WD Vehicles – Essential for winter travel.

✅ ETC Card & Full Insurance – Making the journey worry-free.

✅ Excellent Customer Support – Friendly and professional service.

If you’re planning a road trip in Japan, Japan Travel Assist is the best choice. Highly recommended!