 Planning Our Family Trip to Japan
As a family from the United Kingdom, my wife and I had always dreamed of visiting Japan. We wanted to explore its breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cities while also experiencing the unique driving culture of Japan. Our plan was to travel for two weeks with our two children and my father, making it a special multi-generational family adventure.
Why We Decided to Rent a Car in Japan Rent a car in Tokyo Haneda 24/7
From the very beginning, we knew we wanted to rent a car rather than rely on public transport. While Japan has an incredible train network, traveling with kids and an elderly family member meant that comfort, flexibility, and convenience were our top priorities.
Having our own vehicle would allow us to:
- Explore Japan at our own pace, without being restricted by train schedules.
- Visit rural areas and hidden gems that are harder to reach by public transport.
- Avoid the hassle of carrying luggage through busy train stations.
- Make impromptu stops at scenic spots, local restaurants, and interesting attractions.
With all these benefits in mind, we started looking for the best car rental service in Japan that would accommodate our needs.
Choosing the Right Car Rental Company Rent a car in Tokyo Haneda 24/7
Since we were booking from the UK, we had to rely on online research to find a reputable car rental company. Initially, we were considering large international companies, thinking that they would be the safest option. However, after reading reviews, we realized that many big companies:
- Had strict policies that made renting difficult for foreigners.
- Offered higher prices with hidden fees.
- Had less personalized customer support.
This made us reconsider our options. We then came across Japan Travel Assist, a smaller, Japan-based car rental company. At first, we were a bit hesitant because it wasn’t a big international brand, but after reading excellent reviews from other foreign travelers, we decided to give them a chance.
Booking Our Rental Car with Japan Travel Assist
1. The Easy and Secure Booking Process
We contacted Japan Travel Assist three months in advance to secure a suitable vehicle. Their response was incredibly fast and friendly, and they explained the entire process in perfect English.
- They recommended a large, comfortable SUV that would fit five people plus luggage.
- They detailed the rental terms, insurance options, and driving regulations in Japan.
- They were transparent about costs, with no hidden fees.
After discussing our requirements, we paid 50% of the rental fee in advance via credit card, which gave us confidence in our booking.
2. Arriving in Japan and Picking Up the Car
When we finally arrived in Tokyo, we were pleasantly surprised by how well-organized everything was.
- A representative from Japan Travel Assist met us personally, which was a wonderful touch.
- They provided us with an extremely clean, spacious, and reliable SUV, exactly as promised.
- They walked us through the vehicle’s features, including the GPS system, electronic toll card (ETC), and Japanese road signs.
What really impressed us was how thorough and helpful they were. They didn’t just hand us the keys and send us on our way—they took time to answer all our questions and ensured we were comfortable driving in Japan.
Support Throughout Our Trip
1. WhatsApp Assistance – Always There When We Needed Help
One of the most valuable services provided by Japan Travel Assist was their real-time support via WhatsApp.
- They sent us maps, driving tips, and recommendations on the best routes.
- They suggested budget-friendly hotels and restaurants along our route.
- They helped us find affordable parking spots in major cities.
Having this level of personalized assistance made our trip stress-free. No matter where we were, we knew we could reach out to them for instant help and guidance.
2. Driving in Japan – A Fantastic Experience
Driving in Japan was an incredible experience, thanks to the guidance from Japan Travel Assist.
- Japanese roads are well-maintained and safe.
- The traffic is very organized, and Japanese drivers are respectful and patient.
- The GPS system provided by Japan Travel Assist was extremely helpful, as it had an English language option.
We felt confident driving even in big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, thanks to the detailed driving tips they provided before our trip.
3. Car Insurance – A Must-Have for a Hassle-Free Trip
One of the best pieces of advice we received from Japan Travel Assist was to opt for full insurance coverage. This gave us:
- Complete peace of mind in case of any minor accidents.
- Protection against unexpected costs (scratches, minor damages, etc.).
- Stress-free driving, knowing we were fully covered.
We highly recommend getting full insurance when renting a car in Japan. It’s a small price to pay for worry-free travel.
Exploring Japan by Car – Highlights of Our Trip
Having our own car allowed us to see places that many tourists miss. Here are some of our favorite stops:
1. Mount Fuji & The Five Lakes Region
- We took a leisurely drive to Lake Kawaguchi, where we saw the most breathtaking view of Mount Fuji.
- We stopped at local onsens (hot springs) for a relaxing soak.
2. Kyoto & Its Historical Temples
- Driving to Kyoto allowed us to visit multiple temples in one day, avoiding the crowded public transport system.
- The bamboo forest in Arashiyama was much easier to access by car.
3. Nara – The City of Free-Roaming Deer
- Our children loved feeding the friendly deer in Nara Park.
- The car made it easy to visit less touristy shrines and temples in the region.
4. Hokkaido – The Perfect Road Trip Destination
- We took a domestic flight to Hokkaido and rented a second car with Japan Travel Assist for scenic coastal drives and national parks.
- The snowy landscapes were stunning, and driving was a pleasure with Japan’s well-maintained roads.
Returning the Car – A Smooth & Efficient Process
After two incredible weeks of stress-free travel, it was time to return the car.
- The return process was quick and efficient.
- Japan Travel Assist did a final check of the vehicle and confirmed everything was in perfect condition.
- We completed the process within 15 minutes and were free to head to the airport.
Final Thoughts – Why Japan Travel Assist Is the Best Choice for Foreigners
Our experience with Japan Travel Assist exceeded all expectations. If you’re planning to rent a car in Japan, here’s why we highly recommend them:
- Easy online booking process with clear terms.
- Personalized service and English-speaking support.
- High-quality, well-maintained vehicles.
- 24/7 WhatsApp assistance for real-time help.
- Expert travel advice, including hotel and restaurant recommendations.
- Full insurance options for peace of mind.
For anyone considering renting a car in Japan, Japan Travel Assist is the best choice for foreign travelers. Their exceptional customer service, reliability, and affordability made our trip unforgettable.
We will definitely book with them again on our next visit to Japan!
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