According to statistics from the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of car rentals by Taiwanese travelers in the first quarter of 2018 had increased 1.7 times compared to the same period in 2015, clearly showing that Taiwanese people love traveling to Japan independently. In addition to taking trains, the Shinkansen, and buses, self-drive tours have also become a popular trend, as they offer greater freedom and solve the mobility issues for remote attractions. They are especially convenient for families who need to carry plenty of essentials. So, which areas in Japan do travelers prefer for self-driving? Based on the “Tickets & Local Tours” sales data from EzTravel, the “Top 5 Most Popular Self-Drive Destinations in Japan” have been ranked, and Okinawa leads in car rental demand.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Okinawa is the most suitable place in Japan for self-driving, as its public transportation is less developed compared to other cities. To visit some attractions that are not easily accessible by public transport, or to plan an island-hopping or round-island trip, self-driving is arguably the most convenient way to explore Okinawa. Moreover, the roads in Okinawa are not as congested as those in major metropolitan areas, making them quite easy to drive on, with a low difficulty level. For instance, driving across the Kuroma Bridge offers stunning blue sea views, which is why it's hailed as a self-driving paradise by travelers.
Coming in second place is Hokkaido, which is about 2.5 times the size of Taiwan and is divided into four regions: Central Hokkaido, Northern Hokkaido, Eastern Hokkaido, and Southern Hokkaido. If you plan an itinerary covering two or more of these areas, just waiting for train and bus schedules, along with travel time, can be quite time-consuming. Self-driving is then the most time-saving and convenient way to travel. Coupled with the pleasant scenery along the way in Hokkaido, self-driving allows you to stop anytime to admire and take photos, making this travel experience appealing to many visitors.
Ranked third is Kyushu, where public transportation is actually quite convenient, with JR railways connecting almost all major cities. However, because Kyushu is roughly the same size as Taiwan, it actually boosts travelers’ confidence in self-driving.
Vast in area, Northeastern Japan comes in fourth place. Its main railway system is not laid out in a “日 (sun)” shape like Kyushu’s, but rather a “ㄐ (hook)” shape, so route planning is more limited. Additionally, many attractions require taking buses, which can take up a lot of travel time. To explore multiple prefectures together, many travelers choose to self-drive, as it allows them to avoid the restrictions of public transportation schedules and plan their itinerary more flexibly.
Tokyo, Japan’s largest city, has an extensive and well-connected transportation network. Yet, in recent years, self-drive demand here has been surprisingly strong. This is mainly due to the growing trend of travelers heading to suburban destinations such as Mount Fuji, Hakone, and Karuizawa. Many opt to drive themselves, enjoying greater flexibility in itinerary planning and unrestricted travel time.
Self-drive travel in Japan is increasingly favored by independent travelers, particularly in Okinawa. According to the “2016 Okinawa Foreign Tourist Car Rental Statistics” by the Japan Car Rental Association (a general incorporated association), Taiwanese travelers accounted for 38%, second only to South Koreans at 39%. If you want to self-drive in Okinawa affordably, EzTravel’s “Tickets & Local Tours” is challenging the lowest prices in the Okinawa car rental market. From now until the 18th, it is offering a special deal with a daily rate starting from just ¥739 for rentals of four days or more, with no restrictions on usage dates. Additionally, if you book an EzTravel flight or accommodation to Okinawa and add a car rental, you can enjoy an extra 10% discount, bringing the lowest daily rate down to just ¥665—great value indeed. For more details, visit EzTravel at www.ezTravel.com.tw.
(China Times)