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

Imagine cruising through Japan’s famed mountain passes in some of the most celebrated sports cars from Japan’s automotive history. For $727 per person, this self-drive tour offers a chance to take the wheel of up to four different JDM icons like the Nissan GT-R, Supra, RX-7, and others while exploring the stunning Hakone region. Starting early morning from Noborito Station and ending around 5:00 pm, the day promises approximately 6 hours of driving and around 260 km of scenic roads. The highlight? The chance to capture breathtaking photos of Mount Fuji from key viewpoints like Mikuni Parking Area and the Skylounge.

What we love most is how this tour combines adrenaline-filled driving with serene scenic stops—giving you a real feel for Japan’s mountain roads, famously featured in anime like Initial D. Also, the car swapping system adds a playful element, letting you experience multiple cars without the need to book separate rides. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the necessity of driving a manual transmission—which could be a hurdle if you’re not comfortable with it. This tour suits car enthusiasts who crave the thrill of Japanese sports cars and enjoy driving on famous mountain routes, while also appreciating scenic views and cultural stops.

Key Points

• Multiple Cars: Drive up to four JDM sports cars with a rotation system, including legendary models like the Nissan R35 GT-R and Toyota Supra.
• Iconic Roads: Experience Japan’s top mountain passes—Hakone Turnpike, Izu Skyline, Ashinoko Skyline—famous for their scenic vistas and manga fame.
• Authentic Experience: Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a local restaurant, adding a cultural touch to the high-octane day.
• Flexible Car Choices: Choose your preferred cars beforehand, but final allocation depends on availability.
• Convenient Pickup: Meet your guide outside Noborito Station, with the tour ending back at the same spot.
• Cost-Effective: All car rental costs, fuel, tolls, and guide services are included, offering a straightforward price for a full day of fun.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Hakone JDM Sports Car Self Drive Tour

Driving along Japan’s mountain roads in a high-performance sports car is a fantasy for many car lovers—and this tour makes it surprisingly accessible. We found that it’s not just about the cars; it’s about the roads, the scenery, and the experience of being in Japan’s legendary touge (mountain passes). Let’s break down what makes this trip a memorable adventure—and what you should consider before signing up.

The Itinerary: A Day of Scenic Driving and Cultural Highlights

The day begins early with a meeting outside the Family Mart near Noborito Station at 8:45 am. From there, a transfer takes you to the start point, where the fun begins. The core of this experience is the driving on renowned mountain roads like the Hakone Turnpike, Izu Skyline, Ashinoko Skyline, and Tsubaki Line. These roads are famous not only for their sweeping curves and elevation changes but also because they feature prominently in Japanese car anime like Initial D and MF Ghost.

We loved the way the tour is carefully planned to balance driving with scenic stops. For instance, at the Turnpike Skylounge and Mikuni Parking Area, you get the chance to snap photos of Mount Fuji, which often appears like a majestic sentinel behind the mountain passes. The views are so striking that even non-car enthusiasts tend to find themselves captivated.

The Cars: A Playground for Enthusiasts

The lineup of cars is impressive and diverse, ranging from the legendary Nissan R35 GT-R (automatic) and R32 GT-R, to the Mazda RX-7 FD3S, and the Toyota Supra RZ (automatic). There are also more accessible models like the Toyota GR Yaris, Honda Integra Type R, Honda S660 Spoon, and the Suzuki Alto Works Monster Sports.

One of the best features is the car rotation system, allowing you to drive multiple models without paying extra. This means you can get behind the wheel of your dream car, then swap for another, experiencing different handling and character in one day. The tour also allows you to nominate your preferred cars in advance, although final allocations depend on availability.

We appreciated how the team communicates with you beforehand to understand your preferences, which makes the experience feel more personalized.

The Driving Experience: What’s It Like?

Expect approximately 6 hours of driving over about 260 km, with plenty of time to explore the curves and elevation changes. We found that some cars, like the GT-R and Supra, are equipped with automatic transmission, making them more accessible if you’re more comfortable with that setup. Still, some vehicles require manual driving skills, so it’s crucial to be familiar with manual transmissions to fully enjoy the experience.

The in-car communication and navigation systems help keep you oriented and in touch with your guide. The roads themselves are well-maintained and offer breathtaking vistas, especially as you ascend into the mountains.

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Scenic and Cultural Stops

While most of your day revolves around driving, the stops are worthwhile. For example, the Mikuni Parking Area offers stunning Mount Fuji views with ample space for photos. The Skylounge provides a convenient vantage point too, often with fewer crowds.

Along With the thrill of mountain driving, the tour includes a traditional Japanese lunch at a local eatery—an excellent chance to relax and experience local flavors after a morning of adrenaline and scenic views.

Practical Details and Expectations

The tour costs $727 per person, which covers car rental, fuel, tolls, guide fees, communication systems, and pick-up from Noborito Station. It does not include lunch, beverages, or souvenirs.

A crucial point is the driver’s license requirements: you must bring your passport, local driving license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you’re not comfortable with manual transmissions, this may limit your options, as some cars are manual.

The tour operates rain or shine, but extreme weather conditions like snow or typhoons could cancel the trip with a full refund or reschedule.

Participants are limited to one non-driving companion for free, but if your friend also wishes to drive, they must pre-register with an additional fee of JPY 22,000.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a car enthusiast dreaming of driving in Japan’s iconic mountain passes, this tour offers a rare chance to do so in a fleet of legendary cars. It’s perfect for those who enjoy scenic drives and photography, especially of Mount Fuji, and who are comfortable with manual driving if they want to maximize the experience. The inclusion of a traditional lunch and cultural stops also makes it appealing for travelers who want a bit more than just high-speed driving.

However, if you’re not comfortable with manual gear shifts, or prefer a more relaxed sightseeing day, then this might be less suitable. Also, the cost might seem high for casual travelers, but considering the all-inclusive pricing and unique car lineup, many will find it offers good value.

Final Thoughts

This Hakone JDM Sports Car Self Drive Tour is a unique blend of adrenaline, scenery, and Japanese automotive culture. We loved the way it combines the excitement of driving legendary cars with the serenity of mountain landscapes—a pairing that’s hard to beat. The car swapping system maximizes the diversity of the experience, giving you a taste of different handling and styles in one day.

While it requires a bit of driving confidence and manual skills, those who participate will walk away with stories of mountain passes in Japan in cars they’ve only dreamed of. It’s an ideal choice for car buffs, adventure seekers, and anyone eager to explore Japan’s famed touge roads in a truly memorable way.

FAQ

Can I choose the cars I want to drive?
You can nominate your preferred cars during registration, but final allocation depends on availability and staff discretion. It’s best to contact them beforehand if you have a specific car in mind.

Is the tour suitable for non-drivers?
No, because it involves driving the cars. Non-driving companions can join for free but cannot participate in the driving experience.

What should I bring?
You will need to bring your passport, local driver’s license, and an International Driving Permit. It’s also advisable to carry a credit card to cover any insurance excess.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour goes ahead in rain, but heavy snow or extreme weather like typhoons could lead to cancellation. In such cases, a full refund or reschedule will be offered.

Are the cars manual or automatic?
The fleet includes both, with some cars like the GT-R and Supra being automatic, but others may require manual driving. Make sure to specify your comfort level before booking.

Can I bring more than one non-driving person?
Only one non-driving companion is allowed free of charge. Additional drivers must pre-register and pay an extra fee.

How long does the tour last?
It runs from around 8:45 am to 5:00 pm, with approximately 6 hours of driving across 260 km of roads.

Is this tour good value for the price?
Considering car rental, fuel, tolls, guide services, and the unique opportunity to drive multiple legendary cars on famous roads, many travelers find it quite a value-packed experience.

Whether you’re a car lover eager to feel the grip on Japan’s legendary mountain passes or someone looking to combine scenic beauty with a high-performance adventure, this tour offers a rare opportunity. Be prepared to drive in Japan’s beautiful mountains, snap photos of Mount Fuji, and create stories that will last long after the day ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: