Self Drive Guided Drive Up to 4 JDM on Best Roads in Hakone

Imagine cruising through winding mountain roads in a sleek Nissan GT-R, or feeling the roar of a Mazda RX-7 FD3S beneath you as you navigate scenic curves. This guided self-drive tour in Hakone, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, offers the chance to do just that — but with a twist: you get to share and drive up to four different legendary Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars.

For $643.98 per person, this 8-hour adventure includes car rental, fuel, tolls, and insurance, guided by an expert English-speaking guide. The tour kicks off at Noborito Station in Kawasaki, just north of Tokyo, with pickup at 8:45 AM, and concludes around 5:30 PM. It’s a premium experience for car enthusiasts and those craving an authentic taste of Japan’s sporty side, set against the backdrop of Hakone’s famous mountain passes.

What we love about this experience? First, the opportunity to drive iconic JDM cars that are usually locked behind glass or reserved for racing circuits. Second, the industry-first car rotation system means you’ll share the wheel of at least two, and possibly four different cars — a rare chance to compare a classic R32 GT-R against a modern GR Supra in one day.

A potential consideration? The tour requires familiarity with manual transmission driving, and participants must bring proper documentation, including a passport, local driving license, and International Driving Permit. Also, the exact route and available cars might vary, so flexibility is key.

This tour is perfect for car lovers, adventure seekers, and those who appreciate genuine driving experiences rather than just sightseeing. If you’re eager to feel the power and agility of Japan’s top sports cars while navigating scenic mountain roads, this one’s for you.

Key Points

• Authentic JDM Experience: Drive legendary Japanese sports cars like the Nissan GT-R, RX-7, and Supra.
• Guided Scenic Routes: Expert guide leads the way through Hakone’s best mountain roads, with a pace car for safety.
• Flexible Car Sharing: Share up to four different cars, giving you a variety of driving experiences.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Covers rental, fuel, tolls, and insurance (excess applies), with a pickup from Noborito Station.
• Limited Group Size: Small group of up to four travelers ensures personalized attention and less crowding.
• Requires Driver’s License & Manual Skills: Participants must bring valid documents and be comfortable with manual transmissions.

An In-Depth Look at the Hakone JDM Driving Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Noborito Station, located just 16 minutes from Shinjuku, Tokyo. This proximity makes it easy to access without long travel hassles. Travelers are picked up promptly at 8:45 AM and transported to the base location where the fleet awaits. The small group size of no more than four travelers ensures a more intimate experience, with plenty of room for questions, requests, and personalized guidance.

The Fleet: A Dream Lineup of JDM Sports Cars

The selection of cars is truly impressive, covering a wide spectrum of iconic Japanese performance vehicles. These include:

• Nissan R32 and R35 GT-R: The legendary “Godzilla,” known for its advanced all-wheel drive and turbo power.
• Mazda RX-7 FD3S: A lightweight, rotary-powered marvel revered for its agility.
• Toyota GR Supra and Yaris: Modern icons blending performance with daily usability.
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6: A rally legend with sharp handling.
• Honda Integra Type R: The epitome of Japanese hatchback prowess.
• Honda S660 (Spoon) and Alto Works (Monster): Smaller, spirited cars that showcase Japan’s fun-sized sports options.

While the exact cars available may vary on the day, the lineup promises a diverse and exhilarating mix, from classic legends to cutting-edge modern machines.

The Car Rotation System: Sharing the Dream

One of the unique features of this tour is the industry-first rotation system. Participants will share cars with others, often driving at least two or up to four different JDM models during the day. This means that rather than being confined to one car, you’ll get to compare the driving experience of a classic R32 GT-R against a more contemporary Supra or an agile Yaris.

This system enhances the value: for a standard price, you gain multiple driving experiences. It’s also a great way to see which car suits you best — and maybe even discover a new favorite.

Scenic Drives and Routes

The chosen routes focus on Hakone’s best mountain roads, renowned for their twisting curves and panoramic views. Your guide, who speaks fluent English, will lead the convoy, providing tips and ensuring safety. A pace car will keep everyone in check, making sure slower drivers aren’t left behind while maximizing the thrill.

You’ll love the way the routes showcase Hakone’s natural beauty, with glimpses of mountains, forests, and volcanic activity. The roads are well-maintained but demanding enough to give every car a proper test.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The cost covers everything you need for the drive: the rental cars, fuel, tolls, and insurance, with an excess of up to JPY 350,000 in case of an accident. You must bring a passport, local driving license, and International Driving Permit, and you’re responsible for presenting these.

The only thing not included is lunch. With the tour running from morning until late afternoon, you might want to bring snacks or plan a stop at a local eatery after the drive.

What Travelers Say

While this experience hasn’t yet accumulated reviews, the descriptions and policies suggest it’s designed for enthusiasts and curious travelers who want to combine driving with scenic exploration. The small group setting, combined with the ability to request specific cars and the shared driving model, promises a personalized, flexible, and exciting day.

Practical Considerations

This tour is not suitable for beginners unfamiliar with manual transmissions or those uncomfortable with high-performance cars. You will be expected to drive responsibly, follow instructions from your guide, and obey Japanese traffic laws. Weather conditions can affect the tour; it proceeds in rain but may be canceled under severe weather like snow or typhoons, with options to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a car enthusiast eager to test drive iconic JDM models in a beautiful setting, this tour is a rare chance to indulge your passion. It’s also perfect for adventure travelers who want a more active, hands-on experience rather than just sightseeing. Small groups ensure personalized attention, making it ideal for couples or small groups of friends.

However, it’s important to be comfortable with manual transmissions and prepared with the proper documentation. The tour’s flexibility with car requests and sharing makes it suitable for those who enjoy customized experiences.

Final Thoughts

This Hakone-driven experience offers a rare window into Japan’s automotive soul. For a price that includes everything except lunch, you gain access to legendary cars, scenic mountain roads, and a professional guide. It’s a fantastic choice for car lovers who want to drive multiple JDM legends in one day and experience Japan’s famed driving culture firsthand.

While it may not be suitable for absolute beginners or those seeking a purely sightseeing tour, it’s a value-packed, authentic, and exhilarating adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a new appreciation for Japanese engineering and roadscapes.

FAQs

Do I need a special license to participate? Yes, you must bring your local driving license plus an International Driving Permit (under the 1949 Geneva Convention). You also need to be comfortable driving manual transmission vehicles.

What cars can I expect to drive? The lineup might vary, but it typically includes icons like R32 and R35 GT-R, FD3S RX-7, GR Supra, Yaris, Lancer Evolution 6, Honda Integra Type R, S660, and Alto Works.

What if I want to drive a specific car? You can request your preferred car, and the guide will do their best to accommodate, though availability isn’t guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Not quite. Since some cars are manual, you should be familiar with shifting gears. The experience is geared toward drivers with some skills in manual driving.

What should I bring on the day? Your passport, local driver’s license, and International Driving Permit. Also, consider bringing snacks as lunch is not included.

Can the tour be canceled due to weather? Yes, it proceeds in rain, but if severe weather like snow or typhoons are forecasted, the tour may be canceled, with options to reschedule or get a full refund.

How long does the tour last? It runs from about 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, including pickup and drop-off, providing ample time for driving, scenic stops, and some relaxation.

This is a well-rounded, exciting experience perfect for those who want to combine scenic driving with the thrill of Japan’s legendary sports cars. If you’re craving a day of automotive adventure in one of Japan’s most beautiful regions, this tour is worth considering.