Japan had always been a dream destination for us, and when it came time to decide where to spend our honeymoon, there was no hesitation—we chose Japan. From the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to the serene natural landscapes of the country’s northern and southern islands, we wanted to see it all. Little did we know that this journey would not only be the most incredible adventure of our lives but also teach us valuable lessons about travel, culture, and the kindness of strangers.
Arriving in Japan: The Start of Our Adventure
As soon as we landed in Tokyo, we felt the excitement of stepping into a completely different world. The efficiency of Narita Airport, the politeness of the people, and the stunning blend of modernity and tradition immediately captivated us. After checking into our hotel in Shinjuku, we wasted no time and set out to explore the city.
Tokyo was everything we had imagined and more. We wandered through the neon-lit streets of Shibuya, stood in awe at the famous Shibuya Crossing, and enjoyed the view from the top of Tokyo Tower. We explored the historic Asakusa district, where we visited the majestic Sensō-ji Temple, and we indulged in the freshest sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market. The city’s high-energy atmosphere was exhilarating, but we knew Japan had so much more to offer beyond Tokyo.
Deciding to Rent a Car and Explore Japan
While public transportation in Japan is one of the best in the world, we wanted the freedom to travel at our own pace and visit places that were less accessible by train. That’s when we decided to rent a car. However, renting a car in Japan turned out to be a bigger challenge than we expected.
We visited several rental companies, but there was one major issue—no one spoke English fluently enough to explain all the details. We were concerned about understanding the insurance policies, road regulations, and rental conditions. Some companies handed us brochures in English, but they were vague and left us with more questions than answers. We started to worry that renting a car might not be possible after all.
Finding the Perfect Rental Company: Japan Travel Assist (Rent a car in Tokyo 24/7)
Just when we were about to give up, we discovered Japan Travel Assist, a company that completely changed our experience. Unlike other rental services, Japan Travel Assist provided full support in English, making everything clear and easy to understand. They explained the insurance policies, road rules, and even recommended the best routes for our trip.
Not only did they provide excellent customer service, but they also delivered the exact car we wanted directly to our location. The entire process was smooth, and for the first time since arriving in Japan, we felt completely at ease about driving. Japan Travel Assist gave us the confidence we needed to embark on our road trip across the country.
The Journey South: Exploring Kyushu and Okinawa
With our rental car secured, we set off on our adventure, heading south to Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island. Kyushu is known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and rich history. One of our first stops was Beppu, a town famous for its natural hot springs. We visited the “Hells of Beppu,” a collection of colorful geothermal pools, and relaxed in an onsen overlooking the mountains.
From Beppu, we continued to Kagoshima, a city with a breathtaking view of Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. The sight of the smoking volcano against the backdrop of the ocean was mesmerizing. We also visited Yakushima, an island covered in ancient forests that inspired the landscapes in Studio Ghibli’s film “Princess Mononoke.”
No trip to southern Japan would be complete without visiting Okinawa, a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and a unique culture distinct from mainland Japan. We drove along Okinawa’s coastal roads, snorkeled in crystal-clear waters, and learned about the island’s history at Shuri Castle. The laid-back atmosphere and warm hospitality of the locals made Okinawa one of our favorite destinations.
Heading North: Discovering Hokkaido’s Natural Beauty
After our southern adventure, we set our sights on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Known for its vast landscapes, wildlife, and delicious food, Hokkaido felt like a completely different world compared to Tokyo and Kyushu.
Our first stop was Furano and Biei, famous for their rolling flower fields that look like paintings. Even though it wasn’t peak flower season, the scenery was still breathtaking. We continued to Daisetsuzan National Park, where we hiked through pristine mountain trails and encountered wild deer and foxes.
One of the highlights of Hokkaido was visiting Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The untouched wilderness, dramatic cliffs, and abundant wildlife made us feel like we had stepped into another world. We also enjoyed the freshest seafood in Hakodate, a charming port city known for its lively morning market and stunning night views from Mount Hakodate.
Reflections on Our Journey
Driving across Japan was the best decision we made for our honeymoon. It allowed us to see places that we would have never reached by train, experience the country’s diverse landscapes, and fully immerse ourselves in its culture.
Japan Travel Assist (Rent a car in Tokyo 24/7) played a crucial role in making this trip possible. Their English-friendly service, clear explanations, and excellent customer support gave us the confidence to navigate Japan’s roads with ease. Without them, we might have struggled with misunderstandings or missed out on some of the best experiences of our trip.
For anyone planning to explore Japan beyond the major cities, we highly recommend Japan Travel Assist. Whether you want to drive along Okinawa’s beaches, through Hokkaido’s snowy mountains, or into the heart of Japan’s countryside, their service ensures a stress-free and enjoyable journey.
Our honeymoon in Japan was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we wouldn’t have changed a thing. From Tokyo’s bright lights to the peaceful landscapes of the north and south, Japan captured our hearts, and we know we’ll be back someday to explore even more.
