Quick Answer
A 7-day road trip works well for combining one or two regions, such as Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and Hakone, without feeling rushed. Plan for a mix of driving days and days that stay in one area to explore on foot.
A week is enough time to see several of the classic road trip areas around Tokyo without feeling rushed. Here’s one way to structure a 7-day self-drive itinerary, which you can adjust based on your interests and pace.
A Sample 7-Day Structure
Rather than fixed daily distances, think of a week as roughly three stages: a couple of days near Mt. Fuji and Hakone, a few days exploring the coast or mountains further out, and a final stretch heading back toward Tokyo. Exact pacing will depend on how much time you want at each stop.
Days 1-2: Mt. Fuji and Hakone
Start by picking up your car and heading toward the Fuji Five Lakes area, spending a night near the lakes if possible to catch early morning views. From there, it’s a short drive to Hakone for onsen, museums, and views across Lake Ashi.
Days 3-4: The Izu Peninsula
Continue south to the Izu Peninsula for a change of scenery, trading mountains for coastline, seafood, and more hot spring towns along the water.
Days 5-6: Head Back Inland or Further Out
With a week to work with, you can either take a slower route back through the mountains, or extend further toward Nagano if you’d rather prioritize alpine scenery over the coast. Choose based on which landscape interests you more.
Day 7: Return to Tokyo
Leave enough time on your last day to return your rental car without rushing, especially if you’re catching a flight. Building in a buffer for traffic or an unplanned stop is generally a good idea on any final travel day.
Tips for a One-Week Trip
Booking accommodation in advance for popular onsen towns is worth doing, especially during weekends and peak seasons. It also helps to keep at least one day loosely planned in case you want to linger somewhere longer than expected.
Want More or Less Time?
If a week feels like too much or too little, see our 14-day or shorter weekend route guides for other options, or our cost guide for budgeting help.
Related: Driving in Japan Guide
Planning a longer road trip in Japan?
For stays of several weeks or more, a monthly rental can be simpler than booking a new car every few days.
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