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The Unexpected Journey to Japan: From Sweden to the Land of the Rising Sun

Our adventure began in Sweden with the excitement of booking tickets and the thrill of spontaneity. But we never imagined how much this trip would teach us—not just about Japan, but about the unexpected challenges of traveling, and the people who help make our journeys smoother. From the moment we arrived at Narita Airport, everything was a series of surprises, some frustrating, some utterly charming.

The reality of Japan set in as soon as we stepped off the plane. We had prepared ourselves for the culture shock, but there was nothing that could truly prepare us for the awe-inspiring blend of traditional culture and cutting-edge modernity that we would experience over the course of our month-long journey.

Navigating the Roads of Japan

Japan is known for its impeccable infrastructure, and driving through the country was one of the highlights of our trip. The roads are always clean and well-maintained, and the drivers, despite sometimes appearing rushed, always adhered to traffic rules. As we ventured further into Japan’s rural and mountainous areas, we marveled at the beauty of the country. From the lush greenery of the countryside to the snow-capped mountains in Hokkaido, the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking.

Yet, Japan’s driving culture is different from what we’re used to in Europe. In Sweden, we are used to more relaxed driving, but in Japan, there is a constant sense of order. Lane discipline is strict, and the speed limits are enforced—especially on highways. The toll roads (known as Expressways) can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the process, which was one of the first challenges we faced. Fortunately, Japan Travel Assist had given us an ETC card that allowed us to seamlessly pass through toll booths without stopping or worrying about cash. The convenience of this was unmatched, and it made long road trips much more enjoyable.

One of the most remarkable aspects of our journey was driving through the mountainous regions. We visited areas where roads hugged the cliffs, with sharp turns and steep inclines. It was a bit nerve-wracking at times, but having a reliable 4WD vehicle gave us the confidence to explore remote areas like Hakone, a hot spring town near Mount Fuji, and Karuizawa, a picturesque town known for its elegant resorts.

As we drove through Japan, we couldn’t help but notice the well-designed rest areas along the highways. These were not just places to stop for gas—they were cultural hubs. Some rest stops had beautiful gardens where you could stretch your legs, others had small food courts offering local delicacies like soba noodles, tempura, and fresh sushi. These places were a true reflection of the country’s emphasis on hospitality and attention to detail. Every experience, big or small, felt perfectly curated.

Cultural Immersion: The Magic of Kyoto and Beyond

Our time in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, was nothing short of magical. Known for its temples, shrines, and traditional architecture, Kyoto was a city where we felt the weight of history with every step we took. We rented a traditional tea house for a few hours and learned the delicate art of Japanese tea ceremony, an experience that was both calming and enriching. The ceremony was a beautiful expression of Japan’s respect for nature and attention to detail.

Despite the fact that Kyoto is one of Japan’s most visited cities, there was a sense of tranquility here that we hadn’t expected. We wandered through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where the sound of the wind rustling through the towering bamboo stalks was almost meditative. We also visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of Torii gates that wind up the mountainside. Hiking up the mountain was one of the most surreal experiences, as we passed through gate after gate, each one adding to the spiritual ambiance of the shrine.

Kyoto’s beauty lies not just in its physical landmarks but in its cultural richness. We attended a Geisha performance in the Gion District, where we learned about the history and traditions of these remarkable women who are the embodiment of Japan’s refined culture. The kimonos, elegant hairstyles, and graceful movements left us in awe of the artistry involved.

One evening, as we were wandering through the Gion district, we happened to spot a Geisha walking down the street. The elegance and poise with which she moved through the crowds made us feel like we had stepped back in time. It was as if the past and present had collided in a beautiful moment.

Hakone: Hot Springs and Scenic Views

After Kyoto, we traveled to Hakone, a popular hot spring destination just outside Tokyo. Hakone is well known for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic peak. As we drove through the scenic mountain roads, the landscape gradually transformed into a winter wonderland. The trees were dusted with snow, and the crisp air was invigorating. The roads were winding, but having the 4WD vehicle made navigating the hills easy and safe.

In Hakone, we stayed in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) with a private hot spring bath. It was the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Soaking in the hot, mineral-rich waters while gazing out at the snow-covered landscape was one of the most peaceful moments of our entire trip. The ryokan served a traditional Japanese dinner, featuring local delicacies like sashimi, grilled fish, and tofu, paired with sake. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients.

Hakone’s Lake Ashi, with its pirate ship cruises, was another highlight of our trip. We sailed across the lake with Mount Fuji looming majestically in the background. The view was picture-perfect, and we marveled at how the mountains, lake, and sky seemed to blend together in a seamless panorama. We took a ride on the Hakone Ropeway and enjoyed sweeping views of the volcanic Owakudani Valley, known for its steaming hot springs and sulfuric fumes.

Exploring Hokkaido: A Winter Wonderland

One of the most exciting parts of our trip was traveling to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Known for its winter sports, hot springs, and snow festivals, Hokkaido offered an entirely different experience from the warmer regions of Japan. We visited Niseko, one of Japan’s most famous ski resorts, and enjoyed skiing and snowboarding on the powdery slopes. The snow in Hokkaido is renowned for being some of the best in the world, and we were not disappointed.

But Hokkaido was not just about skiing. We also visited Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, which is famous for its Sapporo Beer and its Snow Festival. The city had an entirely different vibe from Tokyo and Kyoto, with a more laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. We wandered through Odori Park, where massive ice sculptures were on display as part of the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It was like stepping into a fairy tale, with intricate sculptures depicting everything from famous landmarks to characters from Japanese folklore.

Another highlight of Hokkaido was its seafood. We had some of the freshest sushi we’ve ever tasted, including crab, uni (sea urchin), and salmon. The seafood in Hokkaido is unparalleled, and we took full advantage of it by visiting local seafood markets and enjoying it in various forms—sushi, sashimi, grilled, and in hot pots.

Kyushu: Coastal Drives and Hidden Gems

Our final stop in Japan was Kyushu, the southernmost of the four main islands. Kyushu is known for its natural beauty, including volcanoes, hot springs, and coastal drives. We rented a car in Fukuoka and set out on a journey to explore the island’s hidden gems. We drove along the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, where we saw the impressive Sakurajima volcano, which erupted just a few years ago. The sight of the volcano rising from the ocean was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Kyushu is also famous for its beautiful beaches, and we visited Amami Oshima, a tropical island known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here, we spent a few days swimming and snorkeling, and even tried our hand at scuba diving. The underwater world was as vibrant as the island itself, with colorful coral reefs and an abundance of marine life.

Why We Recommend Japan Travel Assist

Our experience in Japan wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable without the support of Japan Travel Assist. The company not only provided us with the perfect vehicle for our trip but also offered unmatched customer service that made our travel so much easier.

Here’s why we think Japan Travel Assist (Rent a car in Tokyo Japan Narita Haneda Airport Best Cheap)is a must for any traveler:

1. 1. Seamless Communication: The responsiveness and clarity of communication, especially through WhatsApp, made our experience stress-free from the start.
2. 2. Quality Vehicles: The 4WD vehicle we received was in great condition, safe, and perfect for the diverse terrain we encountered in Japan.
3. 3. Personalized Service: Unlike other rental companies, Japan Travel Assist treated us as individuals. They provided detailed instructions, answered all our questions, and offered valuable travel advice.
4. 4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that Japan Travel Assist was there to help us at every step gave us confidence, especially during the tricky moments when we weren’t sure what to do next.

Conclusion: An Adventure to Remember

Our month-long journey across Japan was more than just a vacation—it was a life-changing adventure. We got to explore some of the most beautiful and culturally rich places in the world, all while learning about Japanese traditions, customs, and the spirit of hospitality.

We couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and Japan Travel Assist (Rent a car in Tokyo Japan Narita Haneda Airport Best Cheap) was a huge part of that. Whether you’re planning to visit Kyoto, Hakone, Hokkaido, or Kyushu, or if you’re just looking for a reliable company to help you navigate Japan’s roads, we highly recommend Japan Travel Assist. Their excellent customer service, high-quality vehicles, and personalized guidance make them the perfect choice for any traveler.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to experience the best the country has to offer, don’t hesitate—book your car with Japan Travel Assist, and let them help you create the journey of a lifetime.

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