Japan Vacation: What Car Related Things Should I Do?!

"M.T. Blake" (autohabit) 02/17/2020 at 17:05 • Filed to: japan trip, vacation, holiday, reviews on holidy, japan, jtrip, skyline, gtr, tokyo, kyoto, jdm

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I’ll be here, maybe not from this exact spot, not sure what building we’re on top of right now, but you get the point!

That’s right people! In a few short months, I’m headed to Japan. The first stop will be Tokyo, then down to Kyoto, and finally back to Tokyo before going home. I’ve got ten days in the land of the rising sun. What car-related things should I do?! I need your help!

In 2017, I started planning this vacation. With the 2020 Olympics being held in Tokyo, I figured a perfect time to see the city was right before the hordes of drunken tourists arrive.

After 2-1/2 years of research, my head is still spinning, As it turns out, the more I read and watch, the deeper I find the rabbit hole into Japan goes. There is far too much to learn, in too short of a time.

I’d like to be a polite tourist and represent my country in the most respectful manner. Therefore, much of the learning has been customs, norms, and how to navigate a foreign country. The nutshell of it all is - I shouldn’t walk while eating, don’t make phone calls on trains, and never leave my chopsticks stabbed straight down into a bowl of rice - now you too are an expert.

Some of the many PINs I’ve dropped trying to keep a handle on all the information I’ve found.

I’ve fielded numerous questions from friends, family, and coworkers about the ‘ why ’ I’m going to Japan. Being a child of the Playstation generation, I’ve grown up with many Japanese things, with cars and video games topping the list. It is incredibly safe, clean, efficient, and the people are polite almost to a fault.

I’ve also been a JDM fanboy ever since I discovered Gran Turismo as a kid. The R34 GTR dreams were very strong at one point - not so much now as owning one isn’t realistic - as have you seen their prices recently?! Regardless, my dream car list is dominated by Japanese cars. I want a Corolla GTS, 300zx TT, MKIV Supra, 3000GT VR4, FD RX7, NSX... on and on I could go!

My flights are booked, I have a tentative schedule lined up with the cities I’ll visit, I merely need some things to do! I have most of the cultural, and tourist type things squared away. I do need some automotive-related things-to-do as I plan on writing about this trip of a lifetime.

I have found a couple of automotive things to do... does anyone think I’m on the right track?

Imagine driving through this in a Skyline. This is the Shibuya crossing, made famous from numerous movies, TV, etc.

Car-related Things To Do:

1. Drive a Skyline GTR through Tokyo

Is there a more stereotypical auto enthusiast things to do than drive the car you know you can’t have through Tokyo?! There are a couple of different companies that offer one to two-hour drives through the city with a starting rate of ~$80.

The most likely company I’ll use is somewhat appropriately named, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . The shortlist of requirements are Passport, and an International Driving Permit ( essentially a translation of your home country driver’s license into Japanese ). They offer R34, R32, and Z33 packages to drive either the Rainbow Bridge or a longer trip through the Shibuya Crossing.

I’ll most likely be choosing the R34/Rainbow Bridge (25km) combination at a cost of ~$160. I’m not against the longer and more expensive journey (40km) through Shibuya and other parts of the city - I’m merely trying to save some money where I can, but maybe you guys talk me into it..?

I have no desire to race away from the Japanese Police like in Tokyo Drift, as much as you might think I do. I’d prefer not to be persona non grata after getting arrested on my first trip. I’m willing to bet the drive in a Skyline through the city will be within the acceptable safety requirements the company outlines in the ‘before you drive briefing’.

Regardless, I want to do it, if not to say that I did, and to see more of the city. It should be entertaining for my buddy coming with me on the trip to watch me struggle with RHD. I’ll be turning on the wipers when making turns, and selecting improper gears with my left hand... not to mention driving on the left!

2. Megaweb Toyota City Showcase, Odaiba, Tokyo

How in the world did I stumble across a car theme park?! It seems very appropriate for me considering my current fetish for Toyota products (17' Sienna & 20' Tacoma owner). There are current Toyota models on display, a test-driving course, racing simulator, and history displays.

It would be fun to drive a Japan-only Toyota model to see all the unusual features we aren’t getting. As long as I’ve got the IDP with me it looks like they might let me take one for a spin - if not I’ll stamp my feet and tell them I’ll never buy another Toyota again.

3. Honda Welcome Plaza, Aoyama, Tokyo

This is where Asimo the robot lives. He lives around many Honda products with exhibitions showing a “life potential expansion” - I am not sure what that means but, I like it.

It seems there is a presentation every few hours on a new Honda product either car or motorcycle. You can check out the cars, and sit on the bikes. This looks to be a short trip to see some cars, historic or racing vehicles, and grab a shirt before ducking out. Looking at the map it isn’t too far from Meiji Jingu Stadium where I’ll hopefully be seeing a baseball game.

Too bad these are a bunch of used parts shops. I’d be picking up plenty of parts for cars I want to own!

4. Tuner Shops, Parts Shops, and ???

The greater Tokyo area has numerous automotive-related shops of all kinda. To the east of Shinjuku and Shibuya lies the ward of Suginami - here can be found Spoon, Seeker, FEEL’s, and RWB. I believe shops would require reaching out to them, to see if they could accommodate a tourist walking around.

If there are any events going on in late April, I could pop on down to the Daikoku Parking Area, but sadly this is not the trip to go exploring up in the mountains to find all the Initial-D related togue runs.

From the Kiyozumi Dera, Kyoto. This is on the itinerary.

5. Kyoto Rich In Culture, Not So Much For Automotive Enthusiasm...

Kyoto, on the other hand, doesn’t appear to have much other than a few shops on the southside of town. Tommy Kaira was previously located south of town but, now it’s shuttered.

I have plenty of ‘ other than car-related ’ things planned for a weekend in the Gion District. I have exactly zero plans or any knowledge about anything car related inside the inner city of Kyoto. Does anyone have any suggestions?

So ridiculous, it might be worth it - if only to see more of the town.

6. Mario Karting around Tokyo?!

I’m sure you’ve seen this... people dressed up as video game and anime characters d !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . The good old IDP will be required and prices start around $66. You are required to follow a guide, so as not to get lost, and end up on the Wangan!

It turns out there are numerous different operations offering this type of experience. The company I first read about had to change their shop name and no longer allows Nintendo character outfits after legal action was taken by Nintendo. Kinda lame that Nintendo is so overly zealous with their lawyers...

The operations offer tours of Akihabara, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Asakusa, and Tokyo Bay (with a BBQ) from a one hour experience up to three hours. I’d probably choose either the Akihabara or Shibuya areas as I’m slated to stay close to both of those.

I believe that is the Rainbow Bridge, not like the one from Mario Kart at all...

7. What Do You Think I Should Do?!

If you’ve been to Tokyo, live in there, or even if you’re an expert - you know more than me! I have six nights in Tokyo to fill with food, drinks, temples, sights, events, and hopefully cars. Leave me a comment and I’ll be sure to look into it.

Nom De Plume > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 17:21

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Bring many wrapped gifts.

Meet many good people.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 17:23

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What about that famous touge road?

AestheticsInMotion > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 17:25

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Megaweb is incredible. Definitely go there. I can’t remember exactly where in Tokyo it was, but Nissan has a pretty cool HQ. I want to say Ginza? Or maybe Rapungi? One of the wealthier spots.

There’s a wicked police museum near.... Uh— God, Tokyo’s a big place— Toyosu? Super small, but I 100% reccomend it. Helicopters, jdm bikes, a police spec rx8... Great spot.

Not car related, but there’s an absolutely incredible art museum in the Roppongi Hills neighborhood. Very Japanese, you’ll see what I mean if you go (definitely go). Bonus points, the roof is the best viewpoint in all of Tokyo.

M.T. Blake > Nom De Plume 02/17/2020 at 17:27

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Im terrible at wrapping...

M.T. Blake > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 02/17/2020 at 17:27

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They’re all a bit far from Tokyo. Almost a mini-vacation in itself. 

M.T. Blake > AestheticsInMotion 02/17/2020 at 17:29

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Very good recommendations! Thank you!

Good to hear you liked MegaWeb. Looks a bit cheesy on the video. I believe Nissan is in Ginza. I won’t be staying  too far from there!

Cé hé sin > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 17:32

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Drive a Kei car, obviously.

gin-san - shitpost specialist > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 17:35

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You’ve done a lot of car related research, so I’m letting you take the lead on this one. There are a lot of opportunities to take DOTS photos you can share here (something I usually fail to keep in mind).

I didn’t end up going to Mega Web last time so I’m checking it out on my next trip.

The Meiji Jingu stadium was easy to get around - w e saw the Yakult Swallows play there, too. Beer is reasonably priced compared to North American sports. Japanese sports fans are also truly next level, I love them.

I’d personally do the GT-R ride versus the go karting. Also, take the time to ride the wonderful subway/train system (not during rush hour though) and walk around.

Food wise: just eat everything. Even the fast food, chain stuff is interesting to it, like Sukiya. Bakeries make delicious breads and pastries, I think even better than many French bakeries can these days. Ramen is also great, and you can even eat Michelin star ramen for cheap if you go for lunch. Convenience stores are like a treasure hunt, sometimes you find amazing things whether it’s instant ramen, desserts, drinks...

Conveyor sushi is overrated, find a counter where the chefs make it for you on the spot; this place in Shibuya was an accidental find:   https://goo.gl/maps/33kfzHTVzRzx9kd48

They’re reasonably pric ed with a multi-lingual menu and with pictures. Tourist friendly but the quality/price was right. It’s a standing restaurant, it’s all one long counter, so keep that in mind.

You’ll have fun, it’s a hell of a place.

Jetstreamer > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 17:41

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Can’t recommend car stuff to do. All I can recommend is to wander off the beaten path as much as possible and try the smaller places for food. I still miss all the different noodle dishes, my god...

Kyoto is a blast as well but Tokyo is my kind of mega city. Could spend the full 10 days there no problem. And if you go by Shinkansen to Kyoto, be sure to not lose your ticket, they will not print you a new one despite the many pieces of proof of payment. Learned that the hard way when my travel partner lost her ticket, lol.

Nom De Plume > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 17:55

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How about cultural awareness?  I merely suggested something to consider that would improve your time in country.

oldmxer > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 18:00

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they have track days where you pay a fee and drive real cars on track, saw a vid on it

M.T. Blake > Cé hé sin 02/17/2020 at 18:10

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I could probably do that at the MegaWeb. 

M.T. Blake > gin-san - shitpost specialist 02/17/2020 at 18:13

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I added the sushi restaurant to my list. I’m really excited to see a baseball game, they look electric. I’ll definitely do the GTR over the karting, considering the few days I have I’ll have to make a decision on one.

Excellent info! Thanks. 

M.T. Blake > Jetstreamer 02/17/2020 at 18:16

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Wander I will. Ticket loss I will not.

We plan on getting the JR Rail Pass to cut down on the expense. I think it pencils out, got to make a couple more calculations to be sure. 

M.T. Blake > Nom De Plume 02/17/2020 at 18:21

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They’ll have to be small gifts, I’m packing light and using minimal luggage. I can put things in gift  bags - no wrapping needed

M.T. Blake > oldmxer 02/17/2020 at 18:21

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WHERRRERES THIS?!?!

Don’t tempt me. 

Nom De Plume > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 18:26

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Fittingly they would be.  And provide room for same when packing to come home.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 18:44

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Learn to drive on the incorrect side of the road?

average user > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 18:59

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Eat. Eat. Did I say eat? Japanese food is amazing from top end to convenience stores. So eat. 

M.T. Blake > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/17/2020 at 19:16

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Nope. Going to do it live. 

M.T. Blake > average user 02/17/2020 at 19:17

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Been working out like a madman to make some room!

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 20:02

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And hopefully be alive when you’re finished...

I meant the previous in the sense of a car thing you do whilst you’re there.

M.T. Blake > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 02/17/2020 at 20:23

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Oh I thought you meant because coronavirus.

I’ll take a slice of lime with mine. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 20:58

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Hopefully you will encounter the Devil Z while out driving the R34 and do a run up to 300 kph.

feather-throttle-not-hair > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 21:50

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I’m going as well in a couple weeks, but i’m going with my dad, sister and brother who all dont care about cars.

I will have to go back soon and do this:

https://fun2drive-japan.com/car-tours/

Because as fun as driving through Tokyo in an R34 sounds, i’d rather hit like 7 mountain passes in a Hakosuka skyline or a 964 Turbo, or maybe that old Z car they have... It’s expensive as hell, but also heavily into bucket list territory.

RPM esq. > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 22:03

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I love Tokyo and Kyoto and have been to both a few times but have never managed to do much car-related there other than -spotting and riding around Kyoto in doily-filled Toyota Crown and Nissan Cedric or President taxis and shopping for die-cast models of JDM cars in Akihabara. Interested to hear how this goes.

ETA: if you want a thorough but not car-related Tokyo/Kyoto sightseeing itinerary, let me know...I’m infamous in my family for this and have planned versions of this trip a couple of times.

ETA2: don’t plan to speed when you drive the R34 in Tokyo, unless you want to see the inside of a Japanese jail.

RPM esq. > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 22:06

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Nissan’s showroom is indeed in Ginza right on the main sightseeing/shopping  stretch.

RPM esq. > M.T. Blake 02/17/2020 at 22:09

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Get a JR pass. Bullet train to and from Kyoto plus a day trip to Nara to see some temples and tame deer or to Osaka to go out drinking and eating ought to pay for it, and if/when you use the Narita Express to and from the airport or the green line to get around Tokyo it’ll just be icing on the cake. Even if it doesn’t pencil out exactly the convenience is worth it, frankly.

M.T. Blake > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/17/2020 at 22:15

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Yes! I’ve been watching that when I’m using my elliptical ! I want the RUF Blackbird!

M.T. Blake > feather-throttle-not-hair 02/17/2020 at 22:16

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If I were in the Mt. Fuji area I’d be doing that. Affordable for the driving and quality of cars they have. 

M.T. Blake > RPM esq. 02/17/2020 at 22:21

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I’m open to suggestions. We should be staying around Chuo City, Shibuya/Shinjuku, and near the Gion District, Kyoto. I’m aware of the big attractions but, any of the lesser known I haven’t researched. I also haven’t researched restaurants yet either...

Haha, no speeding... hard accelerations on the other hand...

M.T. Blake > RPM esq. 02/17/2020 at 22:23

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I’m there for 10 days. They sell the pass in multiples of seven. If I get the 7 day, it isn’t enough and the fourteen is more money than I want to spend. I’ll end up getting the 14 for safety sake, but it sure isn’t cheap.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > M.T. Blake 02/18/2020 at 00:06

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Well you are covering most of it, I lived there for years and my wife is Japanese if you need any expert help. I wouldn’t drive in Tokyo, it’s a mess. There is a car museum near the Megaweb in that mall that isn’t part of it, they have a Z432 I’ve posted pics of last time I went. In the Shibuya area they have Tokyu Hands and The Loft, I think they both have model hobby stuff.

M.T. Blake > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 02/18/2020 at 00:11

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Awesome. I’ll keep you in mind. We will be staying in the Shibuya area too, I’ll check those out. 

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > M.T. Blake 02/18/2020 at 00:16

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Those are still there, a lot changes in that area. I really like The Loft, all kinds of little departments to look in. You can walk to Harajuku from there, always interesting things to see. You should see some interesting cars around that area cruising. There are always Toyota Centuries by the fancy hotels. I talked to a driver once and he was happy to show me all around it.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > M.T. Blake 02/18/2020 at 00:20

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I am now saying blackbird with a strong Japanese accent.

whatisthatsound > M.T. Blake 02/18/2020 at 00:25

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I lived there for a few months in Misawa. Overall a positive experience and we went all through Japan. I’d try to do most things on your list and really enjoy the actual wagyu you can get there for a reasonable price. The fish market is a must too. Maybe a sake tasting mid afternoon as well, and if you like photography the fuji flagship store lets you try every product they own and that was pretty cool. I also saw some neat cars that they did not like me taking photos of.

RPM esq. > M.T. Blake 02/18/2020 at 08:37

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Get 7 days and don’t activate it until a few days into the trip—i. e. assuming you’re flying to Narita pay cash for the Narita express to Tokyo when you get there, and then go activate the pass a few days in, before you take the shinkansen to Kyoto. The main thing is to make sure it’s active the last day when you will presumably have a Shinkansen ride plus a Narita Express, again assuming you’re flying out of Narita.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > M.T. Blake 02/18/2020 at 10:11

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Pretty sure you have to sing some karaoke while you’re there.

AdverseMartyr > M.T. Blake 02/18/2020 at 10:39

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I recommend getting a kei car for a day, and trying to fit it down the “streets” marked with the round blue sign picturing a bicycle and a person walking, but without the sign saying no cars allowed.

Seriously, a wrong turn in the neighborhoods over here makes for great practice with reversing, and 8 point turns.

Just be hyper aware of bicycles wherever you drive.

M.T. Blake > whatisthatsound 02/18/2020 at 10:44

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Awesome. Thanks for the info. You must have felt like a local after a few months. 

M.T. Blake > RPM esq. 02/18/2020 at 10:45

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Best advice I’ve gotten so far. Great idea. The N’Ex is about $25 if I pay for it outside of the JR Pass. 

M.T. Blake > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/18/2020 at 10:46

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I’ll be singing ‘The Final Countdown’ all night. 

M.T. Blake > AdverseMartyr 02/18/2020 at 10:47

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I’ll buy extra insurance too.

“That scratch? It was already there!!!”

AdverseMartyr > M.T. Blake 02/20/2020 at 01:00

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With rentals here it probably was already there. Most bumpers have rash from striking high curbs at faster than recommended speeds. And from brushing electrical poles that are taking up a portion of the street.

oldmxer > M.T. Blake 04/09/2020 at 04:31

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somewhere in Japan, think it’s sponsored by a car company with the idea of increasing sales