When is the F1 Japanese Grand Prix held?

The Japanese Grand Prix is held at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture on the cherry blossom weekend — typically late March or early April. The race was moved from its traditional autumn slot to a spring date starting in 2024 (2024 and 2025 races were in early April; the 2026 GP took place March 27–29).

Which Japanese car museums require advance booking?

Nissan Heritage Collection, Subaru Visitor Center, Mazda Museum and Suzuki Plaza Museum all require advance reservation — and the Nissan, Subaru and Suzuki booking sites are Japanese-language only. Toyota Kaikan is walk-in (Mon–Sat). Honda Collection Hall is walk-in via Mobility Resort Motegi.

How do I visit the Daikoku Futo Parking Area car meets?

Daikoku PA is located on the Shuto Expressway in Yokohama and is accessed by driving in via the expressway. Taxis can drop you off but cannot pick you up. The best options are a rental car or a licensed JDM tour.

Can I still take a factory tour at Toyota Kaikan?

No — Toyota Motor Corporation plant tours at the Motomachi, Takaoka and Tsutsumi plants have been suspended since 2021, with no announced resumption date. Toyota Kaikan itself remains open as a museum showcasing current Toyota and Lexus models, concept vehicles, and exhibits across its themed zones. Toyota also offers an online virtual plant tour on its corporate site.

Can I drive the Fuji Subaru Line up to Mt. Fuji in summer?

Not in your own vehicle. During Mt. Fuji's official climbing season (typically early July through September 10), private cars are restricted from the Fuji Subaru Line and a shuttle bus runs from the Fuji-Hokuroku parking area to the 5th Station.

How long will Nissan's Oppama factory tour be available?

Nissan announced in July 2025 that vehicle production at the Oppama Plant in Yokosuka will end by March 2028. The 90-minute weekday factory tour is available until then, but it is Japanese-language only and requires booking approximately three months in advance.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Japan?

Yes. Visitors from countries that are parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most of Europe) can drive in Japan for up to one year using an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in their home country before departure. Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan use a different system — a certified Japanese translation of the home licence, per the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). IDPs cannot be issued inside Japan, so arrange this before you fly.

When is the best time to plan a Japan car trip?

Late March to early April overlaps with the F1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka and cherry blossom season. Late May brings WRC Rally Japan to Aichi and Gifu. October and early November are ideal for tōge driving, with dry weather and autumn foliage. Golden Week (late April to early May) sees heavy crowds at roads, expressway rest areas and car museums. Winter (December–February) brings snow to mountain roads including the Fuji Subaru Line, Hakone and Irohazaka.

Is Rally Japan really in May 2026 instead of November?

Yes. The 2026 FIA World Rally Championship calendar repositions Rally Japan from its traditional November slot to May 28–31, 2026, swapping dates with Rally Italy. The WRC Promoter cited sporting reasons — the May slot breaks up a long sequence of gravel rallies and reduces the road-sweeping disadvantage for early championship leaders. The service park remains at Toyota Stadium in Toyota City, Aichi.

Japan Car Trip Guide 2026 · 23 Spots + 3 Routes

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Pocket-sized icons from some of the world's favorite car brands: a Toyota?Toyota · Est. 1937Founded in Aichi in 1937, now the world's largest automaker — Supra, Land Cruiser, AE86 and Corolla among its icons. Supra or Land Cruiser die-cast, an AE86 straight off the Toyota Kaikan floor, a Honda?Honda · Est. 1948Founded in Hamamatsu in 1948 — the Civic Type R and Super Cub are two of its most beloved icons, on four wheels and two. Civic Type R, and a Super Cub scaled down to desk size. Add a Mazda?Mazda · Est. 1920Founded in Hiroshima in 1920 — the rotary-engine RX-7 and roadster Miata defined its performance legacy. RX-7 or Miata and a Nissan?Nissan · Est. 1933Founded in Yokohama in 1933 — the Skyline GT-R is the car that built its performance reputation. Skyline GT-R, and the whole shelf is covered. Auto Goods Collector Pieces by Hot Wheels?Hot Wheels · Est. 1968Launched by Mattel in California in 1968 — the world's best-selling toy car line, with billions of die-cast vehicles made since..

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