Drive Japan: The Forza Horizon 6 Road Trip
A 12-day driving route across Japan's car-culture hits and mountain roads.
OlaChill 实地测试
🗓 Day by day
Arrival in Tokyo and Shibuya exploration
Arrive at Haneda or Narita, then head into central Tokyo without rushing. Drop off your bags and take a brief loop around Shibuya, aiming for a city view if the sky is clear. For dinner, opt for ramen, konbini snacks, or something nearby. Your focus is on settling in, soaking in the neon ambiance, and getting a good night’s rest.
Exploring Aoyama and Tokyo Tower
Begin your day at Meiji Jingu for some tranquility, then stroll through Omotesando to enjoy the architecture, coffee, and a taste of the car scene without actually driving. If it's the right time of year, you'll find the ginkgo trees around Meiji Jingu Gaien in their autumn glory. Later, visit Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple for classic views, and consider stopping at Andaz for a drink if you're not too tired.
Karting and Daikoku PA
Structure your day around three key activities: a fun street-kart session, several hours wandering through Akihabara, and finally, a guided JDM ride to Daikoku PA. Keep shopping to a minimum, eat beforehand, and maintain some flexibility for the evening. Daikoku is best experienced as a setting to explore rather than as an event.
Yokohama recovery
Think of Yokohama as a laid-back recovery day following the excitement of Daikoku. Travel down from Tokyo and enjoy a leisurely harbor cruise: Minato Mirai, Landmark Tower if weather permits, Cup Noodles Museum if it rains, then lunch in Chinatown, followed by a visit to Red Brick Warehouse and Yamashita Park during sunset. Keep the walking relaxed and the day easygoing. You'll set off for Hakone tomorrow, so this is your chance to recharge.
Driving the Hakone Turnpike
Travel to Hakone via Odakyu Romancecar or rental car; the trip is about 90 minutes. Check into your ryokan or arrange for bag forwarding from Hakone-Yumoto, then enjoy lunch featuring soba noodles or rainbow trout. In the afternoon, navigate the 15.8 km long Hakone Turnpike, ascending 1,000 meters with views of Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay, stopping at Daikanzan lookout for photos. Visit Owakudani for a taste of kuro-tamago. Return to the ryokan for an onsen soak, a kaiseki dinner, and a second soak before resting.
Fuji Speedway track day
Make your way to Fuji Speedway, about 45 minutes via Gotemba. Your morning begins with a safety briefing, followed by a parade lap behind a pace car, then lunch at the circuit before your main track session in the afternoon. Optionally stop by the Toyota Automobile Museum and take a paddock walk later. On your way back, stop at Lake Yamanaka for beautiful views of Fuji. Head back to the ryokan for an onsen experience and another kaiseki meal. If you prefer, Initial D fans can swap this day for Fun2Drive's 5-hour 'Ultimate Hakone' JDM rental experience that includes Hakone Skyline, Tsubaki Line, Ashinoko Skyline, and the Turnpike.
Scenic drive in the Fuji Five Lakes region
Opt for a leisurely driving loop instead of hiking today. Depart Hakone after breakfast and enter the Fuji Five Lakes area, using your car to seek out the best vistas: stop at Arakurayama Sengen Park if the mountain is visible, and visit Lake Kawaguchi for its reflection shot, finishing with a simple hoto noodle dinner nearby. If you're lodging near Fuji Speedway, enjoy bonus views from the hotel museum and paddock. Preserve your energy for the long journey to Nikko tomorrow.
Transfer to Nikko
Depart from the Fuji Five Lakes after breakfast, embarking on the longest transfer of the trip. Take breaks for coffee, snacks, and a substantial lunch before reaching Nikko. Spend your afternoon visiting Toshogu, Shinkyo, and Rinno-ji, and conclude the day at Kanmangafuchi if time permits. Dinner awaits at a ryokan in Nikko.
Driving the Irohazaka
This day is primarily focused on driving. Ascend the Irohazaka’s one-way uphill route, taking the Akechidaira ropeway if the weather cooperates, then enjoy lunch and photos around Lake Chuzenji. Kegon Falls is a noteworthy stop, while Senjogahara provides a possible quiet break if the group desires. Return by descending the separate one-way route, or opt for a detour to Nikko Yumoto for a sulphur soak before dinner.
Exploring Urabandai
Head north from Nikko and let the kilometers accumulate. Pause for lunch or refueling at Lake Inawashiro, then take quieter routes into Urabandai. Consider a short stop at Goshikinuma to admire the colorful ponds and stretch your legs before continuing. Complete the day with a late loop around Lake Hibara before dinner.