Six Drives from Tokyo

Hot springs, a crater lake and Mount Fuji over the ridge, under two hours from Tokyo. The roads up are some of the best driving near the city.

Tokyo1 h 401 h 40 from Tokyo, 2 days

Five lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji, each with its own view of the mountain. Come early, when the water is still and the car parks are empty.

Tokyo1 h 501 h 50 from Tokyo, 2 days

Gilded shrines in a cedar forest, then a mountain road of forty-eight hairpins up to a lake and a waterfall. Cooler than Tokyo in every season.

Tokyo2 h 202 h 20 from Tokyo, 2 days

Temples and the Great Buddha in the morning, then the coast road to Enoshima. The day ends with the sun going down over Sagami Bay.

Tokyo1 h 101 h 10 from Tokyo, A day

A highland town of larch forest and quiet lanes, about a thousand metres up. Tokyo comes here to slow down in summer.

Tokyo2 h 202 h 20 from Tokyo, 2 days

A peninsula of sea cliffs, onsen towns and early cherry blossom. Three days lets you drive the whole coast at your own pace.

Tokyo2 h 302 h 30 from Tokyo, 3 days