Following our travels to Kansai area 3 months back, our journey through Tokyo and its neighbouring cities unfolded at our own pace, thanks to the flexibility of a rental car. Beyond the capital’s dense skyline, we ventured into quieter pockets like Narita, Kawagoe, Yokosuka and Minamiboso, where the scenery shifts into a more relaxed, small-town rhythm. Driving through Japan’s countryside proved to be surprisingly smooth and manageable, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, but the experience takes a different turn once you enter a metropolis like Tokyo — where traffic density, narrow streets, and limited parking can quickly become overwhelming. Parking, in particular, is something to plan for, as fees can be a significant consideration, sometimes reaching up to ¥10,000 per day.
