Go Tokyo Your Experience
Recommended apps for self-driving travel in Japan｜If you want to travel in Japan without any obstacles, you need to prepare in advance, especially for those who are new to self-driving. By installing the following three apps and bookmarking the websites, you won’t have to worry about parking, road fees, route planning, etc., when you arrive. One of the tools even shares detailed specifications of popular rental car models, including how much luggage can fit in the trunk.
Parking lot finder – PPPark
Although parking lots are scattered throughout Japan’s streets and alleys, the hourly rates vary significantly. At the same time, in order to ensure a smooth journey, finding the location of the parking lot at the destination first is the hallmark of a competent self-driving tour driver. The PPPark App can locate parking lots across Japan and will rank them to inform users which parking lot is the cheapest at that location. More importantly, it will also display the number of available parking spots, allowing users to plan in advance where to park.
Check the amount of luggage that can be placed in the car model – Tabirai
When renting a car for a self-driving trip, most of the time it is not a model you have previously driven. It can be difficult to predict whether the specifications of the car will be suitable, especially the size of the trunk. If you find out after arrival that there is not enough space for your luggage, it can lead to going over budget. The website “Tabirai” provides specifications for popular car models in Japan and shows with pictures how much luggage can fit in the trunk, making it easy to see which model is suitable for a self-driving trip when choosing a car.
Route Planning – NAVITIME Car Navigation
Even though I have been to Japan many times, driving there is a completely different concept. The choice of which road to take, toll sections, and even stopping at scenic spots along the way all require prior planning. The “NAVITIME Car Navigation” app is similar to Google Maps in terms of mapping and navigation, but it is particularly notable for displaying the toll costs for each route. Since tolls on Japanese highways are relatively high and are charged for the entire distance once you enter, using the highway for short trips may not be cost-effective. Additionally, the advantage of “NAVITIME Car Navigation” over Google Maps is that it can indicate the locations of attractions, convenience stores, and gas stations along the route, making it more convenient for navigation in Japan.