Transportation Options in Japan?

Actually, taking the Shinkanse would afford you more freedom. You need to start thinking in Japanese terms. There are actually many places in Japan that is MORE accessible via the mass transit systems than via a car, and the transportation system is more geared towards this.

I've been to Japan countless times over the last 35 years, and I've only used a car once and it was driven by a friend just to do it not because I needed to get around.

Kyoto traffic is not too bad, but Tokyo traffic is crazy and Osaka not too far behind. Just think New York City times 10, and I really would not recommend it for the tenderfoot.

Most lodgings do offer parking but the parking (except for the very large western style hotels) tend to be very limited - almost an after thought. Get there late and you are out of luck.

Hi! I'm local in Kanagawa.

It is easy to drive for a long distance in high ways.

Generally the high ways are not free, you know, and the toll fee is automatically charged to your credit card with the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card.

I'm not sure that your credit card company provides the Japanese ETC card.

Please ask it for the card office.

If you do not have any ETC card, you can also pay the toll fee by cash (Japanese yen only).

Some toll gate has a credit card reader, but they are not so many.

All big hotels, and most of small hotels locates on a bit far from the central city area provide a free parking space for the people stays in that hotel.

But sometimes the parking spaces are limited and not enough for all the people.

So, you'd better make it sure that free parking space is available for your party, when you book the lodgings.

I think you can reach to Haneda Airport, its not so difficult.

But I recommend you to use only high ways in Tokyo.

Other roads are so narrow and messy in the urban area, especially Tokyo.

Inside of Haneda airport area, the roads are convoluted, confusing, but there are may signs in English to show you the way, and you can find the way.

Hope your good trip and enjoy the stay!

If you are 8 people. it's much cheaper if you rent a box-type car for all, or 2 cars.

But do not take driving in Japan so easily. It's right handle, left-side street. It's the opposite of US. And traffic rules are different. too.

Streets are often congested that it takes more than you originally planned.

If you rent a driver, too, it would be nice.

it somewhat is slightly a trek however the quickest and maximum inexpensive way i stumbled on became Fly to Kobe from Haneda airport (~10k yen) (a million hour) Kobe monorail->Sannomiya (320 yen) (30 min) Tokaido line(???) at Sannomiya -> Kyoto (1050 yen) (a million hour) finished cost (~11400 yen) finished Time ( 2.5 hours)