Super-Memories of Our Trip to Japan, During Which We Traveled by Car
Our family’s trip to Japan was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with adventure, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable memories. We are a family of six from New Zealand, and we had always dreamt of visiting Japan, experiencing its unique culture, and seeing the iconic sights. But we wanted to do something a little different—something that would allow us to see the country at our own pace, with the freedom to explore both the bustling cities and the tranquil countryside. That’s when we discovered the magic of driving through Japan, a decision that made our trip even more special.
Finding the Right Support: JTA Japan Travel Assist
Before arriving in Japan, we were a little unsure of how we would manage the logistics of traveling around the country, especially with six people and a lot of luggage, including our ski and snowboarding equipment. We knew that Japan had an efficient public transportation system, but we also wanted the flexibility of driving ourselves. That’s when we found Japan Travel Assist (JTA), a company that specializes in offering car rentals and personalized travel assistance to tourists.
What stood out to us about JTA was their 24/7 availability and the fact that they spoke English, making communication much easier. They were the only company that seemed to cater specifically to international visitors with their comprehensive services, and we were delighted to find that they had the best rates around. From the moment we arrived, JTA took care of everything—renting a car, setting up the GPS, and even providing detailed instructions on the best routes to take.
Our Road Trip Begins: Heading to Nagano
Once we had our car, we were off to Nagano, one of Japan’s most famous ski regions, located about three hours northwest of Tokyo. Nagano is renowned for its winter sports, and we were excited to hit the slopes with our snowboarding gear. We found the roads to be incredibly well-maintained and easy to navigate, and the drive was incredibly scenic—especially as we passed through the picturesque countryside and small towns.
The weather was perfect for skiing and snowboarding, and we were able to spend several days enjoying the slopes. Nagano’s ski resorts offer a variety of runs for all skill levels, and we took full advantage of the fresh powder. What made this part of our trip even more memorable was the fact that we had complete freedom to come and go as we pleased, without being tied to the schedules of public transportation. We could stay on the slopes for as long as we wanted and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains at our own pace.
JTA’s Additional Support: From Accommodation to Currency Exchange
Not only did JTA provide us with the perfect vehicle for our road trip, but they also assisted us with booking our accommodation. They helped us find a cozy, family-friendly hotel in Nagano that was close to the ski resorts, allowing us to easily relax after a long day of skiing. The staff at the hotel were incredibly friendly and made us feel at home, adding to the overall warmth and hospitality we experienced in Japan.
Another great thing about JTA was their assistance with currency exchange. As first-time visitors to Japan, we were unsure of the best way to exchange our money. JTA made this process smooth and hassle-free, giving us clear guidance on where to exchange currency at the best rates and even offering to assist with exchanges directly if needed.