Japan Golf Chauffeur vs Self-Drive Complete Guide

This guide explains how to plan a golf trip in Japan, comparing chauffeur service and self-drive for visitors. It outlines real vehicle capacities, routing around Mt. Fuji, luggage considerations, the ideal three-round sequence, and provides a practical five-day itinerary plus FAQ answers.

Mt. Fuji viewed from a suburban street in Shizuoka, Japan, showing clear winter skies and local traffic.

How to choose the right vehicle, plan efficient routing, manage golf bags and luggage, and determine the best transport option for 2 to 12 travelers

In recent years, the number of overseas golfers visiting Japan has grown rapidly, and many of them choose to self-drive. Japan’s rental car process is simple, the road signage is clear, and golf courses around Mt. Fuji appear to be close to each other. At first glance, self-drive seems like the most flexible option.

However, when your trip includes multiple rounds of golf, cross-area hotel changes, luggage and golf bags, sightseeing stops, and unpredictable mountain weather, the experience between self-drive and private chauffeur diverges significantly. Many travelers start with self-drive on their first trip, but choose chauffeur service on their second or third visit—not for luxury, but for efficiency and overall travel quality.

This guide explains the three core aspects most relevant to golfers traveling in Japan:

1. Key differences between self-drive and chauffeur service

2. Standard routing and vehicle selection around Mt. Fuji

3. Practical itinerary examples and common questions

Clear blue-sky view of Mt. Fuji from the south side, taken during a golf trip around the Fuji area.

1. Key Differences Between Self-Drive and Chauffeur Service

Below are the five most common factors faced by overseas golfers.

1. Navigation and route planningGolf courses around Mt. Fuji are spread across the southern, eastern, and northern slopes, requiring different expressways and entrances. Self-drivers must research routes daily, calculate tolls, and constantly switch navigation between golf courses and attractions. This consumes both time and energy.

2. Space for golf bags and luggageSeven to eight-seater Japanese vans (Noah, Serena, Voxy) cannot hold four people plus four golf bags and luggage. Even if forced, the interior becomes extremely cramped.Alphard can theoretically seat five, but with four golf bags and luggage, the real-world limit is three people.HiAce can accommodate four to five comfortably; with six passengers, there is usually no remaining space for any additional luggage.

3. Mountain weather and road conditionsThe Mt. Fuji region often encounters dense fog, sudden rain, seasonal ice, and downhill glare. Self-drivers must be comfortable with mountain driving and harsh weather, particularly at night. Otherwise, delays and fatigue are common.

4. Energy and daily travel rhythmA typical self-drive day becomes:morning tee-off → 5 hours of golf → 1–2 hours driving → evening transfer to hotel or attractions.Repeating this for three days leads to accumulated fatigue and may affect playing performance.

5. Parking and limited flexibility at attractionsPopular areas (Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Owakudani, Gotemba Premium Outlets) often experience parking shortages during peak seasons. Self-drivers frequently lose time finding parking, disrupting the day’s schedule.

2. Self-Drive vs Chauffeur Service Comparison

Below is a quick overview that highlights the essential differences.

Self-DriveAdvantages• Full control over time and schedule• Lower visible upfront cost• Suitable for simple point-to-point travelDisadvantages• Route research and parking required• Limited space for golf bags and luggage• Mountain roads and weather require experience• Requires driving long distances after golf• Parking at major attractions is often difficult

Chauffeur ServiceAdvantages• Drivers familiar with local roads and golf course parking• Consistent travel rhythm and improved daily efficiency• Passengers can rest between rounds• Ideal for routes involving multiple regions• Vehicle selection can be optimized for luggage and golf bagsDisadvantages• Higher cost than self-drive• Requires advance planning of daily usage hours

Toyota HiAce used for Japan golf chauffeur service, with golf bags loaded in the rear cargo area.

3. Standard Mt. Fuji Routing and Travel Logic

Golf courses around Mt. Fuji, Gotemba, Susono, Hakone, and Kawaguchiko form a wide triangular region. Without proper planning, many travelers end up repeating the same route every day, resulting in excessive travel time.

The most efficient routing is:

Day 1: Depart Tokyo and stay in the southwestern area (Fujinomiya or Mishima)Day 2: Southwestern courses (Susono, River Fuji, Asagiri)Day 3: Eastern courses (Gotemba, Taiheiyo, Fuji Heigen)Day 4: Northern courses (Sanko Fuji, Narusawa, Fujizakura)Day 5: Return to Tokyo, Narita, or Haneda

This arrangement ensures:• No repeated routes• Gradual difficulty progression• Smooth transition from business hotels to onsen ryokan• Balanced physical energy• Flexible sightseeing options

This routing is widely used by groups of four to ten golfers and is considered the most stable itinerary pattern.

4. Who Should Choose Self-Drive and Who Should Choose Chauffeur Service

Based on real-world travel patterns:

Suitable for Self-Drive• Two to three travelers• Minimal luggage• Only one or two rounds of golf• Staying in the same hotel without cross-region moves• No major sightseeing in Hakone or Kawaguchiko• Familiar with Japanese roads and driving etiquette

Suitable for Chauffeur Service• Groups of three to six golfers• Multiple golf bags and luggage• Three rounds of golf over multiple regions• Itineraries including shopping and major sightseeing• Travelers who want a stable daily rhythm

For travelers who value efficiency, comfort, and energy management, chauffeur service provides a noticeably better overall experience.

5. Vehicle Types and Realistic Capacity for Golf Travel

Below are the most commonly used vehicles and their actual practical capacity.

AlphardIdeal for two golfersMaximum: three people with golf bags and luggageComfortable but limited cargo space

HiAceIdeal for four to five golfersSix passengers is possible but leaves almost no extra luggage spaceWorks best for two to three rounds

Coaster or Mid-Size BusSuitable for groups of ten to twelveGood for sightseeing and multi-round itineraries

Large BusIdeal for sixteen or more travelersCommon for corporate groups or golf teams

6. Sample Five-Day Three-Round Mt. Fuji Itinerary

Based on the routing described above, the following is the most common pattern for overseas golfers:

Day 1Arrive in Tokyo, transfer to Mishima or Fujinomiya to stay overnight

Day 2South slope course (River Fuji, Asagiri)Transfer to Gotemba or Susono

Day 3East slope course (Gotemba CC, Susono CC)Transfer to Kawaguchiko

Day 4North slope Sanko Fuji CourseStay at a Kawaguchiko onsen ryokan

Day 5Return to Tokyo or Narita / HanedaIf time allows, optional upgrades to prestige courses:Fujizakura CCTaiheiyo Club GotembaHakone Country Club

This routing balances scenery, difficulty progression, and realistic daily travel time. It is one of the most recommended structures for golfers.

Fairway view at a Japan golf course near Mt. Fuji, showing wide open grass and winter light.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1Is the Mt. Fuji region suitable for full self-drive?Self-drive works if you only play one or two rounds and stay in the same area.If the itinerary includes three rounds, cross-region hotel changes, or visits to Hakone and Kawaguchiko, the self-drive workload increases significantly.

Question 2What is the most efficient three-round routing in the Mt. Fuji region?The most stable order is south slope, east slope, then north slope.This reduces repeated routes and saves travel time.

Question 3Can four golfers use an Alphard?Four golfers plus golf bags and luggage is not feasible.Three golfers is the practical upper limit.

Question 4Is it recommended to travel at night during a golf trip?Not recommended.Night driving in mountain regions is more tiring and can affect the next day’s performance.

Question 5Can prestige courses in the Mt. Fuji area be booked individually?Courses such as Fujizakura, Taiheiyo Gotemba, and Narusawa have very limited visitor quotas.Most require early planning or booking through a local agent familiar with the reservation system.