Imagine this: it’s mid-afternoon in summertime Japan. You’re on the summit of a mountain road with a lineup of JDM hero machines cooling down after a spirited touge run. It’d sound like a dream, but a few months ago this was my reality.
Positioned near Hakone and Mount Fuji, Fun2Drive offers a singular experience for automotive enthusiasts visiting Japan – a probability to drive JDM icons on iconic Japanese roads.
So long as I dreamed of visiting Japan, a time out with Fun2Drive was near the highest of my ‘must-do’ list. So, when planning a two-week visit to this extraordinary country, it was one in all the primary bookings I made.
I selected the ‘Ultimate Hakone Tour,’ a five-hour guided drive from 10 within the morning until 3 within the afternoon, covering a few of Japan’s most famous roads, including Hakone Skyline, Tsubaki Line, Ashinoko Skyline, and the famed Hakone Turnpike. The tour is a highlights reel of famous routes featured in Dino’s stories, grainy videos from Japan’s golden era of performance tuning, and naturally, Initial D.
The day began with a briefing, outlining the route and showcasing videos of potential mishaps. The sight of an R32 Skyline GT-R spinning out right into a guard rail was met with a collective wince from the tour group.
Fun2Drive’s dedication to safety is crucial. The cars at the center of this operation have gotten increasingly beneficial, and repairing or replacing them as a consequence of accidents is a big concern for the corporate.
To mitigate the chance, the tour is conducted in English and guides in cars are positioned at the back and front of the convoy. They manage the pace and supply commentary on hazards to maintain everyone protected.
Safety briefing over, it was time for the group to fireplace up our cars for the the day. As a keen rally enthusiast, I booked Fun2Drive’s 2000 Subaru Impreza Type R STI Version 6 Limited – in Sonic Blue Mica with gold wheels, in fact.
Despite growing up at rally events surrounded by Subarus, I’d previously only driven a few Imprezas for very short periods. Yet, slipping into this GC8 STI coupe felt like an ideal alternative, and the primary blip of the throttle to bring the boxer burble alive confirmed it. With my girlfriend beside me and our bags loaded, we set off.
Starting behind the convoy allowed me to familiarise myself with the automotive and driving in Japan. Coming from Ireland, where we also drive on the left, made things much easier, but there’s still adventure in taking to the roads of a brand new country. Especially Japan, for somebody who gets giddy on the constant sight of kei cars and Toyota Crown taxis.
After a brief two-kilometre drive, our convoy pulled off to the side of the road while the lead guide raced ahead to make sure the best way was clear. It was the stuff of JDM fantasies, the tree-lined roadway silent aside from the idle of the assembled cars.
On the front was a Nissan R35 GT-R. This was meant to be a BNR34 Skyline GT-R, nevertheless, the renter’s lack of manual gearbox experience necessitated a late swap. Behind was a Canadian couple in a Datsun Fairlady Z. I struggled to maintain up with flame-spitting S30 later within the day, so it was no surprise to seek out a retrofitted RB25DET under this classic’s hood.
Maximum Initial D points went to the AE86 Toyota Trueno, and behind that, a Porsche 911 Turbo – one in all only two non-Japanese cars within the Fun2Drive fleet – looking beautiful on split BBS RS wheels. The black 964 was a beautiful contrast to the stainless NA1 Honda NSX that followed it, with a wide-body FD3S Mazda RX-7 filling our view ahead.
Other cars available to rent include Nissan C10 Hakosuka and C110 Kenmeri GT-R replicas, a brand new NC1 Honda NSX, A80 and A90 Toyota Supras, a Tommi Mäkinen Edition Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI, and a modified AP1 Honda S2000 amongst others.
The pace was balanced perfectly between leisurely cruising and spirited driving when the chance and road allowed. Agile and responsive, the Impreza was an absolute joy to drive on the twisty sections. The Dunlop Direzza tyres gripped well, and the 280PS turbocharged 2.0L boxer engine delivered some proper kick.
Following a midday break at a small diner on the Hakone Skyline, decorated with automotive memorabilia, the road order was adjusted. Opportunities to swap positions at every other stop meant everyone could benefit from the cars how they wished.
The breaks also allowed the cars to chill down from the recent June temperatures and provided a probability to speak.
Cruising through Hakone, it was surreal to see the brilliant blue reflection of the Impreza reflecting off shop windows. The ultimate fuel stop, where all of the automotive cars converged on a small forecourt, capped off the day in one of the best ways possible. What a sight!
I had mixed emotions on our return to Fun2Drive HQ after an incredible day of driving. The Subaru and the tour had been exceptional – I’d do it again in a heartbeat. It was just a little bit sad to think that Japanese cars like this are actually out of reach for a lot of enthusiasts. Thankfully though, Fun2Drive exists to make driving experiences in these cars – within the JDM motherland – accessible.
As latest guests prepared for a single-hour taster tour in lots of the same cars, our group said our goodbyes. While most were returning to Tokyo – that journey taking roughly two hours by train and bus – we opted to remain in Gotemba, a 20-minute bus ride away.
Not only did that position us near Gotemba Premium Outlets – a big outlet mall – this location afforded spectacular views of Mt. Fuji when it wasn’t shrouded in cloud. Oh, and Fuji Speedway is on the outskirts of town.
Fun2Drive has a tour that visits the legendary track – with the chance to do just a few laps – but I used the spare few hours before our trip back to Tokyo to go to the museum.
The 2-storey Fuji Motorsports Museum houses a few of Japan’s most iconic race cars. It’s been some time since I’ve set free an expletive, but after I rounded a corner to see a Mazda 787B and a Toyota GT-One, I couldn’t help it. You possibly can take a look at more on the museum in Jaden Low’s IAMTHESPEEDHUNTER post.
Looking back on my time in Japan, the day with Fun2Drive stands out as a highlight. Driving a legendary automotive on Japan’s most iconic roads, surrounded by fellow automotive enthusiasts, was a singular experience. It seems JDM dreams can come true.
Cian Donnellan
Instagram: ciandon
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
