The FMJ Fly & Drive Tour Experience
There is no better way to experience Japan than with a well-planned itinerary, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
It was with this concept in mind that Follow Me Japan (FMJ) created our signature Fly & Drive tours, a sublime balance of a stress-free group tour combined with the flexibility and independence of free and easy travel.
With 20 years of Fly & Drive tours under our belt, we have guided countless customers on driving adventures throughout Japan and firmly advocate this as one of the best ways to discover the real Japan.
How FMJ Fly & Drive Tours began
FMJ pioneered our first Fly & Drive tour to Hokkaido in 2005.
Invited by the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau to showcase the charms of the then relatively unknown region to foreign visitors, FMJ’s founder, Ven san, and his daughter, Managing Director Risa san, devised the concept of drive tourism, believing that freedom of exploration was the best way to highlight the natural beauty of Hokkaido.
Partnering with the Hokkaido Government and Hokkaido Scenic Byway, the first step was to equip rental cars with GPS systems, something which was not inbuilt then. MAPCODE, a universal positioning code which can pinpoint locations with precision, was also employed to provide accurate directions.
At the time, MAPCODEs could only be generated on-site, so our dedicated staff travelled to each sightseeing spot, restaurant, and hotel to build a database of MAPCODEs. These were then compiled with actual maps, recommended routes, detailed information, and tips from our own experiences to create our signature driving booklets, offering all necessary information in English to ensure safe and seamless travels for our customers.
With easy navigation, our informative driving booklets, and the support of our staff and partners, our first Fly & Drive tour took place in June 2005 with 150 participants in 50 vehicles. It was a resounding success.
For the first time, travellers could explore new areas of Japan freely and confidently by car without needing to understand Japanese. Fly & Drive tours became a revolutionary new way to travel Japan.
With the success of our Hokkaido tours, we expanded our offerings to other regions of Japan, and Fly & Drive tours have since become a staple of FMJ.
How FMJ Fly & Drive Tours Work
Just like a traditional tour, FMJ plans a routing with set dates and accommodations, handling all the complexities of trip planning so that you can travel stress-free. Taking into account the needs of each group, we recommend rental car types, sightseeing places, and restaurants to ensure the best experience for every customer.
Pre-departure
Before each tour, we conduct a pre-departure briefing to run through the itinerary, travel conditions, and what to prepare for the trip. This includes guidance on driving rules in Japan, general travel tips, and instructions on how to use the navigation system and MAPCODE function.
Driving Booklet
At the briefing, each group of customers receives our curated driving booklet which features a day-by-day breakdown of the itinerary. This includes MAPCODEs and information on the hotels, routes, sightseeing spots, dining options, and a recommended routing to follow.
Each sightseeing spot is accompanied by a brief writeup to aid your planning, and pictures to help you recognise each location when you arrive. Where applicable, we also provide insights from our own experience, such as notes on winding roads or tricky turns.
In addition, the booklet contains information on navigation systems, traffic rules, and general travel information for reference.
The rental car
We partner with Toyota Rent a Car, an established and reliable company with many outlets across Japan. Their vehicles are typically less than three years old, well maintained, and in excellent condition to ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience.
Each rental includes full insurance coverage for your peace of mind, and we also request for English navigation systems and MAPCODE-compatible vehicles.
FMJ also provides ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) cards for the duration of our tour, allowing you to use automated toll gates on the expressway for greater convenience.
During the tour
With your driving booklet in hand, you will have the freedom to explore at your own pace—no need to travel in convoy! Visit the places you’re most excited about, spend as much or as little time as you wish, and enjoy the flexibility to adjust your plans as you go.
While special group activities may be arranged on occasion, you are otherwise free to adventure independently, with the only requirement being to arrive at your accommodation by dinnertime.
You can also connect with fellow travellers and your tour leader via an exclusive chat group where updates and information are shared throughout the trip, and meet up with them at sights along the way.
Your Tour Leader
The greatest assurance you will have on our Fly & Drive tours is the presence of one or more dedicated tour leaders.
Acting as a travel concierge of sorts, they provide daily recommendations, updates, and on-the-spot assistance, from the best locations to catch seasonal colours to suggesting alternative sightseeing spots or local specialties to try.
Your tour leader is there to welcome you at your accommodation each morning and evening, and you may encounter them during the day to assist with translating menus, purchasing tickets, or any other needs you may have.
Of course, in case of emergencies or unforeseen events, your tour leader is just a call away and close enough to offer immediate help, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
Conclusion
The freedom and convenience of exploring Japan by car is unparalleled, and with FMJ’s Fly & Drive tours, we make it easier, safer, and more enjoyable than ever before.
Explore our Fly & Drive tours and embark on your very own adventure today!
Want a customer’s perspective? Read about sgCarMart’s experience on our Fly & Drive tour here.
