I’m looking to drive with my partner from Yokohama to Kanazawa, while staying in some Ryokan up in the mountains. We have the option of taking a Kei car or a small “economy” car such as a Yaris or Roomy for the same price. Looking for some recommendations or just anything I should know for the trip.
Cheers
27 comments
In my opinion when going through the mountains the smaller the car the better. Since most of these roads are extremely narrow and a massive headache when you have to maneuver around oncoming traffic without falling off the mountain or into a gutter.
I lived up in the mountains in Gunma (like, WAY up in the mountains) and drove a Daihatsu Move up there without any problem. The only time I noticed it was a bit of a strain going uphill was when I had two adult passengers + their luggage.
Just watch out for bad weather conditions and white plates driving like they’re rally cars.
(And if given the option between a kei car or small one like a Note for the same price, go with the latter (if nothing else, you’ll have more luggage space)
Kei car can make it. Just be prepared to step on the gas and listen to angry engine noises.
Personally I’d take the car with the larger engine. They’re not much larger physically and the ride is more comfortable.
Dirt roads are extremely rare. The kei will do fine.
Dude said “same price” people. Avoid the kei. The crumple zone in them is your legs.
I’d go for the bigger car. I have no doubt in my mind that the kei car will make it, but it won’t be a pleasant drive. Especially if you are taking any expressways. Kei cars are miserable highway cruisers and you’ll probably get better fuel economy in the Yaris.
Same price? I see no reason to pick a Kei then.
That’s a 400km trip. I’d choose the bigger car.
Same price? Go with the economy car – safer and better performance. Yaris is a fun car to drive.
Yaris > Roomy (turbo version) > any other Kei.
The Yaris will be much more comfortable, better suspension, better tires, more power. The Roomy is just an extra wide Daihatsu Kei car, I have one (GT turbo version), it’s great in the city, but not comfortable on long rides. I can’t imagine using a Kei for a longer trip, at least not at the same price.
I have a kei car and I live in the (inaka) mountains.
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It does fine on mountain roads and I haven’t had any trouble on highways (other than being a bit slower than everyone speeding). So, you shouldn’t have any problems if you go with the kei car.
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That being said… if it’s the same price, go with the roomier car, especially for a road trip. You’ll have more room for your stuff and your legs, as well as having a smoother ride. Also, you’ll probably get better gas mileage on the highways.
I’d personally rent a Yaris
If it’s the same price, why are you even considering the kei?
And I say this as a massive kei apologist.
I’ve done it in a Honda fit, a kei, and a Toyota tank (what they had available at the time). A mid sized car like the fit was by far the best: easy to maneuver in for those small roads, heavy enough to weigh down in light snow, and easy on gas mileage. The fit was also most like what I drove on a regular basis before and in Japan so I was already used to it.
For the same price definitely take the Yaris. I’ve just driven one all over Kyuushu both on motorways and the inaka areas last year they aren’t that big but is a very solid and comfy car.
Plus if a Yaris can’t fit into the road it’s probably not suppose to go in there in the first place.
Yaris or Roomy will have more space, and more power for getting up hills etc. Kei car will do wonders on extremely narrow roads, or if you ever need to u-turn a single-lane forest road. However the former will also be far more economical on the expressways, while the latter will chew through petrol at anything above about 80kph. For the same price I’d go with the economy cars.
That said, ignore the luddites that keep spouting “kei cars are so dangerous”. They just think anything that’s not a honking fat Noah/Alphard/Voxy is a danger to the road, when in actual fact they’re the danger. I also love the idea that they’re basically claiming a good chunk of the population here are driving extremely dangerous cars.
Did it multiple times, kei is fine, no worries.
Hello. I drive a kei car and live in the mountains. Unless the car is turbocharged, I would pick the Yaris. 64hp vs 100-something HP. The Yaris will be a little more comfortable, which is worth it.
I make and sell kei campers (Nissan clippers) kei is fine in the mountains, even with an extra 100kg ( kei is rated for 350)
Had a kei, and I live in a really hilly area. Works just fine if it has a turbo (a lot of them have). Did a few road trips to gunma for some ryokan fun and it was all fine 🙂 Had to down shift a few times but that’s about it.
I’ve gotten a Kei car to the head trail of Akadake, if you know how to navigate log roads etc you should be fine as long as roads don’t flood! If it’s paved you can go anywhere.
Personally just save the cash and get what ever is cheaper I’d say
Why would you even consider the Kei car at the same price? Especially with 2 people and probably luggage. Going up the mountains in that is no fun in a Kei
Bigger car
Lived in Nagano with a kei car. Recommend getting 4 wheel drive like I had if you want to use a kei car in the mountains.
Keis do not have good times on mountains. My wife’s Tanto routinely blows spark plugs from having to push the engine so hard. We recently got a family vehicle so I’m thrilled that I don’t have to waste time replacing spark plugs every year.
Kei all the way!
Better visibility, easier to negotiate tight spots, and there’s actually more space in the cabin.
Yaris only makes sense on the freeway, and even then, it doesn’t really make sense.
OK, Yaris makes sense in Europe when you’re between 18 and 21.
Make sure to sign up for all of the insurances and not only take the basic.
Don’t cheap out on the insurances for the love of god. Pay for the extra.