we're hoping to drive the Japan "Romantic Road" to Nikko in late Feb/early March 2015, starting and finishing by train. E.g.
- Tokyo to Sakudaira via Shinkansen
- One-way rental car from Sakudaira
- numerous "onsen" along "Romantic Road"
- Train from Nikko back to Tokyo.
We are mom, dad and a baby. I can read rudimentary Japanese (i.e. sounding out words in kana). I have plenty of international driving experience so adapt to observed conventions pretty quickly. I have a valid IDP. We would likely take our own baby carseat which attaches via seatbelts.
Question is simple: Is there anything really stupid about this plan? or any suggestions specific to this route? As far as mountain weather this year; or the cost effectiveness of one-way car renting; scheduled local festivals along my route around 1-5 March; or rail-car-rental bundles I should know about?
Note: I have seen http://www.ekiren.co.jp/phpapp/syouhin/index.phtml?syouhin_cd=008 but I can't perfectly understand the requirements or even how to order. I have inquired for the order form and will see if I can understand/translate that more fully.