Great spot · Mount Fuji
MFJ Rental Cars
The agency that rented me a Corvette C7 Stingray in Kawaguchiko, to take on the mountain roads around the lake.
A bit of context: before arriving at Mount Fuji, the weather forecast was looking pretty bad for catching a glimpse of it. So I wondered if there were any rental agencies in the area. My goal was simple: get a decent car to drive around the forest.
Not sponsored: I paid for the rental myself.
On the train, a quick search on Google Maps around Kawaguchiko, and I stumble upon this agency by chance: MFJ Rental Cars. It doesn't look like much and also rents bikes... but I spot a Corvette and an Audi. On top of that, it has good reviews on Google.
I don't think twice: I head to their website, the Corvette is on sale for 13,000 yen and you can book without paying. I'll grant you, it's not a JDM, but between an Audi A5 and the Corvette, the choice was easy. Off we go, see you tomorrow!
The next day, I spot the Corvette in a simple parking lot next to a small restaurant. I push open the door of the agency, between bikes and cars, and meet the manager: incredibly kind. No deposit to pay, and like at every agency (I'll spare you the details), we sign a contract and walk around the car together. In case of an accident, the deductible is 50,000 yen. Needless to say, with a rear-wheel-drive beast like this one, you'd better keep a light foot.
Once the engine is running, first stop: the Fuji Motor Sports Museum, right next to Fuji Speedway.
Even though the weather clearly wasn't on my side that day, I drove around the track and climbed the mountain in this truly incredible car. Here's a clip that should win everyone over:
Last stop: Fujimibashi
Before returning the car, I couldn't resist one last drive in the mountains. Destination: the Fujimibashi Mount Fuji Viewing Platform, a lookout perched on Route 137, which climbs above Lake Kawaguchi.
That day, the fog had taken over: no Mount Fuji on the horizon, but the perfect mood for photos. That's actually where the photo at the top of this page was taken.
My verdict
The experience was absolutely amazing! The rumble of the American V8 is enough to make you want to turn off the radio. The torque is huge, but in the rain, no way to make the most of it: I played it safe. And that dark, misty weather gave the drive real charm. Even without Mount Fuji, it'll remain an incredible experience.
In the evening, I returned the car without any problem.
Important: fuel
Filling up isn't your job, the agency takes care of it. However, it charges for gas at 120 yen per liter, a little way to round up the bill. The calculation is based on the kilometers driven, with a baseline of 20 L/100 km. If you drive economically, like I did, you lose out: you pay for more than you actually used. On the other hand, if you have a heavy foot and go over that reference consumption, you come out ahead.
I didn't find this practice very honest, but luckily the rental price was very low. I assume the promo is down to September, rainy and quieter in terms of tourism. Yet a month later, it was still listed. For €72 a rental, we'll turn a blind eye to the gas… :)
Practical info
Car rental · Kawaguchiko
MFJ Rental Cars
- Corvette C7 Stingray: 13,000 yen, about €72 (promo rate when I booked)
- Day rental, from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the latest (several days possible on request)
- Minimum age: 21
- License: official Japanese translation of your license or International Driving Permit, depending on your country (more details in our guide Driving in Japan)
- Book on their website, nothing to pay in advance
- No deposit required
- 50,000 yen deductible in case of an accident
- Fuel handled by the agency: 120 yen per liter, based on 20 L/100 km
996-21 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan