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Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, continues to beckon travelers with its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels. Beyond the serene temples and exquisite cuisine, lies a vibrant and exhilarating car culture that sets Japan apart. While iconic automotive pilgrimage sites like Daikoku Parking Area and Umihotaru attract visitors from around the globe, a truly immersive experience awaits those who dare to delve deeper: renting a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) car. But how does one navigate this thrilling world? We recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to discover just that, thanks to the innovative team at Drivers Lounge.
A JDM Dream Realized: Unveiling Drivers Lounge
Drivers Lounge, a relatively new but undeniably forward-thinking company, extended an invitation to experience one of their exclusive driving outings. The prospect of immersing ourselves in the JDM rental process and getting behind the wheel of some legendary cars was too enticing to resist. Upon arriving at their headquarters, nestled just outside of Tokyo, we were warmly greeted by a team of passionate car enthusiasts who shared our excitement. Their meticulously maintained facility houses an impressive fleet of eight vehicles (with ambitious expansion plans), each carefully selected to deliver a unique and unforgettable driving experience that perfectly embodies the spirit of Japanese performance.
The Drivers Lounge JDM Arsenal: A Symphony of Automotive Legends
Drivers Lounge boasts a diverse and carefully curated collection of vehicles, designed to cater to a wide spectrum of driving preferences and tastes. The impressive lineup includes:
All-Wheel Drive Powerhouses: Unleashing Unrivaled Grip
- Nissan R35 GT-R: The legendary Godzilla, a technological tour-de-force delivering blistering performance. Experience the raw power and advanced engineering that define this iconic machine.
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X: A rally-bred icon, renowned for its sharp handling and turbocharged power. Relive the glory days of rally racing with this legendary performance sedan.
- Toyota GR Yaris: A modern hot hatch masterpiece, born from Toyota’s World Rally Championship (WRC) involvement. This pocket rocket delivers exhilarating performance and incredibly precise handling.
Rear-Wheel Drive Thrills: Embracing the Art of Oversteer
- Toyota A90 Supra: The modern revival of a legend, seamlessly blending BMW engineering with Toyota heritage. A stylish and powerful sports car offering a truly thrilling driving experience.
- Spoon Sports Honda S660: A kei-class roadster, meticulously tuned by the legendary Spoon Sports for maximum driving fun. Experience the pure joy of driving in this lightweight and incredibly nimble roadster.
Front-Wheel Drive Fun: Mastering the Art of FWD Performance
- Honda DC5 Civic Type-R: A high-revving icon, celebrated for its legendary VTEC engine and engaging driving dynamics. Unleash the VTEC fury and experience the thrill of high-revving performance.
- Monster Sports Suzuki Alto Works: A pocket rocket, tuned by Monster Sports for exhilarating performance. This surprisingly capable and fun-to-drive kei car will undoubtedly put a smile on your face.
The Unique Drivers Lounge Advantage: The Thrill of Car Swapping
What truly distinguishes Drivers Lounge from other rental companies is their innovative and exhilarating car-swapping policy. This unique feature allows drivers to experience multiple iconic JDM cars in a single day, maximizing the fun and providing a comprehensive and well-rounded taste of Japanese automotive performance. It’s a chance to sample a variety of driving styles and find your perfect JDM match. But before we delve into the heart-pounding driving experience, let’s explore how a typical day with Drivers Lounge is structured.
The Drivers Lounge Experience: From Relaxed Lounge to the Open Road
The day begins in their comfortable and stylish second-floor lounge, where you’ll complete the necessary paperwork while enjoying a welcome drink and immersing yourself in the world of Japanese car culture. The lounge is tastefully decorated, featuring classic Best Motoring and Hot Version episodes playing on the TV, stacks of Initial D manga to set the mood, and automotive memorabilia that will ignite your passion. Clement, the owner, is a seasoned motorsports competitor in Asia who deeply understands the enthusiast’s desire for an authentic and unforgettable driving experience. He and his team are dedicated to providing a personalized and memorable adventure.
Tailored Driving Adventures: Choose Your Perfect JDM Journey
Forget the stereotypical high-speed Wangan runs; Drivers Lounge offers a curated selection of tours, ranging from a thrilling 6-hour Hakone adventure to a scenic Chiba-to-Daikoku drive. Custom-tailored outings are also available, allowing you to create your dream JDM experience. We opted for the 7-hour Hakone tour, a route that packs in more exhilarating driving than you could imagine in a single day. It’s essentially the same escape route we use when craving some solo driving time and a dose of automotive therapy.
Beyond JDM: A True Hashiriya Experience Awaits
Once the formalities are complete, it’s time to hit the road and unleash the JDM beasts. What immediately stood out was the level of preparation and attention to detail that went into these machines. With the exception of the already-special Spoon S660 and Monster Sports Alto Works, all the cars are subtly but effectively modified with aftermarket suspension, high-performance brake pads, and tires. Some even sport upgraded wheels, performance exhausts, and, in the case of the DC5, a roll cage for added safety and a touch of track-inspired flair. This wasn’t just a JDM experience; it was a true hashiriya (street racer) experience, offering a glimpse into the world of Japanese tuning and performance.
Hakone and Beyond: Conquering the Legendary Touge
Drivers Lounge’s strategic location in Noborito, just a 6-minute train ride from Shinjuku, makes it incredibly accessible for both locals and international visitors. We set off in a convoy, with myself behind the wheel of the GR Yaris and Alec piloting the Supra. Each car is equipped with a walkie-talkie and earpiece, ensuring constant communication with the lead car and allowing for seamless coordination. A full tank of gas and a pre-loaded ETC card ensures you won’t have to worry about tolls or fuel stops, allowing you to focus solely on the driving experience. The drive to Odawara, the gateway to the Hakone Turnpike, takes about an hour, cruising down the Tomei Expressway and Atsugi-Odawara toll road to conserve fuel for the twisty roads that lie ahead.
GR Yaris and Spoon S660: A Tale of Two Automotive Extremes
It’s been a year since I last had the pleasure of driving a GR Yaris, and it remains one of my favorite modern Japanese performance cars. Its blistering speed, razor-sharp responsiveness, and playful handling are perfectly balanced with a surprisingly comfortable ride, making it an ideal weapon for tackling the Hakone roads. After a quick lunch stop at a convenient 7-Eleven, we eagerly headed towards the toll gates of driving heaven… the legendary Hakone Turnpike!
Iconic Views and Car Swaps: Experiencing Hakone’s Wonders
After capturing some quick photos against the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery, the real driving began. I tackled the first section of the Hakone Turnpike in the GR Yaris before swapping to the Spoon S660, which proved to be surprisingly fun on the twisty mountain roads. Its diminutive 660cc engine isn’t exactly fast, but its momentum and exception…
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