How Far Can I Drive from Tokyo in a Day?

@Abroad in Japan

Abroad in Japanyoutubethe post

Join Chris and Natsuki on an epic road trip from Tokyo, testing the limits of a Nissan Leaf EV as they drive north through Ibaraki, Fukushima, and Miyagi, discovering scenic views and local (and not-so-local) food along the way.

2 days · 8 places · 8 experiences

Day 1 · 5 places · Tohoku, Japan

Tokyo to Matsushima: Day 1 Road Trip

“On day one, we started in Odaiba, drove through Ibaraki to Oarai Isosaki Shrine, had McDonald's for lunch, Coco's for dinner in Fukushima, and ended the day at a ryokan in Matsushima.”

1
Odaiba
Creator's voice
The starting point for the road trip, offering a perfect view of the Tokyo skyline over Tokyo Bay. It's a great place to gaze at the city before heading out.
Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Eating 'Local' Food at McDonald's
Stop for lunch in Ibaraki, where the promise of local food leads to McDonald's. Try to order the Samurai Mac flawlessly, and enjoy the familiar taste of a bacon burger and Tully's coffee, despite being in a region famous for Hitachi beef.
2
McDonald's
Fast food restaurant · Ibaraki
2.9Closed · opens tomorrow 7 AM
Creator's voice
A familiar fast-food chain, where the crew stopped for lunch in Ibaraki. They ordered the Samurai Mac, a specific menu item.
McDonald's Ibaraki Sonoda, 2-4 Sonodacho, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0834, Japan
Samurai Mac — A specific hamburger from McDonald's, which Natsuki struggled to order last time. This time, he ordered it flawlessly.
Experience · 1 place
Dining at Coco's in Fukushima
As night falls in Fukushima, find the only open restaurant within a 50-mile radius: Coco's. Order the 'Fukushima set' and be surprised by Mexican-style tacos and quesadillas, a far cry from traditional local cuisine, but a warm meal nonetheless.
3
Coco's Japan
Family restaurant · Iwaki
3.6 (489)Open · until 2 AM
Creator's voice
A family restaurant where the crew stopped for dinner in Fukushima. They ordered a 'Fukushima set' which turned out to be Mexican-style tacos and quesadillas.
Coco's Restaurant, Kanayama-1-1 Jobannishigomachi, Iwaki, Fukushima 972-8316, Japan
Fukushima Set (Mexican Tacos & Quesadillas) — A 'local Fukushima dinner' that turned out to be Mexican-style tacos and quesadillas, much to Natsuki's surprise. It was a sizzling, tasty meal.
Experience · 1 place
Staying at a Matsushima Ryokan
After a long day of driving, check into a ryokan an hour north of Matsushima. Enjoy the tatami-scented room and the quiet atmosphere, a very good move to avoid less desirable hotels further north. Be aware that breakfast might not be included if you book late!
4
Matsushima Ryokan
Japanese inn · Matsushima
4.4
Creator's voice
A traditional Japanese inn located about an hour north of Matsushima, where the crew stayed overnight. It offers a tatami-scented room and a quiet atmosphere.
Komatsukan Kofutei, Senzui-35-2 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan
Tatami Room — A traditional Japanese room with tatami mats, offering a distinct tatami smell. It was a quiet and comfortable place to sleep after a long drive.
Experience · 1 place
Experiencing Matsushima Bay Sunrise
Wake up to a truly spectacular view over Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's three great views, with its 260 tiny islands. Enjoy the crisp, clear sea air and reflect on the journey from Tokyo. This stretch of coastline is a beautiful place to explore.
5
Matsushima Bay
Bay
4.2 (91)
Creator's voice
One of the three great views of Japan, featuring 260 tiny islands out in the bay. It offers crisp, clear sea air and a spectacular sunrise view.
Matsushima Bay, Japan

Day 2 · 2 places · Tohoku, Japan

Matsushima to Tomi: Day 2 Road Trip

“Day two began with a spectacular sunrise over Matsushima Bay, followed by a mega local lunch in Miyagi, a stressful emergency charge in Tomi, and a unique car BBQ using the Nissan Leaf's power.”

Experience · 1 place
Eating a Mega Local Lunch in Miyagi
Finally fulfill the promise of local food in Miyagi. Indulge in a 'mega lunch' featuring Sendai gyutan (cow tongue), kaisendon (seafood bowl) from Ishinomaki, and tempura. It's the most local lunch you can get in North Japan, a truly satisfying meal after days of chain food.
6
Roadside station Shichikashuku
Toll road rest stop · Shichikashuku
3.6 (2,159)Open · until 5:30 PM
Creator's voice
A restaurant in Miyagi where the crew finally found 'local food' after much searching. The menu included Sendai gyutan (cow tongue), kaisendon (seafood bowl) from Ishinomaki, and tempura.
Roadside station Shichikashuku, 8‐1 Uwano, Shichikashuku, Katta District, Miyagi 989-0537, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Emergency EV Charging in Tomi
Experience the stress of an EV battery running on 1% as the car lights up like a Christmas tree. Navigate to the Tomi charging station, reversing to reach it just meters from running out of power. Learn how to use the heavy-duty charger, which can add 300 km of range in just 15 minutes for a low cost.
7
Tomi Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station · Almont
3.0Closed
OBE Power, Kentucky Rdg, Almont, CO 81210
Nissan Leaf Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) — The Nissan Leaf's ability to power household appliances, demonstrated by plugging in a portable grill to cook 7-Eleven chicken in the cold. This feature allows for impromptu picnics or powering devices on the go.
7-Eleven Pre-cooked Chicken — Pre-cooked chicken from 7-Eleven, grilled using the Nissan Leaf's V2L feature. While not the envisioned lamb mutton chop, it provided a warm meal in the cold.
Experience · 1 place
Car BBQ with the Nissan Leaf V2L
After charging, use the Nissan Leaf's vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology to plug in a portable grill and cook 7-Eleven pre-cooked chicken in the cold. It's not the lamb mutton chop envisioned, but it's a unique and impressive way to have a picnic in the dark, showcasing the car's versatility.
7
Tomi Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station · Almont
3.0Closed
OBE Power, Kentucky Rdg, Almont, CO 81210
Nissan Leaf Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) — The Nissan Leaf's ability to power household appliances, demonstrated by plugging in a portable grill to cook 7-Eleven chicken in the cold. This feature allows for impromptu picnics or powering devices on the go.
7-Eleven Pre-cooked Chicken — Pre-cooked chicken from 7-Eleven, grilled using the Nissan Leaf's V2L feature. While not the envisioned lamb mutton chop, it provided a warm meal in the cold.

Also in this video

Experience · 1 place
Visiting Oarai Isosaki Shrine
Arrive at Oarai Isosaki Shrine on the Ibaraki coast, a beautiful stretch of coastline. Take in the Kamisuwa Notori Gate, where gods are said to have descended. It's a dramatic change of scenery from Tokyo and a great spot to check the car's battery life after 150 km of driving.
8
Oarai Isosaki Shrine
Shinto shrine · Oarai
4.4 (10,835)Closed
Creator's voice
A stunning shrine located on the coast of Ibaraki, featuring the Kamisuwa Notori Gate where it's said the gods descended from the heavens. It offers a beautiful stretch of coastline.
Oarai Isosaki Shrine, 6890 Isohamacho, Oarai, Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki 311-1301, Japan

12 extraction issues

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item "Kaisendon from Ishinomaki": belongs to no place or experience in the post
item "Tempura": belongs to no place or experience in the post
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