Meet Your Icons: A Guide to Exploring Japan’s Automotive Culture with an Exciting JDM Collection

      Cyril Soliman

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      Japan has an abundance to offer—cultural heritage, Michelin-starred dining, cutting-edge technology, stunning landscapes—you name it. But for car enthusiasts like us, it’s the automotive culture that ranks at the top. Sure, getting to see a couple of R32 GTRs at my local San Diego Cars and Coffee is thrilling. However, coming across them daily in their homeland? That’s something else entirely.

      Saturday nights in Shibuya are when the JDM icons come out to shine. Locals and visitors flock to the renowned Shibuya Crossing in droves. As we anxiously wait on the curb, the intersection transforms into a dynamic car showcase—ranging from Toyota Chasers and Honda Beats to lowriders and exotic cars. From a nearby high-rise, the bustling crowd and stream of vehicles resemble a colony of ants and a collection of Hot Wheels.

      Cy Soliman

      And if craning your neck to admire these cars isn't enough, what if I told you that you could actually drive one? Not just one, but several. All in a single day.

      Unlike standard rental services that hand you the keys and send you off, Drivers Lounge provides guided self-drive tours. You can select up to four distinct cars from their collection and take them on an iconic Japanese touge (mountain pass)—all while engaging with knowledgeable hosts and fellow auto enthusiasts. This experience is as much about the drive as it is about community.

      I joined the tour during my latest visit, and despite a clear itinerary, it surpassed my expectations. Getting to Drivers Lounge was a breeze—a quick 20-minute train ride from Tokyo to Noborito, followed by a brief 5-minute shuttle provided by their staff. Upon arriving at the Drivers Lounge HQ, their entire fleet was elegantly lined up outside, reminiscent of how a millionaire might display their car collection in a driveway. Seriously, it felt like the opening scene of an MTV Cribs episode.

      Cy Soliman

      After a brief overview in their automotive-themed lounge alongside another group, we were set to hit the road. “Which car do you want to drive first?” Clement, the founder, asked me. I was with a few friends, so I needed something with rear seats. I would have chosen the R32 GTR, but it was undergoing maintenance. The next best choice? A Mitsubishi Evo 6.

      Honestly, I wasn’t too worried about my decision—by the end of the day, I knew I’d be behind the wheel of most of the lineup anyway. Drivers Lounge prides itself on the car-swapping experience, so having a second group on the tour worked to our advantage. More participants meant a greater variety of cars on the route and more chances to switch throughout the day.

      Clement and Josh, who manage Drivers Lounge. Cy Soliman

      And just like that, I found myself in an Evo 6 in Japan, with some of my closest friends alongside me. If they hadn’t misplaced their International Driver’s Licenses, they would have been driving their own JDM legends. I can only imagine how frustrating it was for them to be mere passengers for the day. But none of that mattered—I was in the driver's seat. And not just any seat—a factory Recaro bucket seat. In my hands was a leather-wrapped OMP steering wheel. In my rear-view mirror, a massive wing dominated my view, closely pursued by our crew.

      Following the Suzuki Alto Works in an Evo VI. Cy Soliman

      The day’s tour was Drivers Lounge’s “Hakone to Daikoku” 10-hour experience. Our guide led the group in a Suzuki Alto Works, followed by me in the Evo, and then a Mk5 Supra, a DC5 Integra Type R, and a Spoon S660. Each driver had a headset to maintain communication within the group. While I had some experience driving right-hand-drive cars, I was not accustomed to driving on the left side of the road—so having a lead car and clear English communication through walkie-talkies eased my nerves and helped me concentrate.

      Our journey to Mt. Hakone provided a much-needed reprieve from Shibuya’s lively yet chaotic vibe. With each kilometer, the urban landscape transformed into open farmland and serene nature. Whoever was driving the convertible S660 must have been enjoying themselves immensely. Even cruising, I was thrilled to be behind the wheel of the Evo. The toughest part was resisting the temptation to fully engage the boost. Instead, I lingered in the mid-rev range, easing off to savor the beautiful turbo flutter. Full throttle would have to wait until we reached the mountain.

      Upon arriving at the famed touge, we made a quick stop at the mountain’s base to stretch and learn a bit of history from our guide. While we listened, GR Yarises, Skylines,