Japan Road Trip - practicing driving at home

When planning my Japan self-driving trip, I always had lingering worries because I wasn't used to driving on the right side, and I naturally tend to be timid. I really wanted to try driving in Japan, but the thought of driving on the opposite side in an unfamiliar country added a lot of anxiety. As a result, despite visiting Japan many times, I had never attempted self-driving and relied on other means of transportation.

However, just before my recent trip to Japan, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a car simulation game called "Euro Truck Simulator 2," which featured a map of Japan and right-hand driving. It was a pleasant surprise! I decided to take this opportunity to practice driving on the right side and familiarize myself with Japanese roads using the simulator.

At first, it was a bit challenging for me as I was unaccustomed to sitting on the right side of the car. However, through the simulator, I gradually got used to the feeling. I drove on Japanese expressways and even learned how to deal with toll gates. I had never done this kind of research before, and it was an eye-opener to learn about these toll gates in Japan.

Using the simulation game, I gained confidence. I drove through various regions of Japan in the virtual world, and it felt like I had already self-driven in Japan. Finally, I decided to rent a car in Japan with peace of mind.

On the day of departure, I was still somewhat nervous, but I had gained some assurance. I began my self-driving journey in Japan, and while it might have taken some time to get fully accustomed, I gradually adapted as time went by. Driving 300 kilometers in a day was no longer an issue for me.

Though it may not be the same as driving in Taiwan, that sense of unity between the driver and the car, I could feel that the experience accumulated in the simulator had greatly helped me. During this self-driving adventure, I finally conquered my fear of driving on the right side and proved to myself that I could adapt to it.

This Japan self-driving trip was an unforgettable experience. Overcoming my initial fear, I gained wonderful memories and valuable driving experience on the roads of Japan. The trip was much more convenient than previous journeys relying on public transportation, and it allowed me to visit many places that were otherwise inaccessible. I can't wait to go on another Japan self-driving trip!

You can also find various gameplay and tutorials on YouTube. Just search for "Euro Truck" + "Project Japan" as keywords.

The game can be purchased on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/227300/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2/

For the Japan map, you can refer to the link: https://ets2.jp/en/ and follow the instructions to install the additional six DLCs. There are installation tutorials available online as well.

I've heard that there may be other ways to play the game, so if you need more information, feel free to let me know, and I'll check with my friends for more details.