Some people who are considering taking Driving Camp in the Tohoku area may be wondering, "How should I choose?" or "Are there any recommended driving schools?" In this article, we will introduce 10 recommended Driving Camp in the Tohoku area.

We will also explain the advantages and disadvantages of taking part in Driving Camp, so this is a must-read for anyone looking for a driving school in the Tohoku area.

Benefits of participating in Driving Camp in the Tohoku area

There are many driving schools across the country where you can participate in Driving Camp. One of the advantages of Driving Camp is that you can complete it in a shorter period of time than if you were to go to school. If you choose a driving school in the Tohoku area, there are several advantages that you cannot get in a city.

Costs are lower than in the city center

The content and number of hours of training will be the same regardless of which driving school you choose. However, even if you are obtaining the same type of driver's license, the current situation is that the acquisition cost varies depending on the area. In the Tohoku area, the acquisition cost tends to be lower than in urban areas.

For example, for a regular driver's license (automatic transmission only), there is a difference of around 40,000 to 50,000 yen between Yokohama, which is close to the city center, and Miyagi, the cheapest prefecture in the Tohoku area.

area	Cost of obtaining a regular driver's license (AT only)
Yokohama	272,800 yen (tax incl.) to 379,500 yen (tax incl.)
Miyagi	223,300 yen (tax incl.) to 341,000 yen (tax incl.)

As mentioned above, there is a difference of several tens of thousands of yen between the cost of driving in the city center and the Tohoku area, so if you want to keep the cost of obtaining your license down, we recommend a driving school in the Tohoku area.

※Reference information:
Yokohama: https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/smart_driver_school_minamiyokohama/index/　
Miyagi: https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/smart_driver_school_sendai-minami/index/

Enjoy the green environment unique to Tohoku

If you participate in Driving Camp in the Tohoku area, you can experience the charm of the region. The Tohoku area is rich in nature, and you can take lessons in an environment surrounded by greenery. You can also enjoy trekking and river rafting in the summer, and winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing in the winter.

There are also plenty of local delicacies, such as Fukushima's Kitakata Ramen and Akita's Kiritanpo. There are also many tourist attractions, so it is recommended for those who want to get away from the city and experience the feeling of traveling while taking driving lessons.

10 Recommended Driving Camp in the Tohoku Area

There are many driving schools in the Tohoku area where you can participate in Driving Camp training camp. Each school has its own characteristics, so compare multiple schools to find one that appeals to you.

Dewa Driving School

Dewa Driving School is a designated driving school located in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. Sakata City is also known as the location for the movie "Departures." It is about 4 hours from Tokyo by taking the Joetsu Shinkansen and express trains.

School Overview
Location	22 Shimonishiwari, Toyosato, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Type of license (in case of training camp)	Regular automatic transmission license Regular license Semi-medium-sized license Regular Motorcycle medium-sized license Large special license Towing license
Amount *As of July 2024	223,300 yen (tax incl.) to 350,900 yen (tax incl.)
Estimated Graduation Date *For regular AT-only licenses	14th

Recommended points

There are many places where you can feel nature near the school, such as Mount Dewa-Fuji Chokai and the Mogami River, one of Japan's three major rapids. Bicycles are available for free rental except in winter, so you can enjoy traveling during your break from lessons.

Meals are served using Shonai rice, a brand of rice, so you can enjoy local gourmet food. There are also accommodations with large baths with saunas, so you can relax after your lessons.

Reviews

I'm really glad that I chose this driving school. First of all, the atmosphere was great. It wasn't exactly homey, but the staff were very friendly and, above all, the instructor's instructions were easy to understand and really wonderful. Towards the end of the camp, I had become good friends with the instructor, so I was sad to say goodbye. I was able to stay in the accommodation quite comfortably. The food was also of a very high standard. It wasn't like a high-end restaurant! But it was very tasty and I never got tired of it. I also thought that I'd like to stay here again when I get another license. (Mr. A, 21 years old, regular automatic transmission only license)

I'm not good at group living, so the idea of a training camp made me quite nervous. However, since it would be difficult to obtain a license without attending a training camp for that length of time, I decided to participate in this driving school's Driving Camp for a driver's license. When the training camp actually started, I was surprised to find that I was able to secure plenty of time for myself and hardly felt any stress. There was a bit of leeway in the schedule, so I can say that there were almost no times when I felt it was difficult. The instructor was a little strict, but the content of the instruction was very solid and easy to understand, so the lesson itself was fulfilling. Thanks to this, I was able to get my license without any problems, and I feel relieved. (M, 20 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

My driving lessons here were very fulfilling. Being extremely shy, I was worried about whether I would be able to complete the training camp without any problems, but my fears were completely unfounded. The staff and instructors were all very kind and took great care of even the smallest details, so I had almost no problems at all. The accommodation was comfortable and the food was delicious, so I can say I have absolutely no complaints. With university graduation coming up, I really needed to get my license in a short space of time, but thanks to you I was able to graduate in about two weeks and pass the actual test, so it was a great help! (Mr. T, 21 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/dewa_driving_school/review/

Dewa Driving School

Matsuki Driving School Shirataka School

Matsuki Driving School Shirataka is a designated driving school located in Shirataka-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture. It is about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen and local train.

School Overview
Location	2198 Ayugai, Shirataka-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture
Type of license (in case of training camp)	Regular automatic transmission license Regular license Large vehicle license Large special vehicle license Towing license
Amount *As of July 2024	245,000 yen (tax incl.) to 340,000 yen (tax incl.)
Estimated Graduation Date *For regular AT-only licenses	14th

Recommended points

Shirataka Town, where the driving school is located, is famous for sweetfish. There is a sweetfish specialty restaurant nearby where you can enjoy gourmet food such as salt-grilled sweetfish and miso-flavored sweetfish. There is a sports park just a 5-minute walk from the driving school, so you can enjoy sports between lessons.

Matsuki Driving School Shirataka Branch also offers Self Cook for those who want to keep the cost of obtaining a license down. Self Cook is set at about 20,000 to 30,000 yen cheaper than other plans, so you can keep the cost of obtaining a license down.

Reviews

It was so much fun! This time, I chose Self Cook, so I was a little nervous at first, but preparing meals with my fellow camp friends became one of the things I looked forward to. The instructor was very kind. I was a bit worried about whether I would be able to drive properly with such gentle instruction, but as I continued the lessons, I got used to driving before I knew it. It was really good. The atmosphere of the whole driving school was also good. The staff were very welcoming from the beginning, so I was able to spend a very comfortable time there, and I'm grateful for that. Originally, I just wanted to get my license, but I also had some fun memories. (Mr. A, 28 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

My impression is that the driving school has a great overall atmosphere. I came from far away, but they made me feel very welcome and I was able to spend most of my time there without feeling nervous. The instructors were also kind. It was a busy time with a lot of students, but the training camp allowed me to take lessons smoothly. I'm glad I chose the training camp after all. The accommodation was clean and much larger than I expected, so I was able to stay comfortably. The food was also delicious, and I never got bored; in fact, I actually looked forward to mealtimes. (Mr. R, 22 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

The accommodation was like an apartment, and we cooked our own meals. This meant we had a lot of free time, and plenty of time to spend with the friends we met at the camp. As for the actual lessons, I enjoyed both the practical and academic parts. Of course, there were some difficult parts, but thanks to the solid instruction I received, I was able to graduate on schedule. The staff were very welcoming from the start, and the atmosphere was just great. I'm really glad I chose this driving school. (Mr. E, 26 years old, regular driver's license)

https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/matsuki_driving_school_shirataka/review/

Matsuki Driving School Shirataka Branch

Morioka Minami Driving School

Morioka Minami Driving School is a designated driving school located in Motomiya Hayashizaki, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. It is about 2.5 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo.

School Overview
Location	1-1 Hayashizaki, Motomiya, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
Type of license (in case of training camp)	Regular automatic transmission license Regular license
Amount *As of July 2024	253,000 yen (tax incl.) to 335,500 yen (tax incl.)
Estimated Graduation Date *For regular AT-only licenses	15th day

Recommended points

The driving school is surrounded by mountains and rivers, so you can enjoy nature to the fullest. Some accommodations have 18 different types of hot springs, so you can enjoy the feeling of traveling. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, so you don't have to worry about signals or data capacity.

As part of the fun activities, the driving school offers free experiences of trying Wankosoba, Jajamen, and Morioka Reimen. There are also free tours of farms where you can ride horses and interact with animals, so you can have an experience unique to an environment surrounded by nature while taking driving lessons.

Reviews

The driving school was in a much more convenient location than I had initially imagined. There were many commercial facilities nearby, such as Aeon, so I was able to make good use of my free time. The instructors were mostly on the younger side, so it seemed like the quality was hit or miss. I enjoyed the lessons, but it seemed like there were times when the instruction was quite strict for some people. I stayed in a hotel, but it wasn't just a business hotel - it was a fairly spacious single room. Thanks to that, I was able to have a very comfortable stay at the training camp. (Mr. F, 19 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for the accommodations at the training camp, but I was surprised at how spacious the rooms were. It was a pleasant surprise. The school facilities were also very clean and new. I was surprised to see even a robot named Pepper. There were places to shop nearby, and it had quite an urban atmosphere. There was plenty of free time and days off to enjoy. The meals were almost too extravagant. The variety wasn't that great, but since it was only about two weeks, I didn't get bored. The instructors were younger than I expected, and I was able to enjoy the time as if we were friends. (Mr. K, 38 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

My first impression was that the instructor was scary. I had imagined a Driving School instructor as a kindly older man, but he was young and seemed a bit hot-blooded. He didn't get angry when I made a mistake, but the tension was intense. I guess it can't be helped if you have to graduate in about two weeks. The food was delicious and the accommodation was pretty nice. We stayed at a hotel, and the room was spacious. It seemed like a pretty nice hotel. (Mr. W, 24 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/morioka_minami_driving_school/review/

Morioka Minami Driving School

Tono Driving School

Tono Driving School is a designated driving school located in Aozasa-cho, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture. It is about 4 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen and local train.

School Overview
Location	Address: 29-7, No. 37, Aozasa-cho, Nukamae, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture
Type of license (in case of training camp)	Regular automatic transmission license Regular license
Amount *As of July 2024	242,000 yen (tax incl.) to 335,500 yen (tax incl.)
Estimated Graduation Date *For regular AT-only licenses	14th

Recommended points

The school building is designed like a guesthouse, so you can feel like you're in a summer resort while taking lessons. There are nine accommodation options to choose from, including inns and youth hotels.

The driving school is attached to Tono Green Tourism, where you can enjoy farm stays and horse riding in between lessons. At Tono Furusato Village, which recreates a traditional local mountain village, you can experience making your own soba noodles using buckwheat flour produced in Tono.

Reviews

When I thought of Driving Camp, I imagined it would be something a little stiff, but I was surprised by how homey and friendly the atmosphere was. Rather than a training camp, I felt like I was staying with a host family. The food was delicious, and above all, the instructors were very kind. I was nervous because I was going alone, but the atmosphere and the kindness of the people meant I quickly got used to it. By the time I graduated, the instructors and staff really felt like family, and I was sad to say goodbye. I'm glad I chose Tono Driving School. Thank you so much for all your help. (Y.M., 21 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

To put it in a positive way, it is a very peaceful driving school, full of nature. The atmosphere is very nice, but some people may be disappointed that it is in the countryside. However, the facilities are solid, so I did not feel inconvenienced at all. As for the instructor, although it may depend on your chemistry, I sometimes felt that he was a little scary or inflexible. However, it was precisely because of this that I was able to approach the lessons with the right amount of tension. There was nothing to complain about regarding the food! It was very filling, and I felt that they had even considered the nutritional balance. There was a wide variety, so I never got bored, and I really looked forward to mealtimes! Overall, it was a very satisfying training camp. (K.H., 28 years old, regular driver's license)

I can't compare it to other training camps, but what I was most dissatisfied with was the food. It may have had something to do with nutritional balance and budget, but I got a little bored of it. The portions were quite generous, but it just didn't suit me. The instructor's instructions were spot on, and even someone as clumsy as me was able to understand. I thought the instruction would be more bureaucratic, but it was nice that he was friendly. The overall atmosphere of the driving school was homey and extremely comfortable. For better or worse, I felt that it was different to your average driving school. Other than the food, I was satisfied. (H.H., 19 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/tono_driving_school/review/

Tono Driving School

Hiraizumi Driving School

Hiraizumi Driving School is a designated driving school located in Hiraizumi Town, Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture, about two and a half hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo.

School Overview
Location	21-3 Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture
Type of license (in case of training camp)	Regular automatic transmission license Regular license Medium-sized license (8-ton limit removed) Large-sized license Large-sized special license Towing license
Amount *As of July 2024	253,000 yen (tax incl.) to 346,500 yen (tax incl.)
Estimated Graduation Date *For regular AT-only licenses	14th

Recommended points

The area around Hiraizumi Town was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2011. There are many historical buildings left by the Oshu Fujiwara clan, and it is also famous as a tourist spot. Participants of the training camp can join a free sightseeing bus tour.

The school building, which was renovated in 2016, has a stylish wooden atmosphere. You can enjoy a cake buffet at the restaurant next to the driving school. In addition, participants from Tokyo, Aomori, and Akita will receive transportation expenses up to 20,000 yen.

Reviews

From what I had heard, I had the impression that Driving Camp training camp meant living in a special accommodation facility. However, at Hiraizumi Driving School, I was able to choose between a business hotel and a private inn. I chose a business hotel because I wanted to have plenty of time to myself. This was the right choice. I was also able to choose my meals freely, so I have no complaints. Many of the instructors were humorous, so although I was nervous at first, I was soon able to concentrate on my lessons. It was my first time living far away from home, but it was really fun. I passed the actual test when I returned home! I want to use what I learned here to enjoy lots of driving! (Mr. M, 17 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

Speaking of local Driving Camp, I imagine lessons in old facilities, but I was surprised to see that both the school building and the training cars here are new. This is a driving school with a great atmosphere. Another nice point was that I could choose my own place to stay. I chose a private lodging, and it felt like I was on a trip, and I had a great time. The food was delicious and there was a wide variety. I thought the instructors would all be older guys, but there were some young people as well. The instruction was very easy to understand, and I passed all my tests on the first try! I'm really glad I chose this driving school. (Mr. E, 19 years old, regular automatic transmission license only)

First, I was a little dissatisfied with the food. I wasn't too dissatisfied at first, but I got tired of it halfway through. I wasn't dissatisfied with the amount, and it wasn't bad, but I just got tired of it. Well, I think this is influenced by your usual eating habits and preferences, but it just didn't suit me. On the other hand, the atmosphere of the driving school was good. The building was newer and cleaner than I expected. The driving car was so clean that I wondered if it was a new car, and I was really looking forward to the practical lesson. The instructor was also kind. He gave easy-to-understand instructions on both the theory and the practical part, so I was able to graduate even though I'm relatively clumsy. Most of the people who lived in the camp with me passed the test on the first try, so I think the instruction is good after all. (Mr. G, 19 years old, regular automatic transmission license only)

https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/hiraizumi_driving_school/review/

Hiraizumi Driving School

Rikuzentakata Driving School

Rikuzentakata Driving School is a designated driving school located in Takekoma-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture. It is about three and a half hours from Tokyo by bullet train and bus.

School Overview
Location	74-1 Aikawa, Takekoma-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture
Type of license (in case of training camp)	Regular automatic transmission license Regular license
Amount *As of July 2024	242,000 yen (tax incl.) to 335,500 yen (tax incl.)
Estimated Graduation Date *For regular AT-only licenses	15th day

Recommended points

Near the driving school is the "Miracle Pine Tree," which was damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, so you can learn about the value of life while taking driving lessons. The exterior of the school building has a stylish Western style, making you feel like you're in a villa.

The newly built accommodation is for women only, so women who are worried about traveling alone can use it with peace of mind. There is a convenience store just a 3-minute walk from the accommodation, which is convenient.

Reviews

The school building was so stylish that I wondered if this was really a driving school, and I was excited from the start. The atmosphere was excellent. Most of the staff and instructors were friendly, and the atmosphere was homely, so I quickly became less nervous. The accommodation was private. This was also a very stylish building, and security was tight, so I felt safe. I was happy that there was not only private space, but also a large shared space where I could spend time with friends I met during lessons. The food was also delicious, and I felt more like I was at a resort than at a training camp. Of course, the training camp had its effects! I graduated on schedule and was able to get my license right away. I'm glad I chose this driving school. (Mr. O, 24 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

The atmosphere is excellent. The school building is a stylish building like those in dramas and movies, and I was excited even before lessons began. The surrounding area is rural, to put it bluntly, but it is surrounded by beautiful nature, and I was able to forget about my everyday life and refresh myself. There is a beach nearby, so I was able to spend my free time and days off with friends I made during the camp! The accommodation is also new and very clean. The facilities are also excellent, so even though there is nothing nearby, I didn't feel inconvenienced at all. The instructors were kind, so I was able to enjoy both the practical and written courses. (Mr. N, 29 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

My first impression of Rikuzentakata Driving School was that it didn't look like a driving school at all! I had imagined it to be a cold, impersonal place, but I was greeted by friendly staff and instructors in a fairytale-like building, and was surprised at how different my image was. However, I didn't get along well with the instructor, and I wasn't able to progress as I wanted, which frustrated me a bit... Well, maybe that's because I'm clumsy. The surrounding environment is excellent. Being surrounded by beautiful nature, everything was fresh for me, who usually lives in the city. The food was delicious, and I was able to spend a fulfilling time with the friends I met here. (Mr. K, 18 years old, regular driver's license)

https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/rikuzentakata_driving_school/review/

Rikuzentakata Driving School

Tamura Driving School

Tamura Driving School is a designated driving school located in Funehiki-cho, Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture. It is about 90 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo.

School Overview
Location	Fukushima Prefecture Tamura City Funehiki Town Funehiki Yamanouchi 149-1
Type of license (in case of training camp)	Regular automatic transmission license Regular license Semi-medium license Medium license Regular Motorcycle Heavy Motorcycle large license Large special license Towing license
Amount *As of July 2024	313,500 yen (tax incl.) to 357,500 yen (tax incl.)
Estimated Graduation Date *For regular AT-only licenses	14th

Recommended points

The driving school is located at the foot of the Abukuma Plateau, which is rich in nature and where flowers bloom in every season. The training camp is small in number and each participant receives detailed instruction, so you can take lessons until you are satisfied.

There are various types of accommodations available, including dormitories and hotels operated directly by the driving school. The hotel is located in front of Koriyama Station, with a streetscape that is not different from that of the city. In your free time, you can enjoy swimming or tennis at nearby facilities.

Reviews

This driving school is located in the middle of a very rich natural environment. In addition to the training camps, they also offer commuter lessons, and it was bustling with many students. Well, it may be normal since it was summer vacation. But just because there were a lot of people doesn't mean you can't take lessons properly. I was able to complete my lessons properly according to schedule. The instructors were kind, the atmosphere of the driving school was good overall, and the accommodation was clean and comfortable. By the way, I chose the dormitory, but it seems there are other accommodation plans such as hotels available. When you think about it like that, it may be said that this driving school suits a variety of people. (Mr. D, 19 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

I had imagined it would be difficult because it was a standard manual driver's license. In fact, there were times when it was difficult, but the instructor's teaching method was very good, so I was surprised that I had acquired driving skills before I knew it. It didn't feel like I had worked particularly hard, so I guess the schedule and curriculum are quite solid. The accommodation was also good. I had imagined a smaller room, but it was more than enough. In the end, I even found myself thinking, "I want to stay here a little longer!" The food was also delicious. It was nice to have a variety of different menus every day. (Y, 26 years old, standard driver's license)

As it was summer vacation season, there were a lot of students. I was one of them, and thanks to that I quickly made friends. There were many people commuting to school as well as those attending the camp, so the school always felt lively. The staff were kind and it had a homely feel. The instructors were sometimes strict, but generally they were kind. Of course, it was all new to me, so there were difficulties, but thanks to the instructors' thorough teaching I was able to make steady progress in my lessons. I am truly grateful. Also, the meals were delicious every day. All the menu items had a homemade feel to them, so I never got tired of eating them every day. (Mr. S, 19 years old, regular driving license)

https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/tamura_driving_school/review/

Tamura Driving School

Fukuyama Driving School

Tomiyama Driving School is a designated driving school located in Tomiyama-cho, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture. It is about 90 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo.

School Overview
Location	Fukuhara Aza Mizana 1, Fukuyama-cho, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima Prefecture
Type of license (in case of training camp)	Regular automatic transmission license Regular license
Amount *As of July 2024	236,500 yen (tax incl.) to 346,500 yen (tax incl.)
Estimated Graduation Date *For regular AT-only licenses	14th

Recommended points

In addition to regular lessons, the driving school also offers psychological guidance from a traffic psychologist. There are five different types of accommodations available, and you can also choose one close to Koriyama Station, the main station.

In addition, participants in the training camp will receive special benefits such as free tickets to Bandai Atami Onsen and a sweets buffet. They can also join a sightseeing tour to explore the limestone caves, so you can enjoy sightseeing while taking the training.

Reviews

The instructor was kind, and the staff were very friendly. I'd say I got full marks for this. However, the food was a little questionable. Of course, it wasn't so bad that I couldn't eat it, but I got tired of the same food every day. The accommodation was smaller than I expected. Well, you basically only need to sleep there, so it wasn't too bad. Overall, I don't think it was that bad. Of course, I was glad that I was able to get my license. (Mr. W, 20 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

It's pretty close from Tokyo and access is not bad. I was relieved that the travel time didn't take that long. This time, I participated alone, but the atmosphere was homey, so I was able to relax. Some of the instructors were kind, while others were strict, so it was hit or miss. But there was no one who was extremely rude. The food was always similar in flavor. The menu was different, but it was a bit strange. I guess it's a matter of likes and dislikes, but I don't really like it. The accommodation was the same, and although people may feel differently, I found it a bit cramped. But overall, I think it was a fulfilling training camp experience. (Mr. F, 23 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

I was able to graduate in about two weeks. I think that's a typical period and schedule for Driving Camp. I have no complaints. Although it was a short period, there was a bit of leeway, so even if I can't progress smoothly through the stages, I think I'll still be able to graduate within the time frame. The instructor's teaching method was also good. He taught well, using humor to teach, so I never got bored or tired, and I felt like I was steadily acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge. The accommodations and food were also good, so looking back on my time at the training camp overall, it was a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. (Mr. R, 20 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/fukuyama_driving_school/review/

Fukuyama Driving School

Motomiya Driving School

Motomiya Driving School is a designated driving school located in Otama Village, Adachi County, Fukushima Prefecture, about 90 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo.

School Overview
Location	18, Oyama, Kitsunemori, Otama Village, Adachi County, Fukushima Prefecture
Type of license (in case of training camp)	Regular automatic transmission license Regular license Semi-medium license Medium license Regular Motorcycle Heavy Motorcycle large license Large special license Towing license
Amount *As of July 2024	300,850 yen (tax incl.) to 343,200 yen (tax incl.)
Estimated Graduation Date *For regular AT-only licenses	14th

Recommended points

The driving school will also accommodate the food preferences of participants. Accommodations can be chosen from private lodgings and business hotels. The clubhouse of the private lodgings is adjacent to a golf course, which can be used free of charge.

During your free time, you can enjoy tennis or swimming at nearby facilities. If you tell the staff what leisure activities you would like to do, they will suggest the best plan for you, so you can enjoy your two-week stay to the fullest.

Reviews

I wanted to get my license before I became a university student, but the exams took longer than expected, and it ended up dragging on until March. There was no way I would be able to make it to the university entrance ceremony if I went to school. I also had to prepare for my new life, so time was very limited. I was about to give up when I found out about Motomiya Driving School 's driving school Driving Camp. Since I had chosen a manual transmission license, I was worried whether I would be able to graduate in such a short time, but once the training camp started, I made smooth progress. The instructor was quite scary, but maybe that made me feel just the right amount of nervousness. There were no problems with food or accommodation either. (TT, 19 years old, regular driver's license)

I decided to work hard at a part-time job during the first half of my summer vacation at university, and attend Driving School during the second half. I enrolled in September, and university would start in October, so I had limited time. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to graduate if I went to school, so I chose to take a driving school Driving Camp at Motomiya Driving School. To be honest, the atmosphere wasn't very good, and the instructors were scary until I got used to it, so I was a little depressed at first. The accommodation was clean, and I was able to relax and recover from the fatigue of lessons. The food was very delicious, and although I usually eat a lot, I had no complaints about the amount. Of course, I was able to graduate on schedule, so I'm ultimately satisfied. (Mr. A, 18 years old, regular automatic transmission license only)

The accommodation had a very homey atmosphere and wasn't bad. However, the room was a bit small. Of course, there was enough space to sleep comfortably, but it was a bit cramped to spend two weeks there. The food felt homemade and had an excellent nutritional balance. I was expecting it to be a bit bland, like school lunches, so I was pleasantly surprised. The instructor was average. Of course, it was my first time taking lessons, but it was just as I expected, and I was able to take the lessons with just the right amount of tension. (Mr. K, 22 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/motomiya_driving_school/review/

Motomiya Driving School

Smart Driver School Sendai Minami

Smart Driver School Sendai Minami is a designated driving school located in Shibata-machi, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture. It is about two hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen and local train.

School Overview
Location	17 Tsukada, Shibata-cho, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
Type of license (in case of training camp)	Regular AT-limited license Regular license Medium-sized license Regular Motorcycle large special license
Amount *As of July 2024	212,300 yen (tax incl.) to 330,000 yen (tax incl.)
Estimated Graduation Date *For regular AT-only licenses	16th

Recommended points

Sendai Station is about 30 minutes away by local train, so you can enjoy Sendai gourmet food such as Sendai beef and Sendai chilled Chinese noodles. If you take the local train for an hour, you can also go to Matsushima, which is designated as one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan.

In addition, there are many natural hot springs near the driving school, so you can relax after your lessons. The accommodations have strengthened security, so even women can feel safe participating alone.

Reviews

Although it was a short time, I really appreciate all the help I received. At first, I thought it would be very tough to get my Driving Camp at the training camp by myself, but when I arrived at the school, I was able to spend 15 very comfortable and enjoyable days with the kind staff at the front desk, the gentle teachers who gave me stress-free lessons, and the well-mannered students staying on campus. The accommodations were also very clean. I am especially grateful to the teachers involved in Driving Camp training camp for nurturing me to this point despite the tight schedule!! I will remember what I was taught and always drive safely. Thank you very much. (S.K., 20 years old, regular driver's license)

On March 16, 2022, there was a magnitude 6 earthquake, and my daughter came from Saitama to take Driving Camp. After Final Driving Test, everyone would normally return home, but the local transportation was paralyzed, and despite the damage and the snowfall, you took us to Nasu-Shiobara so that we could catch the Shinkansen. We are so grateful that you rushed to the accommodation even at the time of the earthquake. Thank you so much. (F.I., 19 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

I participated in the training camp. Although I was nervous about being in an unfamiliar place, I participated with confidence and was able to graduate without any problems. There were many good teachers, and many people were able to learn because they could feel comfortable asking about things they didn't understand. Even though I lacked confidence, they worked hard to help me and gave me easy-to-understand instruction. We were able to drive in various situations using the SEGA simulator, the training camp was clean, and there were pharmacies and convenience stores nearby, so it was easy to participate in the training camp without any problems. I took the written test immediately after returning home. I also successfully obtained my driver's Driver's License. (K.G., 18 years old, license limited to regular automatic transmission)

https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/smart_driver_school_sendai-minami/review/

Smart Driver School Sendai Minami

Three points to consider when choosing Driving Camp in the Tohoku area

There are many driving schools in the Tohoku area that offer training camps for Driving Camp. If you are unsure of where to enroll, choose a school that meets your desired criteria, such as easy access from your home and a pricing plan.

Access from home/transportation costs

In most cases, Driving Camp take you to a place far from the city. Therefore, make sure to check how long it will take to get there from the nearest station.

Also, compared to going to a driving school, a Driving Camp requires transportation costs. Depending on the location, it can be expensive, so be sure to check in advance how much it will cost. If the driving school provides transportation costs, you can reduce them.

Rate plan

The fee plans for Driving Camp vary from school to school. Many schools offer multiple plans that participants can choose from depending on their preferences. For example, Self Cook does not include meals, so you can keep the cost of obtaining a license down.

For those who want to enjoy the feeling of traveling without worrying about the cost of accommodation, we recommend a plan that allows you to stay in a luxury hotel. Also, even for the same plan, the price varies depending on the time of year, so be sure to check in advance.

Meals

The cost of obtaining Driving Camp at a driving school generally includes accommodation and meals. Even if you choose Self Cook, lunch is generally provided by the driving school.

However, the number of meals provided varies depending on the plan, so be sure to check in advance. If the number of meals provided is small, you will need to prepare food expenses in addition to the acquisition fee.

Things to note when applying for Driving Camp in the Tohoku area

Finally, we will explain the points to note when applying for Driving Camp in the Tohoku area.

If you are coming from far away, be sure to keep track of travel costs.

There are areas where you cannot enter the driving school for the Driving Camp school training camp. The areas where you cannot enter vary depending on the driving school, but in most cases, students from the same prefecture cannot enter. Depending on the location, it may be necessary to use the Shinkansen or airplane.

If you use the Shinkansen or airplane, the transportation costs can be expensive, so we recommend that you check in advance how much it will cost. There are also driving schools that will reimburse part of the transportation costs for participants coming from far away.

Some accommodations may be more expensive

Driving schools offer various types of accommodation, including business hotels and private lodgings. Some even offer luxury hotels that give you a resort feel.

However, be aware that the cost of acquisition will vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose.

Take part in Driving Camp while experiencing the relaxing environment unique to Tohoku

Many driving schools across the country offer Driving Camp. Depending on the location of the driving school, you can enjoy local gourmet food and sightseeing. If you stay at a hotel or inn, you may feel like you're traveling.

The Tohoku area in particular is rich in nature and has many tourist attractions. There are driving schools that offer sightseeing tours and activities, so you can have fun getting your driver's license while experiencing the unique environment of Tohoku.