Drop into third at the start of a Wangan tunnel and let the revs climb. The V6 goes from a hum to a howl and the sound bounces off the tiles all around you. You'll probably laugh out loud. Almost everyone does.
In Japan the 350Z wears a different name: Fairlady Z, chassis code Z33. Abroad it became one of the defining tuner cars of the 2000s, a staple of magazines, games and car meets. Driving one on the roads it was designed for — with a proper manual gearbox — is a very different thing from seeing it on a screen.
ARTCARS rents a 6-speed manual Nissan 350Z (Z33). The Daikoku night drive is ¥59,000 per car for about five hours, including your English-speaking host, tolls, fuel and zero-deductible insurance. You need a manual licence, a 1949 Geneva IDP and your passport.
The car, in plain terms
| Nissan 350Z (Z33) | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Seats | 2 |
| Character | Loud, torquey, mechanical, honest |
There are no turbos to wait for. Throttle response is instant, the steering is meaty at low speed, and the exhaust note fills every tunnel on the bay. It's a car that asks you to drive it, not just steer it.
"Fairlady" goes back to the 1960s, when Nissan's sports cars in Japan carried the name — reportedly inspired by the musical My Fair Lady. Export markets used the plainer "Z" names, which is why the same car is a 350Z in some countries and a Fairlady Z in Japan.
What it's like on Tokyo's roads
Most of the night drive is on expressways commonly signed at 60–80 km/h. That suits the Z33 perfectly. You'll spend most of the evening in third and fourth, the V6 pulling cleanly, the car settling into the long curves around the bay.
Two things to know before you climb in:
- The gear lever is on your left. In a right-hand-drive car you shift with your left hand. The pattern is the same as at home and it feels natural within about ten minutes. Read manual car rental in Japan.
- The clutch is firm. In stop-start traffic near junctions and toll gates, your left leg will notice. Use neutral and the handbrake when you're stopped.
Highlights of a 350Z night drive
- The first tunnel. Windows down a crack, third gear. You'll understand.
- Rainbow Bridge. The Z33's low seating position makes the skyline feel enormous. More on driving Rainbow Bridge.
- Daikoku's spiral ramps. Second gear, smooth on the throttle, and you roll into the car park with heads turning. See the Daikoku PA guide.
Price and booking
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Daikoku Night Drive (about 5 hours) | ¥59,000 per car |
| 24-hour rental | From ¥110,000 |
The night drive includes your English-speaking host, tolls, fuel and zero-deductible insurance. Book at least three days ahead.
350Z or GT-R?
Pick the 350Z if you drive a manual at home and want the most involving, most audible experience. Pick the GT-R if you'd rather have an automatic, all-wheel drive, or a back seat for a friend. Full comparison: GT-R vs 350Z.
Photo tips
The Z33's long bonnet and short tail look best from a low front three-quarter angle. At Daikoku, crouch down and shoot with the spiral ramps behind the car. Turn your headlights on and your flash off.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 350Z manual or automatic?
Ours is a 6-speed manual. You need a licence that allows manual cars.
Is the 350Z the same as the Fairlady Z?
Yes. Nissan sold the Z33 as the Fairlady Z in Japan and as the 350Z in many export markets.
Can two people ride in the 350Z?
Yes — a driver and one passenger.
Is the 350Z hard to drive?
Not for an experienced manual driver. It's heavier and louder than a modern hatchback, but predictable and friendly at legal speeds.