First it was all about flexibility of schedule, then time was of the essence (but not so much of the essence that the OP would save himself 8+ hours), and now it's for ease of transporting the wife's wardrobe. I think the OP is looking for an excuse to drive. I say let him discover for himself the joys of the Tomei expressway in holiday traffic.

This thread has inspired me to write my best ever Haiku (i.e. my only ever Haiku):
Japan is Japan.
Foreign tourist is foreign.
Finally they meet.
(Unless they don't).