tourist car rental japan

Renting a car

Renting a car is an option worth considering if you plan to explore rural Japan where public transportation can be both inconvenient and infrequent. A rental car can also be an economical alternative when traveling in groups or can make traveling with a lot of luggage easier.

On the other hand, a car is usually unnecessary or even burdensome for exploring Japan's big cities , where it is not recommended. Traffic in large cities tends to be heavy, orientation difficult, and parking inconvenient and expensive. Public transportation, such as trains , subways, buses and taxis are generally a better choice in metropolitan areas.

Also see our pages on driving in Japan and Japanese highways .

Requirements

The minimum age for driving in Japan is 18 years, and you will need a Japanese driver's license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent and drive a car.

International driving permits are not issued in Japan and should be obtained in your home country in advance. They are usually issued through your country's national automobile association for a small fee. Foreigners can drive in Japan with a recognized international driving permit for a maximum of one year. Japan recognizes only permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, which are issued by a large number of countries.

Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland and Taiwan do not issue permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, but instead have a separate agreement that allows drivers from these countries to drive in Japan for up to one year with an official Japanese translation of their driver's license. A translation can be obtained from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), through Driving-Japan (use voucher code "JapanGuide22" for a 5 EUR discount) or from some of the respective countries' consulates in Japan.

People from other countries whose international driving permits are not recognized by Japan, must obtain a Japanese driver's license in order to drive in Japan.

Rental companies

Japan's leading car rental companies are Toyota Rentacar, Nippon Rentacar, Orix Rentacar, Times Car Rental (formerly known as Mazda Rentacar), Nissan Rentacar and Ekiren. Each operates hundreds of outlets across Japan, offering cars in all sizes and, in some cases, large vans, buses and RVs. These days, most companies have English online reservation systems or a phone number for reservations in English.

There are also a few independent reservation websites for foreign tourists that contract with one or more of the above rental companies. These include rentalcars.com and ToCoo! Travel which allow for English online reservations for multiple rental companies.

International car rental companies such as Budget, Avis and Hertz also offer car rental in Japan; however, they typically cooperate with one of the leading Japanese car rental companies rather than operating outlets themselves, and their rates are not usually very competitive.

Typical rental fees are around 5,000 yen per 24-hour period for a sub-compact car, 7,500 yen for compact cars, 10,000 yen for mid sized cars, 15,000 yen for full sized cars and 20,000 yen for vans. Rates are sometimes increased during peak seasons , especially in Hokkaido . Many companies also offer rates for short rentals of up to 6 or 12 hours. In rare cases, fees are calculated based on calendar days (midnight to midnight) rather than 24-hour periods.

Above prices usually include unlimited mileage, taxes and a mandatory minimum insurance fee of 1,000 yen per day that covers damage, injury and liability, but does not cover non-operation fees resulting from damage to the car. Cars are supposed to be returned with a full tank of gasoline, however, some outlets offer reasonable rates for re-tanking cars at the outlet. Payment can be made by credit card or sometimes by cash.

Most rental car outlets allow cars to be dropped off in a different location. If the drop-off location is relatively close, some companies will not charge any additional fee, but if the location is further away, a drop-off fee will be charged. Details depend on each company, but the fees tend to be quite high for large distances, e.g. they can be several 10,000 yen for a Tokyo car to be dropped off in Kyoto . Note that most companies do not allow cars rented inside of Hokkaido to be dropped off outside of Hokkaido and vice versa.

A variety of supplemental options can be rented with your car such as child seats and snow tires, although snow tires are free of charge in snowy regions of Japan during winter.

Car ferries

Car ferries are numerous in the island country of Japan. While it is relatively inexpensive to bring cars onto short-distance ferries (e.g. to Sakurajima or between Kumamoto and the Shimabara Peninsula ); they can be very expensive on medium to long distances (e.g. to Rishiri , Rebun , Sado or Yakushima ). In such cases it can be more economical to rent a separate car on the other side.

Winter driving

Many regions of central and northern Japan get covered in large amounts of snow during the winter months, which can result in roads being covered by snow or ice. Snow tires are provided by default when renting a car in snowy regions. Foreign tourists without winter driving experience should avoid renting a car in areas where there is a risk of encountering winter driving conditions.

GPS navigation

Most rental cars come with a GPS navigation system built into the dash. The systems in some vehicles can be set to display the map and menus and to read directions in English, however English capable systems are not available from every rental company or outlet. Whether the GPS system is in English or not, most users will find it easiest to input destinations by their phone number.

Gas stations

Gas stations are found all across Japan. They traditionally provide full service, although self service stations have greatly increased over recent years. Many gas stations close during the night, while others are open 24 hours. A liter of regular gasoline costs roughly 170 yen (as of March 2024). High octane gas and diesel are also widely available. Payment is possible by credit card or cash.

Getting gas at a full service (�t��) station requires some simple Japanese . When you pull into the station, an attendant may direct you to a stall. Park, open your window and shut off your car. Tell the attendant what kind of gas (e.g. "regular"), how much (e.g. "mantan" for full tank) and how you will pay (e.g. "credit card"). He may give you a wet towel to clean your dash or ask to take your garbage. When finished he may ask which direction you wish to leave and then direct you out into traffic.

Self service (�Z���t) stations provide only Japanese language menus. If in trouble, an attendant should be present and able to help you. Note that when paying by cash, the change machine is often a separate machine or inside the gas station building.

Rental cars are supposed to be returned with a full tank of gasoline, however, some outlets offer reasonable rates for re-tanking cars at the outlet. When returning a car with full tank, some outlets may ask you to provide the receipt from the gas station as proof.

Parking in the center of large cities is very expensive, costing several hundreds of yen per hour. Fees decrease with the size of the city and the distance to the city center. In small towns and in the countryside, parking is often free. Parking lots in national parks or near tourist attractions sometimes charge a flat fee (typically 200 to 500 yen per use). Urban hotels usually provide parking for their guests at a flat rate (typically 1000 yen per night), while hotels outside the large cities usually offer free parking.

Besides standard parking lots, you may encounter a few unique types of parking lots in Japan. The first are elevator parking lots in which cars are stored in towers. Drivers are directed to park their car onto a lift, which will automatically store the car in the tower. When coming back, the car will be fetched by the lift and returned to you.

The second unique type of parking lot uses low barriers underneath the cars which raise up to physically block in each individual vehicle. Once you have paid your parking fee (either at a central payment machine or at the parking space), the barrier lowers and you can safely drive away. This type of parking lot is usually seen around small urban lots.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Rentalcars.com, tocoo travel, klook car rentals, toyota rentacar, nippon rentacar, orix rentacar, times car rental, nissan rentacar, japan automobile federation.

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Guide to Car Rental in Japan

For the most part, you probably won’t need to rent a car in Japan—especially not in Tokyo. The trains and buses will get you wherever you want to go, quickly, safely and affordably. That said, there are some occasions when renting a car in Japan is the easiest (or only) way of getting from Point A to Point B.

Car rental in Japan: A few important things to know before you go

Some folks get a bee in their beatnik bonnet about doing the road trip of their dreams in Japan. While you can indeed do some lovely driving in Hokkaido and Okinawa, driving in much of the rest of Japan means rolling along at a relatively slow speed limit (think 80–100km/h) along endless, walled highways. The views are virtually non-existent.

The tolls, well, take their toll on your bank balance (seriously, they can be very steep). The roadside stops are redeeming, to be fair (and there are lots of ’em). But mostly, driving between big cities is a drag. If you had any plans of burning rubber from Tokyo to Osaka , for example, shelve them and take the Shinkansen (or a bus ) instead.

Also, parking is really pricey in the cities. If you can find available parking to begin with, it will cost you at least ¥ 3,000 per day. Consider your cheapo self cautioned! Oh, and before driving anywhere, it pays to familiarize yourself with Japanese road signs . Not all of them are intuitive.

It’s not all cautionary tales though. Japan has an amazing network of rest stops and michi no eki (literally “road station”). As well as providing a breather, you can often pick up local produce at super-low prices or eat local delicacies. Some michi no eki even have onsen, camping grounds, and areas for scenic walks. You’re also (legally protected by law) allowed to sleep in your car at a michi no eki!

Do I actually need a rental car?

If you’re just after a bit of that automotive independence with the wind in your hair and some tunes pumping on the stereo, then just go ahead and rent a car. However, Japan caters amazingly for people without cars—whether you’re a resident that needs to move some stuff or a fresh-off-the-plane visitor.

Most people are familiar with Japan’s impressive Shinkansen trains for high speed travel across the country, and for visitors with a Japan Rail Pass , it’s definitely a more affordable option than driving. Likewise, highway buses can often get you where you want to go in a similar time frame to driving, but for a much lower cost (your trade off in this case is comfort). Within large cities there are plenty of public transportation options to help you get around, and many people find that they don’t need to drive at all.

For residents, one situation where a car might come in handy is for shopping. But even if you need to carry home some bulky purchases like gardening tools, grab a bunch of flat-pack furniture at IKEA, or pick up six dozen bagels from Costco, you can usually get it delivered to your door by the next day for a nominal fee. So why go to the trouble of renting a car?

For certain destinations, such as Okinawa or Hokkaido , it makes a lot of sense to rent a car. Distances are large and public transport is either limited or non-existent. Ditto much of the countryside outside the big urban areas in the rest of Japan.

What do I need to rent a car in Japan?

First off, let’s take a look at your driver’s license. If you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in line with the Geneva Convention, you’ll be able to rent a car in Japan—but  not from all companies (lookin’ at you, Niko-Niko).

Booking services such as Kayak , Klook , or rentalcars.com will be happy to help. You can get an IDP through your national automobile association before coming to Japan (note: not once you are here). The permit is valid for a year from the date of issue. You’ll need to carry your local license with you when you use it. You need to be over 18.

If you’re from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco or Taiwan, you won’t be able to do the IDP thing, but you can use an official Japanese translation of your license instead. You can get the translation done through a private company — it’s easy to order online . Alternatively, you can go through the Japan Automobile Federation or (in some cases) your local embassy or consulate. Once you have it, you can drive for a year after arriving in Japan.

Of course, if you happen to have a Japanese driver’s license , that works too. The other thing you’ll generally need to rent a car in Japan is a credit card .

How much does it cost to rent a car in Japan?

It all depends on what sort of wheels you’re after and how many people you need to pack into the back. In the budget range, a compact car, <1300cc, that can comfortably take four passengers typically costs around ¥ 7,000 for a 24-hour rental. Bigger and fancier cars usually cost ¥ 1,500 – ¥ 6,000 more. Hybrids can sometimes be had for a competitive price. Toyota rental cars are plentiful. You can also rent luxury and sports cars in Japan, if you’re a classy cheapo.

Rental locations: airport, city or train station?

If you’re a visitor to Japan and plan to spend a few days in Tokyo or Osaka at the start of your trip, picking up a rental car from one of the international airports is a bad idea. Getting around by taxi or train is the way to go in the big cities—it’s cheaper, faster, and more convenient. If you’re heading straight into the countryside, leaving from the airport is practical, but if you’re getting straight off a long-haul flight or you’ve never driven in a left-hand traffic country, you might want to settle in a bit before hitting the highway.

And a word of warning if you’re planning to pick up your car from either central Tokyo or Osaka. Escaping from the big cities can be an ordeal if you’re at all nervous about driving on narrow, heavily congested roads. A large part of Tokyo’s expressway network, for example, is underground with off-ramps branching off from both the left and right and constantly merging traffic.

So while airport and city pick up points might be a rental car user’s first instinct, Japan has a third option: large railway stations. In many areas on the Shinkansen network, train stations are the equivalent of airports. So rather than drive three hours to Nagano, for example, you can take a relaxing trip on a high-speed train, then pick up your rental car right next to the station. View Plaza (JR East’s own travel agency) has packages that include a Shinkansen ticket and car rental. They tend to work with the more expensive rental car companies though, so it’s not always a great deal.

The Japan car rental and return process

Whether you’ve made a reservation online using a booking service like Klook or Kayak , or reserved wheels directly over the phone or via a rental company’s booking site, you simply take your booking details to the designated rental office, confirm your payment information, and away you go. While some Japanese-language ability will make the collection and drop-off of the rental car easier, it’s not essential.

Most of the pick-up procedures are the same as those used anywhere in the world. Usually, it starts with an inspection of the vehicle during which any existing scratches, dents, or damage are noted. Take photos with your phone to document the existing issues.

Ask whether you run on regular or another kind of fuel before you leave the rental car office. “Regular” refers to regular unleaded petrol, “hai-oku” is premium unleaded, and “keiyu” is diesel. Say “Mantan de onegai shimasu” for a full tank of whatever it is you need.

A staff member will sometimes offer you a pack of tissues or a can of (usually cold) coffee as a token gift. Just take it.

Before roaring off, it’s worth noting that while rental contracts usually carry some built-in basic insurance, this won’t necessarily cover you 100% in the event of an accident. By paying a bit extra for a collision damage waiver (CDW) and non-operation charge (NOC), you minimize the amounts you might be liable for if something goes awry. If it’s not listed, ask about it. The rental car company might also offer a more comprehensive insurance add-on.

We go into more detail about what to do in event of an accident in the FAQ section below, but we strongly recommend getting a SIM with calling capabilities (most tourist SIMs are data only) so that you can easily keep in touch with your rental car company.

Optional extras

If you have young ‘uns, you can request a baby or child car seat when you make your booking, as well as winter tires, snow tires, snow chains, GPS devices and ETC (electronic toll collection) cards.

If you opt to use an ETC card, you can proceed through toll gates without stopping, and just pay the rental office when you return the car. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay cash at the 一般 toll gates (and yes, they do give change). You should use ETC if available as it’s very convenient.

GPS devices in Japan aren’t great. While some have an English interface and will give you instructions in English, the UI is always arcane, and they’re often out of date. Instead, we recommend using the (much better) turn-by-turn navigation on Google Maps.

Lastly, especially if you’re coming from a warm-climate country, you should take care with your tire selection. Winter tires, snow tires, and snow chains are different! If you’re unfamiliar with chains, make sure you get a demo before you leave. Also a word of advice: If heading into serious snow country, pay a bit extra for an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle.

Returning the vehicle

When you’re on your way to return the car, be sure to stop off at a gas (petrol) station (“gasorin sutando” in Japanese) and fill up. This can be quite an intimidating thing to do if it’s your first (or even fortieth) time driving in Japan. To make it easier, head for a regular, staffed gas station rather than a self-service joint. The pump attendants will do all the hard work for you, and even help you get back onto the road. Some rental car companies may provide you with a slip of paper for the gas station staff to complete as evidence that you’ve filled the tank. Gas stations near rental car branches will be very familiar with this slip, so it won’t require any explaining.

A few car rental offices are prepared to do the refueling for you upon the return of the ride, but generally the responsibility is with the driver.

Most rental companies allow you to return the car at a different branch (for a fee), making one-way road trips simple.

If you get stuck in a traffic jam when returning the car and it looks like you might be late in returning the car, you should call the branch immediately. This can be a problem if you’re using a data-only tourist SIM, which is why we recommend getting a SIM with voice calling capabilities .

Extending your car rental

If for whatever reason, you need to extend your rental, you should call your rental company (preferably the branch where you picked up the car) as early as possible. Due to space constraints, many branches keep a small inventory of cars, so there’s a good chance that your car has already been reserved, so be prepared for the rental car to refuse your request. However, if the car is still available, they will confirm the extension with you over the telephone.

Usually, there is a small extra charge for extending the rental, but it should not be excessive. If you are unable to extend the rental on your car, depending on availability, the rental car company may give you the option to return to the branch and swap to a smaller or larger class of vehicle. Whatever you do, don’t call to extend your rental at the last minute when you can’t return the car before the rental deadline as this will incurr penalties. The penalty is calculated differently by each company, but it could be as high as ¥ 36,000 per day, which might even be charged if you are only an hour late.

Best car rental services in Japan

There are a bunch of different companies serving the vehicle rental market in Japan. To get started we recommend you use the car rental search on sites like Kayak or rentalcars.com . These sites will compare prices for you desired dates, pick up and drop off point across multiple providers, plus you can complete your entire booking in English. Japanese car hire websites are usually a lot less user friendly!

Budget (as in price, not the company) and higher-end cars are available, with plenty of pick-up and drop-off options around major airports and train stations. You should be able to compare prices and book with familiar names like Budget, Avis, Europcar, Toyota, Times and Nissan Rent a Car.

Renting a van or truck in Tokyo

While getting out of Tokyo itself (if you opt for city pick-up) might be a little hair-raising, this is actually a great way to get around the country. You can rent a budget camper van to get out of the hotels and off that beaten track that hipsters seem to hate so much.

If you’re looking to rent a camper van in Japan, we recommend Dream Drive Japan .

The rental car companies also have regular transport vans (like Toyota Hiaces), but you’ll need to go directly to the individual companies to book them. The larger companies like Orix, Toyota Rent a Car, and Nissan Rent a Car are more likely to have vans available. The cost to rent a Hiace-type van is usually about ¥ 15,000 for 24 hours.

Unless you get a “ kei van “, your vehicle will be classed as a mid-sized vehicle, which means your ETC tolls will be higher.

Kei trucks can be rented from about ¥ 9,000 for 24 hours. With a regular driver’s license, you can rent up to a medium-sized truck—such as the Toyota Dyna . The rental fees are about ¥ 14,000 per day.

If you need a truck to haul materials from a home center, check with the staff, as many home centers rent out kei trucks cheaply or lend them out free to customers so that they can cart their purchases home.

Alternatives to renting a car in Japan

If you aren’t so keen on the traditional rental business, you can try car sharing instead (note: you’ll need a Japanese license for this). Orix Car Share and other providers allow you to “borrow” their cars, which are parked all over the show, especially in bigger cities like Tokyo and Osaka. You can rent them for short periods of time (even 15 minutes)—making mini, semi-spontaneous (you reserve cars through an app or website) and cheap drives a breeze.

If you can’t or don’t want to drive, you can always take a  taxi  or use one of the various JR Passes for your escapades.

If you need a car for a specific purpose, but you can’t drive, you can charter a car with a driver. The cost is about ¥ 33,000 for 6 hours. It seems expensive, but it’s cheaper than a taxi and can be better value if you split the cost with friends or fellow travellers.

Car rental in Japan: FAQs

You ask, we answer.

What are the costs of renting a car in Japan?

Budget around ¥ 7,000 a day for a cheap rental car—but check prices carefully with the rental company, as they can fluctuate quite a bit depending on the season and demand. Don’t forget that in addition to the rental fee, you’ll be paying road tolls and fuel costs. Depending on whether you’re going on a quick jaunt into the countryside or an epic journey to the far reaches of the country, these additional fees vary from a few thousand yen up to about ¥ 20,000 .

How old do I need to be to rent a car in Japan?

18. And you need a valid license!

What happens if I get a fine or parking ticket?

Take care of it immediately! Follow the instructions carefully. If you’re a resident, be prepared to declare it on your next visa application .

What is the procedure in case of an accident?

If you get into an accident, whether it be with a another vehicle, a roadside ditch, or a wild animal, the first step is to report it to the police, and then call the emergency number for your rental car company. The rental car company will advise on whether to return the car if it is still operable or they will arrange for a tow truck and a replacement. If the car is blocking traffic, the police may forcibly move the car. In all cases, follow the instructions of the police and don’t argue!

Important: Most tourist SIMs are data only and don’t have the ability to call phone numbers in Japan. We strongly recommend that you get a Mobal SIM which is slightly more expensive, but comes with a Japanese phone number and the ability to call other Japanese phones. If you have an accident, and you can’t make a call, you will have to convince a local — or the police — to let you use their phone, and they will not be pleased! See our article on tourist SIMs for more.

Should I rent a car in Okinawa?

Yes. It will make your life on the southern islands much easier. Do it now .

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in April 2018. Last updated in August 2022 by Maria Danuco.

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Coupon Included! How to Rent a Car in Japan: A Guide for International Visitors

This is a guide on how to rent a car in Japan, rental costs, and highway toll fees. A discount voucher for car rental services is also included!

The Advantages of Renting a Car in Japan

Traveling by train and subway might be more convenient in a major city like Tokyo or Osaka, but when it comes to exploring regions like Hokkaido, Nagano, Hida-Takayama, and Okinawa, a rental car comes in handy so that you can fully enjoy the scenery.

With a car, you can easily tour several locations in one day. It's also easy to drop in at roadside rest stops and service areas to enjoy local products and cuisine.

This article will explain how to rent a car in Japan , from basic procedures to recommended car rental services and information on highway toll fees.

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Table of Contents

1. Requirements for Driving a Car in Japan 2. How to Rent a Car 3. The Cost of Renting a Car 4. About Car Navigation Systems 5. Japanese Highways and Rules of the Road 6. Expressways in Japan 7. How to Use a Parking Lot in Japan 8. How to Use a Gas Station in Japan 9. Insurance and What To Do in the Case of an Accident

Requirements for Driving a Car in Japan

First of all, one needs to be over the age of 18 to rent a car in Japan. This is because a person must be at least 18 years old to get a standard driver's license under Japanese law.

People over the age of 18 need to take a valid driver's license and show their passport when visiting the rent-a-car shop.

When driving a car in Japan, you can use one of three kinds of driver's licenses: - A driver's license issued in Japan (residents of Japan) - An International Driving Permit - A driver's license issued in a different country (Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco) with a Japanese translation

International Driving Permit

It's recommended to get the local automobile association in your country to issue an International Driving Permit. Upon entering Japan, there are instances where you won't be able to receive a driver's license from the embassy.

To learn what steps need to be taken in your own country, please refer to the official homepage (English) for International Driving Permits.

In Japan, International Driving Permits must follow the guidelines of the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (September 19, 1949) to be considered valid.

Licenses Issued in Other Countries and Their Japanese Translation

Even without obtaining an International Driving Permit, holders of driver's licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia, and Monaco can rent a car in Japan. They just need to present their driver's license with a Japanese translation and their passport.

Japanese translations can be issued at any Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) office throughout Japan, or at each country's embassy or consulate. A Japanese translation issued by JAF costs 4,000 yen per request and takes up to two weeks to process.

Whether it's for an International Driving Permit or a driver's license translation, please allow yourself plenty of time when submitting your application.

JAF Online Application for Japanese Translation

International Driving Permits and Other Licenses, Types of Vehicles (NIPPON Rent-A-Car)

How to Rent a Car in Japan

To rent a car, you must first submit an application online or go directly to a car rental office.

Just like renting a car in your own country, you'll need to decide on a few things: - Your rental car pick-up and return date - The type of vehicle - Whether you'll leave the rental car at your destination point (one-way trip) or not - Additional options: car navigation system, ETC card, etc.

In recent years, travel by rental car has become very popular. It might be difficult to rent a car by visiting the rental office on the day of your trip. It becomes particularly difficult during public holidays . With that in mind, it's best to make your reservation as soon as your travel plans have been finalized. .

Make Your Online Reservation in English, Chinese, Korean, or Thai

In Japan, many car rental agencies allow users to make online reservations in English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai. Some companies offering this service is TOYOTA Rent a Car , NIPPON Rent-A-Car , and Times CAR RENTAL .

If you use a rent-a-car comparison site such as Klook or Tabirai , you can search for the best prices in your native language.

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Before Returning Your Car Fill It Up With Gas

When it comes time to return your rent-a-car, the standard procedure is to fill it up with gas at a gas station near the car rental agency.

As part of the rent-a-car return procedure please remember that you'll need to present the gas station receipt as well. Also, keep in mind that some car rental shops require you to use a gas station that they've specified.

In some instances, it's possible to settle the gas charges right at the car rental shop if the nearest gas station is far away or has limited business hours. In this case, the charges are often slightly more expensive than if you filled up the car by yourself.

If you're dropping off your car, please return it to the rent-a-car agency's affiliated office. The drop-off location will be specified beforehand so please confirm this.

The Cost of Renting a Car

A rental car that holds four to five people usually costs 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen per day. However, this price can change depending on the region of Japan and the time of year.

The chart below shows car rental prices in the Hokkaido - Shin Chitose Airport area during mid-May 2023 on the reservation site Klook . Please use this as a reference.

If you make a reservation ahead of time, you can sometimes save money depending on the rent-a-car agency and the reservation site. For that reason, we recommend doing so at the earliest date once your travel plans are finalized.

About Car Navigation Systems

Nowadays, most rental cars come equipped with car navigation systems. However, in some cases, an additional charge is applied for this.

Car Navigation Systems With Support in English, Chinese, and Korean

In recent years, an increasing number of cars with car navigation systems also offer language support. For example, many NIPPON Rent-A-Car vehicles with navigation systems offer support in English, Korean, and Chinese.

Japanese Highways and Rules of the Road

Next, we introduce things you need to know about rules of the road when driving in Japan.

Driving on the Left Side of the Road

In Japan, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car and vehicles travel on the left side of the road.

Cars use the left lane in several other countries as well, including England, Australia, India, and South Africa. But in other countries such as the USA, China, Europe, Vietnam, and Brazil, cars use the right lane. So visitors from these countries need to exercise caution when driving in Japan!

Additionally, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's official homepage lists some important rules of the road and road signs that visitors need to be aware of. These are summarized in English, simplified Chinese, and Korean, so please take a look for your own safety.

In Snowfall Areas Be Sure To Use Winter Tires

In many regions of Japan, it snows during the winter. Even in places with little snow, roads can become icy at night when temperatures drop.

Winter Driving in Japan: 11 Precautions and Tips

Expressways in Japan

Expressway toll fees in Japan tend to be more expensive than those in other countries.

These fees depend on the region of the country and the time of the year. But generally speaking, it costs about 3,000 yen per 100 kilometers of highway traveled. However, in many rural areas these fees are discounted up to 30% during the late evening and on public holidays .

On expressways, the minimum speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour and the maximum speed limit is 100 kilometers per hour. If you exceed 100 kilometers per hour there's a good possibility that you'll be pulled over by the police. So please use caution.

How to Pay Highway Toll Fees and Information on ETC

When you reach an expressway tollgate you'll see signs that read, "Standard" and "ETC."

Standard (the green sign in the photo above) indicates a tollgate where you pay the toll fee with cash. Depending on the tollgate, you might have to insert money into a machine or pay a staff worker in the booth directly.

On the other hand, ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) means you pass through the tollgate without stopping. You'll need to have a credit card with an embedded ETC chip (ETC card). Afterward, your card will be charged for the toll amount.

You Can Also Rent an ETC Card!

These days more and more tollgates have their own special ETC lanes .

However, ETC card applications can take as long as two weeks. On top of that, the application requires a Japanese address, posing a challenge for international visitors.

But please don't worry! Increasing numbers of car rental shops now offer ETC card rentals . When dropping off your car you can pay the toll charges at the rent-a-car shop.

We recommend this service for travelers using the expressway, so please give this a try.

How to Use a Parking Lot in Japan

In Japan you're not allowed to stop or park your car on the hard shoulder of the road, so you'll need to use a parking lot.

Most popular sightseeing spots and shopping complexes have their own parking facilities. On the other hand, sightseeing spots located in town often don't have their own parking lot. So it will be necessary to use a private parking lot.

Parking Fees

The cost for private parking usually costs about 200 yen to 600 yen per hour. In places like Tokyo and Osaka, however, this price can often exceed 1,000 yen per hour.

But also keep in mind that many parking lots have a system called "saidai ryokin" in which the price won't increase after a specified length of parking time. For example, with the large parking company called Times, it costs 100 yen to park for one hour but only 1,000 yen for 24 hours.

Methods of Parking at a Parking Lot

There are essentially two different parking methods. With gate-type parking, you receive a ticket at the parking lot entrance and then pay the appropriate fee when you exit. With lock-type parking, you enter your parking spot number into a machine and pay afterward for the length of time that you parked.

With the first method ( gate-type ) you press a button on a machine and get your ticket before parking (see photo above).

This parking ticket shows various information including the time you entered the parking lot. When you're about to leave the parking lot, you either insert the ticket into a machine or pass it directly to a person in the booth and pay them the required amount. Please be sure not to lose this ticket before exiting the parking lot.

If you happen to lose your ticket, please contact the company that manages the parking lot. Their phone number is usually listed somewhere on the parking lot premises.

On the other hand with lock-type parking , you don't get a ticket at the entrance, but instead proceed directly inside and park your car. When your car sits on top of a platform-like device within the parking space, the tires get locked into place.

When it's time to leave, you enter your parking space number into a machine and the required money amount will be displayed. Pay this amount and the lock will be disengaged, allowing you to leave the parking lot.

Different Types of Parking Lots

In Japan's rural areas, flat pieces of vacant property are often turned into parking lots.

In contrast, there are also multi-story parking lots that can accommodate large numbers of vehicles, usually found at shopping malls and near train stations.

How to Use a Gas Station in Japan

Photo by Pixta

Gas stations can be found in every region of Japan. There are two types: full-service gas stations and self-serve gas stations.

At a full-service gas station, an attendant will fill up your car with gas and also wash your car's windshield. At a self-serve station, the customer pumps their own gas.

Self-service tends to be cheaper than full-service, but at full-service stations, there is little price variance. Full-service is a good choice if you'd like to get your tires filled with air and have your dirty windshield cleaned after a long day of driving.

At many gas stations, the price for each liter of gas is digitally displayed on the gas pump.

There are two types of gasoline: regular (the lowest octane level and suitable for most cars) and high-octane (a high-octane level and usually best for high-performance engines and luxury vehicles), often called premium gas in other countries.

It's probably best to use the gas that's recommended by the car manufacturer.

Using a gas station in Japan is essentially the same as in western countries and other Asian countries.

When you want to fill up a standard-sized car with gas, just say " Regular mantan de onegai shimasu "―and you should be fine!

Insurance and What to Do in the Case of an Accident

When renting a car in Japan, insurance with basic coverage is already included.

However, in the event of an accident, an additional charge of 50,000 yen to 100,000 yen will be required. For more details please check at the car rental shop.

What to Do in the Case of an Accident

If you should happen to cause an accident while driving in Japan or get involved in an accident where someone is injured, the first thing you need to do is call an ambulance. Please call 119 as soon as possible. Then it's important to move your car so that it doesn't interfere with highway traffic.

Next please contact the police. The phone number for the police is 110. Both the ambulance and police provide assistance in several foreign languages, so please contact them right away without hesitation.

After you have spoken to the police and all other matters have been settled, please use the car rental agency's emergency contact number and report what happened and ask them what steps now need to be taken.

Click here to get 10% off on NIPPON Rent-A-Car! (English)

This article is a revised version (April 2023) of an article that was originally published on December 2, 2016. Main image by Pixta

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Cheap car hire in Japan

Top tips for hiring a car in japan.

• While public transportation inside and between cities is usually efficient, there are some areas of the country where it is greatly beneficial to have a rental car—Hokkaido, for example, or the beaches of Okinawa (not to mention the Mt. Asu volcano) are all best accessed by road.
• Japan has an extensive system of toll roads, which can be paid for in many different ways. Besides the regular cash and credit card payment booths, drivers who rent a car in Japan can add an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) device on to their rental; some companies like Toyota Rent a Car even include them as standard. This allows you to pass through the toll system without paying on the spot. All tolls are added together and paid to the rental company when the car is returned.
• The law in Japan states that children under 6 must be restrained in an age-appropriate car seat in the rear seats of the vehicle. Car hire agencies generally have baby and child seats for different age categories, which can be booked in advance for an additional fee. Nippon Rent-A-Car, for example, charges approximately ¥540 ($5) per seat per day.
• While cross-border car rentals are not permitted in Japan, rental agencies have no problem with drivers visiting the different Japanese islands by car ferry. These ferries are a popular way of traveling from island to island but can be quite expensive. In the case of a very long sea journey (e.g., to Rebun or Sado), it may in fact be cheaper to drop off your car at the ferry port and pick up a new one on the other side.
• 25% of our users found a car hire in Japan for $84 or less
• Book your car hire in Japan at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
• Off-airport car hire locations in Japan are around 15% more expensive than airport locations on average
• Compact car hire in Japan are around 47% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Japan

How much does it cost to hire a car in japan.

On average a car hire in Japan costs $95 per day.

What is the most popular car hire in Japan?

Mini (Daihatsu Move or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Japan.

What is the cheapest car hire company in Japan?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Avis ($63/day), Budget ($71/day) and Times ($73/day).

How can I find car hires near me in Japan?

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Where should I hire a car in Japan?

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Japan are Nagoya (81% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Japan), Sendai (6%) and Miyazaki (4%).

How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Japan?

On average a car hire in Japan costs $674 per week ($96 per day).

How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Japan?

On average a car hire in Japan costs $2,890 per month ($96 per day).

What is driving like in Japan?

Driving conditions in Japan are generally very good, with roads well maintained and a large network of highways that crisscross the country. Roads are usually efficient and smooth. In Japan, traffic drives on the left, and it is important to note that there is a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving, with hefty fines or even deportation used to counter offenses.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Japan?

To rent a car in Japan, drivers must be at least 18 years of age. With the exception of a few European countries like Germany and Belgium, whose citizens may submit their domestic driving license with an official Japanese translation, it is essential to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Japan. A credit card will also be required.

How much does petrol cost in Japan?

Petrol prices in Japan are comparable to those in Europe but considerably higher than in the USA: expect to pay around ¥150 ($1.40) for a liter of gas, equivalent to around $5.29 for a gallon. Most petrol stations offer the option of self-service (menus in Japanese only) or full-service, in which case it may be helpful to know a few Japanese words. Payment is usually accepted in cash or credit card.

What are the speed limits in Japan?

Several different speed limits are enforced in Japan, all of which are clearly posted. As a general rule, the limit in urban areas is 40 km/h (25 mph), while side streets are limited to 30 km/h (18 mph). Open roads are usually limited to 50 or 60 km/h (31 or 37 mph), while expressways and highways carry speed limits of 80 to 100 km/h (49 to 62 mph).

Car hire directory

Toyota rent a car car hire locations in japan.

1490 Locations See all locations

ORIX Rent a Car car hire locations in Japan

885 Locations See all locations

Nippon Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

802 Locations See all locations

Nissan Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

529 Locations See all locations

Times car hire locations in Japan

500 Locations See all locations

keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Japan

322 Locations See all locations

Europcar car hire locations in Japan

321 Locations See all locations

Hertz car hire locations in Japan

232 Locations See all locations

Shouqi car hire locations in Japan

228 Locations See all locations

Sunnycars car hire locations in Japan

136 Locations See all locations

National car hire locations in Japan

108 Locations See all locations

Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

85 Locations See all locations

Good to know

When to book a rental car in japan, car hire locations in japan.

• Aichi Prefecture car hire
• Akita Prefecture car hire
• Aomori Prefecture car hire
• Chiba Prefecture car hire
• Ehime Prefecture car hire
• Fukui Prefecture car hire
• Fukuoka Prefecture car hire
• Fukushima Prefecture car hire
• Gifu Prefecture car hire
• Gunma Prefecture car hire
• Hiroshima Prefecture car hire
• Hokkaido Prefecture car hire
• Hyogo Prefecture car hire
• Ibaraki Prefecture car hire
• Ishikawa Prefecture car hire
• Iwate Prefecture car hire
• Kagawa Prefecture car hire
• Kagoshima Prefecture car hire
• Kanagawa Prefecture car hire
• Kochi Prefecture car hire
• Kumamoto Prefecture car hire
• Kyoto Prefecture car hire
• Mie Prefecture car hire
• Miyagi Prefecture car hire
• Miyazaki Prefecture car hire
• Nagano Prefecture car hire
• Nagasaki Prefecture car hire
• Nara Prefecture car hire
• Niigata Prefecture car hire
• Oita Prefecture car hire
• Okayama Prefecture car hire
• Osaka Prefecture car hire
• Saga Prefecture car hire
• Saitama Prefecture car hire
• Shiga Prefecture car hire
• Shimane Prefecture car hire
• Shizuoka Prefecture car hire
• Tochigi Prefecture car hire
• Tokushima Prefecture car hire
• Tokyo Prefecture car hire
• Tottori Prefecture car hire
• Toyama Prefecture car hire
• Wakayama Prefecture car hire
• Yamagata Prefecture car hire
• Yamaguchi Prefecture car hire
• Yamanashi Prefecture car hire
• Okinawa Prefecture car hire

Popular car hire locations

• Tokyo car hire
• Sapporo car hire
• Osaka car hire
• Okinawa car hire
• Fukuoka car hire
• Nagano car hire
• Kyoto car hire
• Nagoya car hire
• Odawara car hire
• Kanazawa car hire
• Chitose car hire
• Fuji car hire
• Narita car hire
• Kumamoto car hire
• Asahikawa car hire
• Mishima car hire
• Yokohama car hire
• Hakodate car hire
• Aomori car hire
• Naha car hire
• Tohoku Region car hire
• Kanto car hire
• Koshinetsu car hire
• Tokai car hire
• Kinki car hire
• Chugoku car hire
• Awaji Island car hire
• Fujisan car hire
• Chubu car hire
• Honshu car hire
• Kyūshū car hire
• Okinawa Island car hire
• Ryukyu Islands car hire
• East Asia car hire
• Tokyo Bay car hire
• Setonaikai National Park car hire

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.

Japan car hire

Search hundreds of car hire sites at once for car hire deals in japan.

Save up to 45% Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Free to use There are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your deals Filter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibility Use our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Cheap car hire in Japan

Top tips for hiring a car in japan.

• While public transportation inside and between cities is usually efficient, there are some areas of the country where it is greatly beneficial to have a rental car—Hokkaido, for example, or the beaches of Okinawa (not to mention the Mt. Asu volcano) are all best accessed by road.
• Japan has an extensive system of toll roads, which can be paid for in many different ways. Besides the regular cash and credit card payment booths, drivers who rent a car in Japan can add an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) device on to their rental; some companies like Toyota Rent a Car even include them as standard. This allows you to pass through the toll system without paying on the spot. All tolls are added together and paid to the rental company when the car is returned.
• The law in Japan states that children under 6 must be restrained in an age-appropriate car seat in the rear seats of the vehicle. Car hire agencies generally have baby and child seats for different age categories, which can be booked in advance for an additional fee. Nippon Rent-A-Car, for example, charges approximately ¥540 ($5) per seat per day.
• While cross-border car rentals are not permitted in Japan, rental agencies have no problem with drivers visiting the different Japanese islands by car ferry. These ferries are a popular way of traveling from island to island but can be quite expensive. In the case of a very long sea journey (e.g., to Rebun or Sado), it may in fact be cheaper to drop off your car at the ferry port and pick up a new one on the other side.
• 25% of our users found a car hire in Japan for £36 or less
• Book your car hire in Japan at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
• Off-airport car hire locations in Japan are around 11% cheaper than airport locations on average
• Economy car hire in Japan are around -34% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Japan

How much does it cost to hire a car in japan.

On average a car hire in Japan costs £65 per day.

What is the most popular car hire in Japan?

Economy (Class Economy Car or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Japan.

What is the cheapest car hire company in Japan?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Avis (£35/day), Alamo (£46/day) and ORIX Rent a Car (£48/day).

How can I find car hires near me in Japan?

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Where should I hire a car in Japan?

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Japan are Nagoya (53% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Japan), Sendai (17%) and Miyazaki (6%).

How much does a car hire in Japan cost for a week?

On average a car hire in Japan costs £335 per week (£48 per day).

How much does a car hire in Japan cost for a month?

On average a car hire in Japan costs £1,435 per month (£48 per day).

What is driving like in Japan?

Driving conditions in Japan are generally very good, with roads well maintained and a large network of highways that crisscross the country. Roads are usually efficient and smooth. In Japan, traffic drives on the left, and it is important to note that there is a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving, with hefty fines or even deportation used to counter offenses.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Japan?

To rent a car in Japan, drivers must be at least 18 years of age. With the exception of a few European countries like Germany and Belgium, whose citizens may submit their domestic driving license with an official Japanese translation, it is essential to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Japan. A credit card will also be required.

How much does petrol cost in Japan?

Petrol prices in Japan are comparable to those in Europe but considerably higher than in the USA: expect to pay around ¥150 ($1.40) for a liter of gas, equivalent to around $5.29 for a gallon. Most petrol stations offer the option of self-service (menus in Japanese only) or full-service, in which case it may be helpful to know a few Japanese words. Payment is usually accepted in cash or credit card.

What are the speed limits in Japan?

Several different speed limits are enforced in Japan, all of which are clearly posted. As a general rule, the limit in urban areas is 40 km/h (25 mph), while side streets are limited to 30 km/h (18 mph). Open roads are usually limited to 50 or 60 km/h (31 or 37 mph), while expressways and highways carry speed limits of 80 to 100 km/h (49 to 62 mph).

Car hire directory

Toyota rent a car car hire locations in japan.

1490 Locations See all locations

ORIX Rent a Car car hire locations in Japan

885 Locations See all locations

Nippon Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

802 Locations See all locations

Nissan Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

529 Locations See all locations

Times car hire locations in Japan

500 Locations See all locations

keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Japan

322 Locations See all locations

Europcar car hire locations in Japan

321 Locations See all locations

Hertz car hire locations in Japan

231 Locations See all locations

Shouqi car hire locations in Japan

228 Locations See all locations

Sunnycars car hire locations in Japan

136 Locations See all locations

National car hire locations in Japan

108 Locations See all locations

Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

85 Locations See all locations

Good to know

When to book a rental car in japan, car hire locations in japan.

• Aichi Prefecture car hire
• Akita Prefecture car hire
• Aomori Prefecture car hire
• Chiba Prefecture car hire
• Ehime Prefecture car hire
• Fukui Prefecture car hire
• Fukuoka Prefecture car hire
• Fukushima Prefecture car hire
• Gifu Prefecture car hire
• Gunma Prefecture car hire
• Hiroshima Prefecture car hire
• Hokkaido Prefecture car hire
• Hyogo Prefecture car hire
• Ibaraki Prefecture car hire
• Ishikawa Prefecture car hire
• Iwate Prefecture car hire
• Kagawa Prefecture car hire
• Kagoshima Prefecture car hire
• Kanagawa Prefecture car hire
• Kochi Prefecture car hire
• Kumamoto Prefecture car hire
• Kyoto Prefecture car hire
• Mie Prefecture car hire
• Miyagi Prefecture car hire
• Miyazaki Prefecture car hire
• Nagano Prefecture car hire
• Nagasaki Prefecture car hire
• Nara Prefecture car hire
• Niigata Prefecture car hire
• Oita Prefecture car hire
• Okayama Prefecture car hire
• Osaka Prefecture car hire
• Saga Prefecture car hire
• Saitama Prefecture car hire
• Shiga Prefecture car hire
• Shimane Prefecture car hire
• Shizuoka Prefecture car hire
• Tochigi Prefecture car hire
• Tokushima Prefecture car hire
• Tokyo Prefecture car hire
• Tottori Prefecture car hire
• Toyama Prefecture car hire
• Wakayama Prefecture car hire
• Yamagata Prefecture car hire
• Yamaguchi Prefecture car hire
• Yamanashi Prefecture car hire
• Okinawa Prefecture car hire

Popular car hire locations

• Tokyo car hire
• Osaka car hire
• Sapporo car hire
• Okinawa car hire
• Fukuoka car hire
• Kyoto car hire
• Nagoya car hire
• Odawara car hire
• Kanazawa car hire
• Kumamoto car hire
• Nagano car hire
• Hiroshima car hire
• Narita car hire
• Naha car hire
• Fuji car hire
• Mishima car hire
• Sendai car hire
• Matsumoto car hire
• Yokohama car hire
• Fujisan car hire
• Kyūshū car hire

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.

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How to rent a car in Japan: where to go and what you’ll need

Driving is the best way to explore deeper into Japan. Here’s everything you need to know when renting a car

While public transport is great in most cities around Japan, renting a car can still be worthwhile depending on where you are going and who you are travelling with. If you plan on exploring the inaka (countryside) where trains, buses and taxis are less frequent, having a car is your best bet for getting around. 

But you don’t have to be heading to Hokkaido or Okinawa, to make good use of a rental car. Even in Tokyo, renting a car can help when moving house, or just going on a big shopping trip to Ikea or Costco. 

If you’re looking to rent a car in Japan, here are some things you should know in advance, including what documents you’ll need and how the rental process works, plus general road rules and some of the major car rental companies for English-speakers in Japan. 

RECOMMENDED: Hit the highway with the best road trips in Japan

Requirements

To rent a car in Japan, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Japanese driver's licence or an international driving permit (IDP). Sounds simple enough, right? Here’s what you need to bear in mind.

Getting an international driving permit or Japanese driver’s licence

International driving permits are not issued in Japan, so you’ll need to get one outside the country before you come in. IDPs are also only valid for one year from the date of issue, so if you’re planning to be driving in Japan for a long time, it’s worth looking into getting a Japanese driver’s licence once you’re here.

You’ll also want to note that Japan only accepts international driving permits issued in countries that have signed up to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. You can find the full list of signatory countries here .

Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Slovenia, Switzerland and Taiwan do not issue IDPs under the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, but you can still use an official Japanese translation of your licence to rent a car. For more information on official licence translations, visit here . 

To obtain a Japanese driver’s licence, ​​Japan has agreements with 29 countries and regions, allowing you to easily acquire a Japanese licence without taking a written and practical exam. If your licence was not issued by one of the included countries, you’ll have to take a written and practical exam in Japan to acquire a Japanese licence. For more information on converting your licence in Tokyo, visit here .

The rental process

Your best option is to book ahead online, so all you have to do is show up with your booking details, ID and driver’s licence to confirm your car rental. Once you get to the rental pick-up site, the procedure is quite similar to renting a car in any other city or country. After confirming your booking, a routine inspection is done, and then you’re set to go. 

If you have any questions, it's best to ask before you head out. Some important details you might want to check include the type of fuel your car needs, insurance details, and any add ons such as baby car seats and ETC (electronic toll collection) cards. Most rental cars in Japan also come with a built-in GPS navigation system, but do note that it’s not always available in English. And make sure to fill up the gas tank before returning the car.

Car rental services in Japan

Car rental places are most often seen around airports, large train stations and select pick-up spots in the city. You might recognise some familiar rental car brands including Avis , Budget , Times , Orix , Europcar , Toyota and Nissan . Most of these companies have English-friendly reservation systems which will help you easily book online. 

You can also book a car through other independent travel reservation websites such as Expedia , Kayak and Rental Cars .

General road rules

In Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road with the driver sitting on the right hand side of the car. The general speed limit is 40km per hour in urban areas, 30km per hour through side streets, and between 80km and 100km per hour on highways. Everywhere else, the speed limit usually ranges from 50km to 60km per hour.

When taking the expressways in Japan, you’ll also have to pay tolls. These can be paid manually at the toll gates or with an ETC (electronic toll collection) card. You can nearly always avoid tolls by taking an alternate route through local roads, but it will take you a bit longer.

6 best road trips in Japan

Looking for a relaxed yet socially distanced way to travel? Hop in a car and take these scenic road trips through Japan

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How to Rent a Car in Japan

Make getting around a breeze!

The freedom a vehicle gives you is one of the best ways to explore Japan, particularly if you’re heading off the beaten path. Nothing beats the convenience of being able to set your own pace on a journey or the ability to stop at spots that interest you. It allows for a unique glimpse into the land of the rising sun - and one that you may not get with other modes of transport.

The process of renting a car in Japan may seem daunting, but it really couldn’t be simpler. Take a look at what you need to know to get behind the wheel and hit the open road.

What you need to drive

Valid license.

First things first – you need to ensure you can legally drive in Japan! You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and have obtained an International Driver's Permit (IDP) in your country of residence before you visit.

A driver’s license from your home country alone isn’t enough, and car rental agencies won’t be able to hand over the keys to your vehicle unless you have an IDP. Bring your license from home and your passport to the rental office in conjunction with the IDP.

If you already reside in Japan and have converted your home country’s license to a Japanese license, you’re good to go!

Understanding of the Road Rules

In Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road. Typically, Japan's road signs and driving rules adhere to international standards but it is recommended to go over the basics before hitting the ignition.

Read up on Japan's traffic rules and other helpful advice provided by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation).

Finding a Rental Car Locations

Most of Japan’s car rental websites will allow you to filter for a rental location by the nearest airport or shinkansen station. For many travelers in Japan, these locations make for logical pick-up and/or drop-off points.

Which companies provide rental cars?

There are a host of car rental companies to choose from in Japan. Here are some of the major names. The companies listed have websites with English-language booking capabilities, so it really is as easy as putting in the required dates, vehicle, and any other add-ons you need.

Not every car rental agency will have an in-store representative that speaks your language, so to make the process run as smoothly as possible, ensure that you have your reservation details (i.e. booking/reservation number), International Driving Permit, passport, and home country’s license ready to go.

Things to consider before you hit the road

Makes and models of vehicles.

You will be able to select from a range of vehicle types through your rental company. Vehicles will be categorized, for example: compact, standard, sports, SUV, and minivan.

Bear in mind that many of Japan’s roads are significantly narrower and parking lots are substantially more cramped than what you may be used to; smaller vehicles may be advantageous in that sense.

Consider the needs of your passengers, the confidence you have in your driving skills, and the knowledge that road conditions are different before you make your decision.

One-way or return journeys?

Most car rental companies will give you the option of returning the vehicle to the same store location or doing a one-way journey and returning the vehicle at an alternate branch of the car rental chain. There is often a surcharge that comes with returning your vehicle to a different branch than the one you picked the car up from, so if you’re trying to minimize costs keep that in mind.

Traveling with children?

If you are traveling with little ones in tow, many rental-car providers will allow you to specify car seat requirements for your child (or children). In most cases, this is able to be done via the agency’s online booking platforms, so seats are ready to go in the vehicle as soon as you pick it up.

Tolls and ETC readers

Japan’s network of highways and expressways are predominantly toll roads. Payment of tolls can be done in two ways. You can either take a paper-based ticket when you enter a toll road and pay for the tolls by cash or credit card, or use an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) reader.

Your car rental company of choice will generally offer you an ETC reader with your vehicle rental, and toll payments are settled when you return the vehicle at the end of your trip. Some rental agencies will have a small additional charge for the use of an ETC device, but for others it is included with the vehicle.

There are two perks for using an ETC. First, when passing through a toll gate, you do not need to stop – only slow down until the gate reads the ETC signal and opens the gate automatically. The second is that toll companies offer minor toll discounts for ETC users.

If you decide to forego the ETC reader option, bear in mind that some toll booths do not have credit card capability. Be sure to have some yen on hand to avoid being caught short. In fact, this is advisable by default as some older regional toll roads do not support ETC either.

Whether you decide to use an ETC or not, be aware that toll gates are segregated by payment types. You’ll commonly see three lane options presented to you:

一般 (green signage) – this is the “general” lane, for anyone without an ETC reader; payment must be done by cash (though many toll booths now take credit card)

ETC/ 一般 (purple and green signage) – this can be used by anyone, whether they have an ETC reader or not; vehicles with ETC can pass without stopping, while others will stop to make payment

ETC専用 (purple signage) – this lane is only to be used if you have an ETC reader.

Multilingual GPS equipment is also provided with most rental vehicles – or can be borrowed for a small additional fee. This can take the stress out of juggling maps and managing directions, particularly in a new country where roads and routes are unfamiliar.

Driving on the left hand side

Japan is a country that drives on the left side of the road, which may be unfamiliar for those of you used to driving on the right. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the setup of your rented vehicle and get your bearings. Don’t stress too much though - we’ve all used our wipers instead of our signals once or twice!

Procedures for collecting your car

1) checking-in.

Provided you already have a rental car reserved, this step is as simple as arriving at the rental car company counter and showing your reservation number and required documents (license, International Drivers Permit, passport, etc.). If you do not have a reservation, the staff will present you a list of vehicle options and prices.

2) Vehicle Check

Before you hit the road and start exploring Japan by car, the rental agency staff will walk you around your vehicle. Check for any pre-existing dents or scratches to ensure that they are verified by the staff member – you don’t want to be charged later on for damages you didn’t cause.

3) Returning your vehicle

Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas when you return it. The staff will check this, along with a check of the vehicle to ensure there is no damage. If you do return the vehicle without a full tank, they will calculate the amount of fuel required based on the number of kilometers you’ve driven, which is often charged at a higher rate than what you would expect to find at a gas station.

Any outstanding fees, such as ETC tolls or payment for any damages incurred, will be settled upon returning the vehicle.

If you are returning a vehicle to a store location near an airport, most agencies will have shuttle bus facilities to get you thin time for your flight.

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Renting a Car in Japan: Essential Driving Tips You Need to Know!

Home » Blog » Japan » Renting a Car in Japan: Essential Driving Tips You Need to Know!

Renting a car in Japan is the best way to get off the beaten track and see parts of the country most tourists miss. We’re sharing our top tips to help you get a car rental and feel comfortable driving in Japan.

Renting a car in Japan allows you to travel at your own pace and avoid the crowds. We’ve had some of our best adventures in tiny towns across the country that are easily accessed by car, but not by public transport. 

It’s also a lot easier to drive in Japan than you would expect (yes, even driving on the left!). But there are a few things you need to know before you get behind the wheel of a Japanese rental car. 

We’re breaking down the exact cost of renting a car in Japan, as well as answering some of your most frequently asked questions. Plus, we’re sharing our top tips to save you money and headaches.

Article Contents

• Why rent a car in Japan
• Reasons not to rent a car
• Cost of renting a car in Japan
• Rental car insurance

Requirements for renting a car in Japan

Tips for renting a car in japan.

• Driving in Japan tips

The ultimate Japan packing list

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This  FREE   PDF download  includes  everything  you’re going to want to pack for your Japan trip, including what NOT to bring, plus tons of insider tips!

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Why rent a car in Japan?

There are so many positives to renting a car in Japan, but we know it can be tricky decision, especially since public transport is so easy. Here are some of the top reasons to get a rental car:

1. You can get off the beaten track

Japan is one of the busiest countries we have ever been to, and it seems to be getting more and more crowded each year.

By renting a car in Japan, we were able to escape the chaos of the major cities and tourist areas and discover hidden gems throughout the country.

We drove an hour outside of Nikko to a magical onsen hotel. We stayed at a remote 120-year-old farm-style ryokan outside of Takayama, where we ate locally-sourced meals and made our own soba noodles.

Getting to these places would have been nearly impossible (or taken triple the amount of time) if we didn’t have a rental car and had to rely on trains and buses.

Before we get any further, I’m sure you’re wanting to know how to book your rental car for Japan. We always book through Booking.com (formerly RentalCars.com) because they have the best deals and are very reliable. 

We found Nissan Rent a Car from Booking.com and booked a hybrid car for our trip. If you’re ready to book, start searching now and use their filters to find the right car for your travels. 

2. You can travel at your own speed 

Everything is on time in Japan – like to the second . From train departures to bus routes (and even happy hours), nothing deviates from the set schedule. On the off chance that transportation is delayed by a couple of minutes, you will be informed and apologies will be given. 

We love the preciseness of Japanese culture, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to take your time and not have to worry about a hard deadline to catch your train. 

Having a rental car allowed us to be more flexible with our schedule, which we really liked. It was especially nice when traveling in Japan with our nearly 2-year-old daughter. 

3. Traveling with children is easier

Ever since having a child, we’ve sometimes found it easier to rent a car in the destinations we visit. 

For being so small, babies come with a lot of extra travel gear. It’s way more convenient to have a spot for all your luggage in a rental car than trying to drag it all (and a stroller) onto the train and through stations. 

Not only are you able to have everything you need in your vehicle, you can also feed your kiddos snacks and meals when they get hungry. Eating on public transportation in Japan is typically considered rude and frowned upon. 

If your little ones get too wiggly in the car and need a break, you can easily pull over and walk around for a little while . You can’t really pull over a train so your kids can release some energy. 

Psst! Check out our family travel guide for more tips on traveling with little ones.

4. Rental cars might be cheaper than trains

Before 2023, the cheapest and easiest way to travel around Japan as a tourist was to buy a Japan Rail Pass which gave you (nearly) unlimited train travel throughout the country.

However, in October 2023, the Japan Rail Pass price shot up over 60% . Now, depending on your destinations and how long you plan to be in Japan, it may make more financial sense to rent a car. 

Later in this article, I’ll break down the costs of our rental car and compare it to traveling with a JR Pass, but here is a sneak peak:

• It cost us roughly $73 USD per day for 2 adults and a baby to rent a car in Japan, compared to…
• $82.57 USD per day for 2 adults with two 14-day JR Passes. 

5. Driving in Japan is easier than you think

Okay, yes, this one should come with an asterisk. Driving in major cities in Japan can get a little chaotic with all the traffic, one-ways, and excessive signage. But driving on the expressways, in small towns, and in the rural areas of Japan is pretty easy and can actually be lots of fun.

Most of the navigational signs will have both Japanese and English and, for the most part, Japanese drivers are courteous and safe.

We recommend having a SIM card or a WiFi hotspot so you can navigate with a GPS or Google Maps.

“But what about driving on the left side of the road?” 

Yes, for us North Americans and others who drive on the right, it can take a bit to adjust to the other side. 

But I also say this: in general, when you drive anywhere, you are basically following the person ahead of you. If you think about that, it makes driving on any side of the road much simpler! 

6. It’s fun!

There’s just something about road trips that’s so much fun! Stock up on snacks, crank some tunes and sing aloud, or listen to a podcast with your travel buddy. No headphones needed!

When you rent a car in Japan you’ll have your own space to listen to whatever you want, turn on the AC or roll the windows down – whatever floats your boat (or car!).

Reasons not to rent a car in Japan

While we think getting a rental car is worthwhile for certain trips to Japan, there are some cases where public transportation is the better option. Here are some reasons not to book a rental car:

• If you’re only going to three or fewer destinations in Japan, it may not be necessary to rent a car. Japan is well connected by trains and if you’re just going to a few destinations then it probably wouldn’t make sense to get a car. 
• If you’re only visiting big cities, like Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka , you will not need a rental car. These cities have great public transportation and it is easy to get around. Plus, parking in these cities can get pretty expensive, so you might as well ditch the car. 
• If you’re traveling solo, the cost of renting a car will probably be more than a JR Pass or even just buying individual train tickets. 
• If you have lots of luggage , a rental may not have enough space. Cars in Japan tend to be quite small and do not accommodate large amounts of luggage. We rented a Nissan Note, which is a 4-door sedan. We had two large, hard-sided suitcases, a stroller, a car seat, and two small backpacks. It was a bit tight, but still comfortable. Any more than that would be pushing it.
• If you’re really nervous about driving on the left side of the road , you might want to reduce your stress and opt for a JR Pass. We believe it’s easier than you think to drive on the opposite side of the road, but we know it can make some people really anxious and that’s totally understandable. No one wants to be anxious on their travels!

How much does a car rental in Japan cost?

There are all different types of cars to rent in Japan, but the most common ones are small sedans. Larger vehicles like vans or SUVs will cost more compared to a sedan. We personally booked a Nissan Note 4-door hybrid sedan from Nissan Rent a Car at Shinjuku Station. 

When we traveled to Japan in November 2023, our 15-day rental car cost a total of $822 USD, making it about $54.80 USD per day for two adults and a baby. 

Of course, there are additional expenses, like insurance (which was covered by our credit card), toll fees (totalled about $125 USD), and gas/petrol (about $150 USD).

Our overall cost for renting a car in Japan for 15-days came to $1,097 USD, roughly $73 USD per day. 

Compared to a Japan Rail Pass: In 2024, a 7-day JR Pass costs around $360 USD per adult and a 14-day JR Pass costs about $578 USD. If you’re traveling with a partner, you’ll of course have to double that expense. 

So if you break that down per day, for two adults on a 14-day JR Pass it will cost about $82.57 USD per day. 

Comparing the per day price, it was cheaper for us to rent a car in Japan than to buy the JR Pass for our 2023 trip. 

Note on Renting a Car Seat: Since we were traveling with our nearly 2-year-old daughter, we called Nissan to see how much a car seat would cost to rent. They told us it would be roughly $10 USD per day to rent the car seat, totalling $150 for the trip. We decided to bring our own travel car seat instead. 

Do I need rental car insurance in Japan?

Japan car rental companies are required to include liability and damage insurance in the price of the rental. 

If you wish to purchase additional coverage, you can do so when you check out the car. This coverage and additional costs will vary depending on the company you choose to rent from. 

If you have more questions on additional coverages, we encourage you to call or email the rental car company. 

There are two requirements to rent a car in Japan.

You must be 18 years or older

The legal driving age in Japan is 18 years old. 

You need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP)

To rent a car in Japan, you will need your driver’s license and an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) . An IDP basically translates your driver’s license into several languages, including Japanese. The rental car staff will ask to check your IDP before they hand over the keys.

To get an IDP, bring your driver’s license, two passport photos, and the $20 USD permit fee to your local AAA store (you can get your passport photos taken at the AAA store as well). Fill out the IDP application, pay the fee, and they will complete the rest. 

The IDP is valid for 1 calendar year. 

These tips are pretty universal whether you’re renting a car in Japan, Europe, or the United States. We hope they are helpful to you as you plan your trip.

1. Take pictures of the outside of the car before driving

Get up close and personal. Take photos on your cell phone of any scrapes and dents, no matter how small. And don’t forget any little cracks on the windshield. This way, none of these issues can be blamed on you.

We’ve never had to use these photos, but it’s a good idea to have yourself covered just in case!

2. Rent your car online

Since the online booking platforms reserve several cars and pay the company whether or not someone actually rents them, they get a great rate and can pass the savings onto you . 

It is almost always cheaper to book online rather than walking into a store. I never would have believed this until we walked into a car rental shop in Costa Rica and were quoted nearly 3 times as much for the same vehicle as what was listed online!

Plus, you won’t need to worry whether there will be availability if you book it ahead of time.

3. The longer you rent, the less you pay per day

If you compare the cost of a single day rental to the cost of renting a car for multiple days or weeks, you’ll almost always get a better deal for the longer term. 

Don’t take our word for it, see for yourself !

4. Download offline navigation

It’s important to download the map before your trip so you can find roads, restaurants, and attractions even if you don’t have cell phone service.

For this, Google Maps is amazing. Not only can you pin all the points of interest along your route, but it will also show your current GPS location even when you’re not within cell signal. To enable this feature, keep reading…

How do you Download Google Maps Offline?

It’s super simple! Just follow these steps:

• ​​Sign in and open the Google Maps app (it’s connected to your Gmail account).
• Move the map so that Japan, or the portion you want to download, is in the frame. 
• You’ll see a white bar at the top of the screen. Tap on your profile picture or the letter of your profile.
• Tap “ Offline Maps ”.
• Tap “ Select your own map ”.
• Move the map so the area you want downloaded is in the blue frame. Make sure you’re in WiFi , and click the “download” icon.

The map data from this region will now be on your phone, and can be accessed even when you have no cell signal. You’ll even be able to see your current GPS location as long as you have it authorized. (Settings > Google Maps > Location > select “Always”)

Maps.Me is another great map option, and we use it a lot to find hiking trails and things that aren’t always marked on Google Maps. You might want to download both maps before your trip.

Hot Tip: Bring a phone mount for the rental car (and a charger cord) so you have your navigation at eye level.

5. Get a SIM card

A local SIM card is invaluable when you’re traveling abroad. Not only does it help you avoid costly roaming or data charges , it also provides a safety net and keeps you generally more connected, providing local cell and data coverage while on the road. 

Just make sure you’re traveling to Japan with an unlocked smartphone in order to use the local service.

Our favorite way to get data in a foreign country is by using Airalo . If you can get by with data only (no calling, but you can use WhatsApp), this is a great value at just $18 USD for 10GB, valid for 30 days. 

Airalo is an app you download that offers eSIMs in nearly 200 countries. It’s super easy to use and makes arriving in a new place much more seamless. 

Just download the app to your phone, choose the country and data package that best suits your travel needs, and install the eSIM. Voila! It offers instant connectivity , and is easy to top up with more data when you need it.

Don’t miss this! We have a list of all the best apps for traveling in Japan that will be super helpful as you plan your trip.

6. Combat car sickness

If you’re someone who suffers from the occasional motion sickness, zig-zagging through Japan’s mountains is not an ideal situation. 

Having your own vehicle will allow you the freedom to stop when you need to . Plus, sitting in the front seat (or driving) helps prevent car sickness a ton.

Pro Tip: Motion sickness wrist bands and ginger chews have helped me a lot! 

Tips for Driving in Japan 

Here’s a handful of tips we learned when booking and driving our rental car in Japan. Be sure to read these over before your trip.

1. Make sure your luggage will fit 

Most rental cars in Japan are small and compact and don’t have much trunk space. 

Measure your luggage and double check the size of the trunk or back seat of the model you’re renting. We had to rent a larger vehicle (Nissan Note) because we had two large suitcases, a collapsible stroller, and two small packs. 

2. Book a car with snow tires in the winter

if you plan to drive in mountainous regions in the winter time , you’ll definitely want snow tires. The curvy roads in Japan are no joke, so make sure you are prepared and prebook snow tires . 

On that note, be sure you do a little research before your trip to ensure the mountain roads you want to take are open. Some of the high altitude roads close in mid-autumn in preparation for the snow.

3. Know what a stop sign looks like

Japanese stops signs are a red triangle with white text “止まれ”. It looks like a red yield sign in North America, but it is definitely a stop sign in Japan. 

4. Understand the speed limit

Japanese Speed Limit signs are similar to a European style speed limit sign which shows a number (in Km/h) with a red circle border. When there is no speed limit sign present, the speed limit is 100 km/h on expressways and 60 km/h on ordinary roads . 

Most expressways have adjustable speed limit signs where the number is lit with lights and can be changed depending on construction or weather. 

You may notice while driving that many people don’t stick to the speed limit. Our advice is not to speed in a foreign country , but if you do, keep it under 20 km/h over the set speed limit. 

There are speed cameras everywhere. And if you get caught going 30 km/h+ over in Japan, you could be punished with jail time. 

5. Be prepared to fill up gas

Gas stations in Japan are full service , so you don’t need to get out of your car. They will help you park, pump your gas, and wash your windows. 

Be aware that gas stations might have weird hours and are not always open in the countryside. We found that most were closed on Sundays in rural areas . 

When returning your car, you are required to fill up your gas tank back to full at a gas station close to the rental car company. Also, you have to bring the receipt when you drop off the car to show where you filled up, so don’t forget it!

6. Reverse into parking spaces

Everyone seems to reverse into parking spaces in Japan, so if you want to follow suit, practice your 90-degree back-in. 

7. Don’t miss Japanese rest stops

In general, Japanese rest stops are pretty amazing. We went to a couple that were almost like a mini food court at a mall. They have tons of food options, convenience stores and, of course, restrooms. 

To order food, you’ll most likely pick what you want from a kiosk which will print a ticket that you will hand to the chef. 

We were impressed to also find children’s cups, bowls, and utensils at the rest stops. There is also free drinking water and hot or cold green tea available.

8. Understand stickers on Japanese cars

When driving in Japan, you may notice some cars have various magnetic stickers on the back or front of the vehicle. These are used to denote something special about the driver so that others are aware and can adapt accordingly.

Here are some of the more common stickers you might see around Japan:

• Elderly Driver
• Disabled Driver
• Hearing Impaired Driver

Check out this article for more info on each symbol and the design .

We think this is a great system and should be implemented in other places around the world. We also got to thinking, “Why don’t rental cars have the ‘New Driver’ sticker…”

9. Renting an ETC Card for tolls in Japan is essential

There are many tolls in Japan and it is hard to avoid them if you want to get to places quickly. You can either pay them manually with cash or credit card, or use the drive by lane with an ETC card. 

We recommend renting an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card from your rental car company. It cost us around $2 USD to rent the card and it gets inserted into your car’s computer system. 

This card will sense when you drive through a toll and charge you the appropriate amount. When you return your car, you’ll pay the total fee for all the tolls you used. 

Using an ETC Toll

The Japanese ETC tolls were some of the easiest tolls we have ever encountered while traveling. 

When approaching a toll, there will be loads of signs telling you there is one coming up. File into the correct ETC lane denoted by a purple “ETC” and travel at 20 km/h. The toll will sense your car, make a “dinging” noise, and lift the arm of the gate for you to pass through.

Then when exiting the toll, follow the same steps, but this time your car will ding and tell you the amount that is charged for the toll. 

FAQs about car rentals in Japan

Still have questions about renting a car in Japan? We’ve got answers!

Is it safe to rent a car in Japan?

Yes, Japan is a very safe country to travel in and rent a car. We felt safe and welcomed everywhere we traveled in Japan. 

What’s the cheapest rental car company in Japan?

Most of the car rental companies in Japan have similar prices for each size of vehicle. We found that on average, Nissan Rent a Car is slightly cheaper than the rest, but check for yourself at Booking.com .

How much does gas cost in Japan?

As of January 2024, the average gasoline price in Japan is 175 Yen/Liter or $1.21 USD/Liter.

That’s about $4.58 USD/gallon. 

How much are tolls in Japan?

Each toll varies quite a bit and there’s a good chance you won’t know the total cost until you exit the tollroad. 

We had our rental car for 15 days, drove through mountainous regions, and passed through a lot of tolls. Our most expensive toll was ¥4,330 (around $30 USD) for a long stretch on an expressway. 

In comparison, if you drive from Tokyo to Kyoto via the expressway, it will take you about 6 hours and cost around ¥10,000 ($68 USD) in tolls.

When we returned the car, our total toll fee was about ¥180,000 (around $125 USD) for 2 weeks of exploring Japan in our rental car.

Are you planning a trip to Japan?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate Japan Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Everything You Need to Know About the JRail Pass Train Ticket
• Crazy & Fun Things to Do in Japan
• Most Beautiful Places in Japan You Need to See for Yourself
• Best Japan Travel Apps to Download Before Your Next Trip

Find out exactly what to pack for Japan with our  free Japan packing list download . Click the image below and fill out the form to get the packing list PDF sent straight into your inbox:

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Tips on renting a car in Japan

• Published on : 05/05/2021
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Travel through Japan with complete freedom by renting a car

In Japan, traveling by car is the  ideal solution for those who wish to venture off the beaten track  or who dream of a   personalized itinerary . The car provides  greater proximity  to the regions visited thanks to total flexibility. Nothing stops you from taking short detours, making changes to your program as you wish, making an  impromptu stop at the sight of a small pottery store or a sake brewery . What is more, driving in Japan is a breeze: most road signs are translated into English, vehicles often have a GPS, most Japanese drivers are very courteous and speed limits are relatively low. There is no reason not to try it.

Renting a car allows you to visit a region from a different angle and enjoy magnificent and magical places away from the crowds.

Discover the most scenic roads in Japan where you can take a leisurely drive, as well as our selection of themed itineraries that allow you to explore the island at your own pace and with total peace of mind.

Easy driving

There are no particular difficulties to driving in Japan: the signs on the main roads are in English, the signs are clear and  the roads are safe and well maintained.

The Japanese drive on the left side of the road and are generally cautious and respectful. The speed limit is 40km / hr in town, 60km / hr on country roads and 80 to 100km / hr on motorways, where many service stations will welcome you.

GPS Navigator and Drivin 'Assistance 7 days / week, 24hrs / day

Japan Experience, in association with Nissan rent-a-car offers vehicles equipped with a  GPS in English. So there is no reason to panic, just follow the arrows.

Drivin' Assistance is also a plus to ensure your total peace of mind. Our English speaking team in Japan is there to answer your questions and to guide you in the case an emergency.

Driver's license

In Japan, the minimum driving age is 18 years old. An International Driving Permit may be required depending on your nationality (check with your embassy). For some nationalities it is necessary to have your driving licence translated.

Book a car in Japan? Nothing could be simpler with our new car rental service. Fill out our online form and you will receive a confirmation within 48 hours.

Insurance, telephone assistance or license translation, Japan Experience takes care of everything!

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Japan car rentals

Search hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in japan.

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Filter your deals Filter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibility Use our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Cheap car hire in Japan

Top tips for hiring a car in japan.

• While public transportation inside and between cities is usually efficient, there are some areas of the country where it is greatly beneficial to have a rental car—Hokkaido, for example, or the beaches of Okinawa (not to mention the Mt. Asu volcano) are all best accessed by road.
• Japan has an extensive system of toll roads, which can be paid for in many different ways. Besides the regular cash and credit card payment booths, drivers who rent a car in Japan can add an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) device on to their rental; some companies like Toyota Rent a Car even include them as standard. This allows you to pass through the toll system without paying on the spot. All tolls are added together and paid to the rental company when the car is returned.
• The law in Japan states that children under 6 must be restrained in an age-appropriate car seat in the rear seats of the vehicle. Car hire agencies generally have baby and child seats for different age categories, which can be booked in advance for an additional fee. Nippon Rent-A-Car, for example, charges approximately ¥540 ($5) per seat per day.
• While cross-border car rentals are not permitted in Japan, rental agencies have no problem with drivers visiting the different Japanese islands by car ferry. These ferries are a popular way of traveling from island to island but can be quite expensive. In the case of a very long sea journey (e.g., to Rebun or Sado), it may in fact be cheaper to drop off your car at the ferry port and pick up a new one on the other side.
• 25% of our users found rental cars in Japan for ₹ 7,912 or less
• Book your rental car in Japan at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
• Off-airport rental car locations in Japan are around 26% more expensive than airport locations on average
• Compact rental cars in Japan are around 20% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Japan

How much does it cost to hire a car in japan.

On average a car hire in Japan costs ₹ 8,222 per day.

What is the most popular car hire in Japan?

Compact (Toyota Corolla Axio or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Japan.

What is the cheapest car hire company in Japan?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Nippon Rent-A-Car (₹ 6,990/day) and ORIX Rent a Car (₹ 7,413/day).

How can I find car hires near me in Japan?

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Where should I hire a car in Japan?

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Japan are Nagoya (57% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Japan), Asahikawa (14%) and Akita (7%).

How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Japan?

On average a car hire in Japan costs ₹ 60,957 per week (₹ 8,708 per day).

How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Japan?

On average a car hire in Japan costs ₹ 261,245 per month (₹ 8,708 per day).

What is driving like in Japan?

Driving conditions in Japan are generally very good, with roads well maintained and a large network of highways that crisscross the country. Roads are usually efficient and smooth. In Japan, traffic drives on the left, and it is important to note that there is a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving, with hefty fines or even deportation used to counter offenses.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Japan?

To rent a car in Japan, drivers must be at least 18 years of age. With the exception of a few European countries like Germany and Belgium, whose citizens may submit their domestic driving license with an official Japanese translation, it is essential to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Japan. A credit card will also be required.

How much does petrol cost in Japan?

Petrol prices in Japan are comparable to those in Europe but considerably higher than in the USA: expect to pay around ¥150 ($1.40) for a liter of gas, equivalent to around $5.29 for a gallon. Most petrol stations offer the option of self-service (menus in Japanese only) or full-service, in which case it may be helpful to know a few Japanese words. Payment is usually accepted in cash or credit card.

What are the speed limits in Japan?

Several different speed limits are enforced in Japan, all of which are clearly posted. As a general rule, the limit in urban areas is 40 km/h (25 mph), while side streets are limited to 30 km/h (18 mph). Open roads are usually limited to 50 or 60 km/h (31 or 37 mph), while expressways and highways carry speed limits of 80 to 100 km/h (49 to 62 mph).

Car rental directory

Toyota rent a car car hire locations in japan.

1490 Locations See all locations

ORIX Rent a Car car hire locations in Japan

885 Locations See all locations

Nippon Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

802 Locations See all locations

Nissan Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

529 Locations See all locations

Times car hire locations in Japan

500 Locations See all locations

keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Japan

322 Locations See all locations

Europcar car hire locations in Japan

321 Locations See all locations

Hertz car hire locations in Japan

232 Locations See all locations

Shouqi car hire locations in Japan

228 Locations See all locations

Sunnycars car hire locations in Japan

136 Locations See all locations

National car hire locations in Japan

108 Locations See all locations

Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

85 Locations See all locations

Good to know

When to book a rental car in japan, car hire locations in japan.

• Aichi Prefecture car rentals
• Akita Prefecture car rentals
• Aomori Prefecture car rentals
• Chiba Prefecture car rentals
• Ehime Prefecture car rentals
• Fukui Prefecture car rentals
• Fukuoka Prefecture car rentals
• Fukushima Prefecture car rentals
• Gifu Prefecture car rentals
• Gunma Prefecture car rentals
• Hiroshima Prefecture car rentals
• Hokkaido Prefecture car rentals
• Hyogo Prefecture car rentals
• Ibaraki Prefecture car rentals
• Ishikawa Prefecture car rentals
• Iwate Prefecture car rentals
• Kagawa Prefecture car rentals
• Kagoshima Prefecture car rentals
• Kanagawa Prefecture car rentals
• Kochi Prefecture car rentals
• Kumamoto Prefecture car rentals
• Kyoto Prefecture car rentals
• Mie Prefecture car rentals
• Miyagi Prefecture car rentals
• Miyazaki Prefecture car rentals
• Nagano Prefecture car rentals
• Nagasaki Prefecture car rentals
• Nara Prefecture car rentals
• Niigata Prefecture car rentals
• Oita Prefecture car rentals
• Okayama Prefecture car rentals
• Osaka Prefecture car rentals
• Saga Prefecture car rentals
• Saitama Prefecture car rentals
• Shiga Prefecture car rentals
• Shimane Prefecture car rentals
• Shizuoka Prefecture car rentals
• Tochigi Prefecture car rentals
• Tokushima Prefecture car rentals
• Tokyo Prefecture car rentals
• Tottori Prefecture car rentals
• Toyama Prefecture car rentals
• Wakayama Prefecture car rentals
• Yamagata Prefecture car rentals
• Yamaguchi Prefecture car rentals
• Yamanashi Prefecture car rentals
• Okinawa Prefecture car rentals

Popular car rental locations

• Tokyo car rentals
• Osaka car rentals
• Sapporo car rentals
• Narita car rentals
• Hakodate car rentals
• Okinawa car rentals
• Nagoya car rentals
• Kyoto car rentals
• Fukuoka car rentals
• Hiroshima car rentals
• Naha car rentals
• Yokohama car rentals
• Mishima car rentals
• Kochi car rentals
• Akashi car rentals
• Kanazawa car rentals
• Awaji Island car rentals
• Fujisan car rentals
• Kyūshū car rentals

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.

Japan car rentals

Search hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in japan.

Free to use There are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your deals Filter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibility Use our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Cheap car rentals in Japan

Top tips for renting a car in japan.

• While public transportation inside and between cities is usually efficient, there are some areas of the country where it is greatly beneficial to have a rental car—Hokkaido, for example, or the beaches of Okinawa (not to mention the Mt. Asu volcano) are all best accessed by road.
• Japan has an extensive system of toll roads, which can be paid for in many different ways. Besides the regular cash and credit card payment booths, drivers who rent a car in Japan can add an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) device on to their rental; some companies like Toyota Rent a Car even include them as standard. This allows you to pass through the toll system without paying on the spot. All tolls are added together and paid to the rental company when the car is returned.
• The law in Japan states that children under 6 must be restrained in an age-appropriate car seat in the rear seats of the vehicle. Car hire agencies generally have baby and child seats for different age categories, which can be booked in advance for an additional fee. Nippon Rent-A-Car, for example, charges approximately ¥540 ($5) per seat per day.
• While cross-border car rentals are not permitted in Japan, rental agencies have no problem with drivers visiting the different Japanese islands by car ferry. These ferries are a popular way of traveling from island to island but can be quite expensive. In the case of a very long sea journey (e.g., to Rebun or Sado), it may in fact be cheaper to drop off your car at the ferry port and pick up a new one on the other side.
• Book your rental car in Japan at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
• Economy rental cars in Japan are around 34% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Japan

What is the most popular rental car in japan.

Economy (Honda Fit or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Japan.

How can I find car rentals near me in Japan?

Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

Where should I rent a car in Japan?

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in Japan are Nagoya (40% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in Japan), Akita (20%) and Sendai (20%).

What is driving like in Japan?

Driving conditions in Japan are generally very good, with roads well maintained and a large network of highways that crisscross the country. Roads are usually efficient and smooth. In Japan, traffic drives on the left, and it is important to note that there is a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving, with hefty fines or even deportation used to counter offenses.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Japan?

To rent a car in Japan, drivers must be at least 18 years of age. With the exception of a few European countries like Germany and Belgium, whose citizens may submit their domestic driving license with an official Japanese translation, it is essential to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Japan. A credit card will also be required.

How much does petrol cost in Japan?

Petrol prices in Japan are comparable to those in Europe but considerably higher than in the USA: expect to pay around ¥150 ($1.40) for a liter of gas, equivalent to around $5.29 for a gallon. Most petrol stations offer the option of self-service (menus in Japanese only) or full-service, in which case it may be helpful to know a few Japanese words. Payment is usually accepted in cash or credit card.

What are the speed limits in Japan?

Several different speed limits are enforced in Japan, all of which are clearly posted. As a general rule, the limit in urban areas is 40 km/h (25 mph), while side streets are limited to 30 km/h (18 mph). Open roads are usually limited to 50 or 60 km/h (31 or 37 mph), while expressways and highways carry speed limits of 80 to 100 km/h (49 to 62 mph).

Car rental directory

Toyota rent a car car rental locations in japan.

1490 Locations See all locations

ORIX Rent a Car car rental locations in Japan

885 Locations See all locations

Nippon Rent-A-Car car rental locations in Japan

802 Locations See all locations

Nissan Rent-A-Car car rental locations in Japan

529 Locations See all locations

Times car rental locations in Japan

500 Locations See all locations

keddy by Europcar car rental locations in Japan

322 Locations See all locations

Europcar car rental locations in Japan

321 Locations See all locations

Hertz car rental locations in Japan

231 Locations See all locations

Shouqi car rental locations in Japan

228 Locations See all locations

Sunnycars car rental locations in Japan

136 Locations See all locations

National car rental locations in Japan

108 Locations See all locations

Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in Japan

85 Locations See all locations

Good to know

When to book a rental car in japan, car rental locations in japan.

• Aichi Prefecture car rentals
• Akita Prefecture car rentals
• Aomori Prefecture car rentals
• Chiba Prefecture car rentals
• Ehime Prefecture car rentals
• Fukuoka Prefecture car rentals
• Gifu Prefecture car rentals
• Gunma Prefecture car rentals
• Hiroshima Prefecture car rentals
• Hokkaido Prefecture car rentals
• Hyogo Prefecture car rentals
• Ishikawa Prefecture car rentals
• Iwate Prefecture car rentals
• Kagawa Prefecture car rentals
• Kagoshima Prefecture car rentals
• Kanagawa Prefecture car rentals
• Kochi Prefecture car rentals
• Kumamoto Prefecture car rentals
• Kyoto Prefecture car rentals
• Mie Prefecture car rentals
• Miyagi Prefecture car rentals
• Miyazaki Prefecture car rentals
• Nagano Prefecture car rentals
• Nagasaki Prefecture car rentals
• Nara Prefecture car rentals
• Niigata Prefecture car rentals
• Oita Prefecture car rentals
• Okayama Prefecture car rentals
• Osaka Prefecture car rentals
• Saga Prefecture car rentals
• Shiga Prefecture car rentals
• Shimane Prefecture car rentals
• Shizuoka Prefecture car rentals
• Tochigi Prefecture car rentals
• Tokushima Prefecture car rentals
• Tokyo Prefecture car rentals
• Tottori Prefecture car rentals
• Toyama Prefecture car rentals
• Wakayama Prefecture car rentals
• Yamagata Prefecture car rentals
• Yamaguchi Prefecture car rentals
• Yamanashi Prefecture car rentals
• Okinawa Prefecture car rentals

Popular car rental locations

• Tokyo car rentals
• Osaka car rentals
• Yokohama car rentals
• Sapporo car rentals
• Nagoya car rentals
• Fukuoka car rentals
• Narita car rentals
• Kyoto car rentals
• Okinawa car rentals
• Nagano car rentals
• Chitose car rentals
• Hakodate car rentals
• Hiroshima car rentals
• Asahikawa car rentals
• Awaji Island car rentals
• Fujisan car rentals
• Kyūshū car rentals

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car rentals for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car rentals listed or dates of travel. Some car rental providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car rental providers' sites.

Car rental in Japan

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Car rental in Japan: things to know

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to rent a car in japan for a week, how much does it cost to rent a car in japan for a month, what car do people usually book in japan, how much does it cost to rent small car in japan, how much does it cost to rent medium car in japan, how much does it cost to rent van in japan, what car rental companies are available in japan.

• Budget Japan

Which companies offer the cheapest car rates in Japan?

• Europcar for an average daily price of $55
• Nissan for an average daily price of $60
• JR Hokkaido for an average daily price of $60

Which pick-up locations in Japan are the most popular?

• Naha Airport

Can I pick up the car from one location but return it to a different one in in Japan?

Why should i book a car rental in japan with booking.com.

• Huge selection of cars – from compact vehicles to SUVs
• Support in 30+ languages
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up time on most bookings.

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How to rent a car in Japan – A practical guide to renting a car

This page contains affiliate links.

Renting a car in Japan is a great option for those who wish to explore more remote and less-travelled areas of the country. While Japan’s infrastructure is excellent and trains, buses, and subways can be used to reach many popular destinations, a car rental is necessary for visiting some of the country’s most beautiful but remote locations.

Some examples of such places include the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido , or the oldest hotel in the world . If you plan to travel to these areas and have a more enjoyable experience, it is recommended to rent a car.

However, it is important to note that there are certain things to consider when renting a car and driving in Japan, and this guide will provide all the necessary information.

Table of Contents

What are the requirements to rent a car, what is an international driving permit, car rental companies in japan, picking up your rental car, car rental rates in japan, the rental car, electronic toll collection card (etc), traffic rules in japan, driving experience & tips, driving in tokyo, driving in rural japan, petrol stations in japan, how to fuel your car in japan, services (rest stops) in japan, parking in japan, more tips for japan, frequently asked questions.

The minimum age for driving in Japan is 18 years . You need your driving licence as well as an International driving permit with you.

International driving permits are issued in your home country. It is a paper document that accompanies (not replaces) your driving licence. With an international driving permit, you can drive in Japan for up to one year.

Anyone with an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued abroad under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic can drive a car in Japan in accordance with Japanese laws.

🇬🇧 In the UK, go to a Post Office to get an IDP. Ask for “International Driving Permit 1949” which is the type you will need in Japan. It’s done in about 10 mins, and costs about £5. Link to the Post Office website.

🇺🇸 In the USA, you can get your International Driving Permit from an AAA Branch. It costs about $20. You will need two original passport pictures and a completed application form. Link to the AAA website.

🇪🇺 If you have a driving licence from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, and you meet certain requirements, you will be able to drive in Japan. You will need to have an official Japanese translation of your driving licence .

There are a few popular rental companies in Japan, including:

• Toyota Rentacar
• Nippon Rentacar
• Orix Rentacar
• Times Car Rental
• Nissan Rent A Car

I rented our car from Nippon Rent A car in Shinjuku ( see Map ) because their office is close to the highway leading out of Tokyo. Getting onto the highway quickly helps you avoid driving in city traffic.

Each of the above companies has serval offices dotted all around Japan. In Tokyo, you will even find the same company in multiple locations for ease and convenience. I rented our car via trip.com because the website had an easy-to-use, English interface and good rates.

We showed up in Shinjuku in the morning to pick up our pre-booked car. I recommend pre-booking as most cars are gone by 9am-10am. Pre-booking also gives you better rates.

At the desk in Shinjuku, everyone spoke good English. The staff at the rental company took a picture of our passports, driving licences and International Driving Permits. We filled in some forms together – for insurance purposes – and received the ETC card (see later). They talked to use about some of the traffic rules that unique to Japan. These were also written down and included in a folder with all the other paperwork.

After about 15 mins, we were given the key and were shown to our car. We also took a few pics of the car, just in case, loaded our luggage and were ready to go.

The cost of renting a car in Japan typically ranges from 5,000 yen for a sub-compact car per 24-hour period to 20,000 yen for a van. During peak seasons, rates may be higher.

For example, we paid 10,000 yen for our compact car for 2 days, plus some supplement for full insurance with zero excess fee.

The rental prices usually include unlimited mileage, taxes, and a minimum insurance fee of 1,000 yen per day for damage, injury, and liability, but do not cover non-operation fees for damage to the car. I recommend buying a full insurance coverage for your rental. The price difference is minimal, but in case of an accident, you will be very happy that you are fully covered.

When we received the car, it had a full tank of petrol, and we were expected to return it in the same condition. There are many gas stations in Japan, and it is best to fill up within a 5-mile radius of the rental office to avoid additional charges for returning the car with less fuel.

Most rental car outlets allow cars to be dropped off at a different location, but there may be additional fees for locations further away. The fee can be quite high, especially for dropping off a car in a different city. Most companies do not allow cars rented in Hokkaido to be dropped off outside of Hokkaido and vice versa.

Additional options such as child seats and snow tires can be rented with your car. Snow tires are free of charge in snowy regions of Japan during winter .

My Japanese rental car came fairly clean, easy to use and with decent mileage on board. The only thing I didn’t like was the cigarette smell lingering in the car still.

Most rental cars have automatic transmission , making it much easier to drive in Japan. I noticed that some Japan rental car companies offer cars with manual transmission.

Before you leave, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the operation of the turn signals, lights, and windshield wipers. In my case, for example, the turn signal in the rental car was positioned on the opposite side compared to what I am accustomed to in my own Suzuki back home.

The ETC card is used at toll gates when you enter toll roads. Almost all rental cars will be equipped with an ETC card reader. Having an ETC card will make your trip more relaxed as you won’t have to stop and pay at each tollbooth. Most highways and expressways in Japan are subject to tolls.

I recommend that you reserve an electronic toll collection card when you book your card. If there is no option for this during the booking process, email the office and ask to reserve one. (They sometimes run out of ETC cards at smaller car rental offices)

In Japan, driving is on the left side, the same as in the UK, Australia or New Zealand.

• Drivers must keep to the left, and allow passing vehicles to overtake on the right.
• Drivers must yield to pedestrians.
• You must not drive intoxicated. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.03 or above, you are considered legally intoxicated and guilty of drink-driving.
• You must not exceed the allowed number of passengers or load.
• While driving a vehicle, you must not use a cell phone or be distracted by the car navigation system.
• When you drive a vehicle, everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt.
• When you drive with an infant younger than six years old, you must place the infant securely in a child seat.

There will be some traffic signs which are different from what you are used to. The most notable difference I found was in the stop sign. The stop sign is an inverted red triangle, as you will see in the picture below.

Driving in Japan is generally considered to be a safe and efficient experience. The roads are well-maintained, and traffic tends to be orderly. Drivers in Japan are usually polite and obey the rules of the road. However, it is important to note that driving in Japan can be challenging due to factors such as narrow roads, tight parking spaces, and confusing traffic signs.

In my experience, Japanese drivers often go over the speed limit – I assume they know that there are no speed cameras in the area. As a foreigner, you should respect the speed limit, and keep your distance from other drivers. There were times I felt that some drivers were rushing me to go a little faster, especially on single carriageways.

Driving in Tokyo can feel hectic. I strongly recommend using a GPS to help you navigate. Google Maps also works perfectly fine. Make sure you respect the signs and get in line before your turn. We used our pocket Wi-Fi for Google and it was perfect. Most cars will have a connector for your phone to see the maps on the car’s built-in screen.

Drivers are usually polite and can accommodate if you need to change lanes – which can happen a lot when you are not familiar with the roads.

Driving in rural Japan was very relaxing for me. I found it similar to driving in the UK. The roads were well maintained and marked. We encountered very few cars once we were off the main highway. Some roads can be narrow. Mountain roads are winding and can be scary if you are not used to driving on them. Luckily, they are typically well-marked and there is a safety barrier on the side.

When driving through mountainous regions, it’s common to encounter wet tunnels, which can make the road slippery. If you drive in winter, it’s important to check the weather forecast and road conditions beforehand to ensure that the roads are safe to travel on. It’s worth noting that mountain roads may be closed due to heavy snowfall or weather-related damage.

There are plenty of petrol stations (gas stations) spread across the country, and they usually provide full service, although self-service options have become more common lately. While some stations close during the night, others remain open 24 hours a day. Both high octane and diesel fuel are readily accessible. You can pay for fuel using either a credit card or cash.

When renting a car, it’s crucial to determine the specific type of fuel it requires. The staff at the car rental services will show you the colour of the fuel you need. There are also markings on the fuel cap.

• Petrol types & colours:
• 🟥 “Regular unleaded” – Red
• 🟨 “High-octane” – Yellow
• 🟩”Diesel” – Green

When getting petrol at a full-service station , you may be directed to a stall by an attendant. You should park your car, roll down your window, and turn off the engine. You will need to tell the attendant the type of fuel you need, whether you need a half or full tank, and how you will pay (cash or credit card).

• Get in the bay and park
• Roll down your window and stop the engine
• Show or tell the attendant what type of fuel you need and how much
• Pay by card or cash

Depending on the petrol station, the attendant may also offer you a wet towel to clean your dashboard or ask to take your rubbish.

Self-service stations typically have Japanese and English language menus. We used a self-service petrol station, and it’s very straightforward. We used our card, selected the petrol type and fuelled the car.

• Stop the engine
• Using the machine, select the fuel type and amount
• Fill up the car
• Pay by card

There are numerous services along the express way in Japan which are clearly marked with large signs. Services don’t always come with petrol stations. There are toilets, cafés, restaurant and/or a shop to buy treats, food, and drinks.

Some Japanese rest stops are famous for the local foods they serve.

The toilets in service spaces are very clean and well maintained. There is ample parking space around the main service building, and it’s easy to get off and on the main road.

If you are driving in rural areas, Google Maps can help you find local shops and supermarkets that have a rest area and toilets. Most towns have at least one large retail park.

In Japan, the parking experience can vary depending on your location. In urban areas, parking can be expensive and difficult to find, with many garages charging high hourly rates. Because of this, I suggest that you pick the car from the rental offices as early as possible and start your journey right away.

In rural areas, parking is often more readily available, but may still be subject to regulations, such as designated parking areas for cars and motorcycles. There are also parking lots designated for tourists and people who want to park their car for a longer period of time.

Most rural ryokans will have parking for visitors. Rural and off the beaten path attractions also have parking available – sometimes for a fee.

Japan is a fascinating country with a rich culture and history. There are many things to see and do , but it’s also important to be aware of some customs and practices to make your trip more enjoyable.

I love Japan and visit regularly. Make sure you check how to plan a trip to Japan and have a look at our Japan itineraries .

I wrote extensive guides for Tokyo , Kyoto and Osaka including where to stay in Tokyo , where to stay in Kyoto and where to stay in Osaka .

And finally, no trip to Japan is complete without trying all the Japanese food . I recommend sampling lots of street food too. And finally, don’t forget to check what to wear and how to pack for your Japan trip .

Can tourists rent a car in Japan?

Yes, absolutely. You need to be over 18, have a valid driving licence, an International Driving Permit and your passport. I recommend booking your car in advance as during peak season cars tend to be fully booked.

Is it difficult to drive in Japan?

Driving in Japan can be a different experience compared to driving in other countries, especially if you’re used to driving on the right-hand side of the road. Here are some factors you should consider: Left-hand driving: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left side of the road. If you come from a country where right-hand driving is the norm, adjusting to driving on the opposite side can be challenging. It requires extra attention and concentration until you become familiar with the traffic flow. Road signs and markings: Japanese road signs and markings may be unfamiliar if you’re not accustomed to the local system. However, major cities and popular tourist areas often have signs in both Japanese and English, making navigation easier for international visitors. Road infrastructure: Japanese roads are generally well-maintained, but some older roads in rural areas might be narrow and winding. Urban areas, especially Tokyo, can have complex road networks, and traffic congestion can be common during peak hours. Traffic rules and regulations: Familiarize yourself with Japanese traffic rules and regulations before driving. Speed limits are typically lower in Japan compared to some other countries. It’s important to obey the rules, including proper seatbelt usage and adhering to parking regulations. Language barrier: While major cities may have signs and instructions in English, it’s beneficial to have some basic knowledge of Japanese road vocabulary. GPS systems and navigation apps can be helpful, but having a map or a translation tool can also be handy. Parking: Finding parking spaces in urban areas can be a challenge, and parking fees can be expensive. Additionally, some roads are narrow, and parking is not always readily available. Despite these considerations, driving in Japan is generally safe and manageable. If you’re uncertain about driving, public transportation options such as trains and buses are widely available and convenient for getting around the country.

Is it expensive to drive in Japan?

Yes, it is expensive to drive in Japan. While rentals are affordable, the expressway comes with tolls which are very pricey. For our return road trip from Tokyo to Nishiyama Onsen , I paid £50 just for the tolls. Fees can quickly add up when driving in Japan.

Is it worth it to rent a car in Japan?

Yes, definitely! It’s worth renting a car if you want to visit rural attractions which are difficult to get to by public transport. For urban areas, trains, and buses are a much better option.

Cory Varga – Cory is a published travel writer and award-winning photographer. She travels full time with her husband and is passionate about creating in-depth travel guides. Cory published her first book on Japanese customs and manners because she’s obsessed with everything Japan. She has visited hundreds of destinations and has lived in 7 different countries. Cory is multilingual and an alumna from The University of Manchester.

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Things to know when renting a car

• Helping You Plan
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• Rental Cars in Japan

The islands of Hokkaido and Okinawa are much more accessible by car and the roads are generally very easy to navigate.

International driving permit.

If you wish to drive a car while in Japan, you must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to departure. You will also need to have your national license on hand while driving in Japan. International Driving Permits are generally issued by the national automobile association in your country. Be aware that to be able to drive in Japan, your international driving permit needs to be issued from one of the countries/regions which participates in the Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949 (Geneva Convention) and be consistent with the regulations laid out therein.

The official UN web site lists the countries and regions that participate in the Geneva Convention. Note that a different procedure applies to visitors from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan. If you have a driving license issued in one of these countries/regions, you must carry both your original license and a Japanese translation. This will enable you to drive a car in Japan for one year from the date of your arrival in the country. Please check the following website if you have a driving license issued by Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, the Principality of Monaco, and Taiwan.

For more information on valid driving licenses in Japan, please click here.

Japan Experience

Proxy applications for a Japanese translation of driving licenses from the following countries/areas to JAF is available: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan Languages available：English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Keikaku Japan

A proxy applications for a Japanese translation of driving licenses from the following countries/areas to JAF is available: France, Belgium, Switzerland

Languages available inquiry：French

Rental Companies

Companies offering vehicle rental at various locations throughout Japan include:

Rental prices may vary from company to company. Average rates for 24 hours rental with unlimited mileage are as follows:

Rental car insurance

When renting a car, you are required to purchase insurance with a certain level of coverage. Insurance coverage and conditions may vary depending on rental car companies, but be sure to purchase it just in case an accident should occur.

Car rental etiquette

Check for any scratches or dents on the rental car with the staff before driving off from the rental company. Refueling the car, before returning it, is also one of the basic rules to be observed.

The above rental charges do not include fuel costs. Fuel in Japan costs approximately 170 yen per liter (as of 2022).

How to refuel at gas stations

There are two types of gas stations in Japan: full-service stations, where staff will refuel your car, and self-service stations.

Please see the following link for how to refuel your car at gas stations.

Driving in Japan

Visitors who intend to drive in Japan should note the following: On main roads, most major destinations are sign-posted in English. In rural areas, this may not be the case. If you are planning to drive in more remote areas, it is advisable to purchase a reliable English-Japanese road atlas before you depart. Companies such as Shobunsha and Kodansha publish these atlases.

(*) Some rental companies have cars equipped with foreign-language navigation systems. Please inquire with the rental company at the time of reservation.

Traffic rules in Japan

Japan has strict road rules including:

・When driving, ensure the driver and all passengers have seatbelts fastened. ・Make sure to observe and comply with all speed limits. ・You must not drive under the influence of alcohol. ・Using mobile devices while driving is illegal. ・Before crossing railroad tracks, drivers must pause at the stop line and check both ways for oncoming trains. ・Newly licensed and elderly drivers must display appropriate signs on the outside of their cars.

Newly Licensed Driver/Elderly Driver Mark

“Michi-no-Eki” (Roadside Stations)

Many towns and cities have roadside establishments called “Michi-no-Eki” parking areas where one can rest. They also provide an array of services such as information on local culture, history, places of interest, and specialties of the areas along the route, as well as give road trip suggestions. One can also buy a variety of regional products and souvenirs at the stores.

Scenic driving routes

Tourism Driving Route

Expressways in Japan

In many cases, expressways in Japan require toll fees. Expressway tolls are collected at toll gates either by manual cash or credit card payment (gates with a green sign) or by automatic ETC card payment (gates with a purple sign). While ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) cards can be rented for free at most car rental companies, toll fees incurred will be charged once you return the car.

Along the expressways, there are service areas where one can use restrooms and enjoy a variety of restaurants and shops full of local products and souvenirs. Drive safely while taking regular breaks at service areas.

Unlimited Expressway Pass available only for foreign tourists

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• Travel Tips
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Complete Guide to Driving in Japan for Travelers – Renting a car is a great way to explore

Have you thought about using a rental car when visiting Japan? A car allows you to drive to places that are not easily accessible by trains, widens the scope of your activities, and increases your flexibility. Please think about renting a car next time you visit Japan.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Driving is more than just a way to get from one place to another. It can also give you a three-dimensional experience of a country’s real culture. With cars, you can go wherever you like whenever you like in Japan.

This article consists of 7 parts:

Why you should rent a car in Japan

Recommended scenic drives, how to rent a car in japan, things to take note before you drive in japan, what you can do to make your trip comfortable drive, how to use expressway, useful information sources, a. why you should rent a car in japan, 1. you can plan the itinerary without relying on anything else.

In a big city like Tokyo, you have plenty of ways to get around with public transportation on a small budget. If you stay within those areas, it’s better to utilize public transportation. Traffic in big cities is often heavy and parking is expensive and often difficult to find. But what if you want to visit a place with no or little access? Japan is full of these kinds of tourist destinations. Authentic hot springs, historical architecture, or breathtaking scenery: they are often in remote areas. Why not think about driving in Japan so you can travel without worrying about timetables?

2. You can enjoy your trip as you like

If you are with your family or your friends, you might wish to move around together while having a chat, which is often difficult in public transportation when they are crowded. Or if you are with children or carrying big luggage, it might be better to make a trip by car. What’s more, you can split the cost.

3. You can try beautiful cars

Renting a car is the best choice since it’s hard to bring your own car to Japan. Why not try the cars you might be interested in, then? Japan boasts many fascinating landscapes and beautiful winding roads. You can rent sports cars such as the Mazda Roadster or Subaru Impreza (MT), though you might not be able to rent a car like the Toyota 86 if you only possess a license issued abroad.

B. Recommended Scenic Drives

1. hokkaido.

Located almost in the center of Hokkaido and also the center of tourists’ attention, Furano is one of the most-visited destinations in Hokkaido. The estimated time by car is 2 hours and 10 minutes from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport, and there’s so many things to do and so much beautiful scenery on the way that it’s hard to get there within that ETA. Summer is definitely the recommended time for a road trip, while the Furano Ski Resort also offers a fantastic view from the mountain side.

Enlgish： http://www.furanotourism.com/en/

Traditional Chinese： http://www.furanotourism.com/cn/

Niseko & Lake Toya

This route combines Niseko, one of Hokkaido’s famous ski resorts, and Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake. Located 109km from Sapporo, it takes approx. 1 and half hour by car each way. You can enjoy a breathtaking view all the way to Mt. Yotei, and the tranquil atmosphere of the lake side and nearby hot springs will soothe your soul.

Toya-ko Onsen Tourism Association

Japanese：  http://www.laketoya.com/

Niseko Resort Tourist Association

English： http://www.niseko-ta.jp/en/

Chinese： http://www.niseko-ta.jp/tc/

2. Kanto and Chubu

The areas listed below are easily accessed from Tokyo and all of them have hot springs nearby.

Nikko, Tochigi

Nikko is a lovely place to visit and is famous for the Toshogu Shrine and beautiful Lake Chuzenji. They look awesome especially in autumn when leaves change their colors. Other highlight is Nikko Irohazaka, a pair of winding roads connecting central Nikko to Oku-Nikko. This road consists of 48 hairpin turns and the elevation difference is 440m. It’s definitely a great drive.

English： http://nikko-travel.jp/english/

Chinese： http://nikko-travel.jp/fanti/

Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka

You can visit Izu for a day trip or overnight from Tokyo. The national route 135 runs through the eastern coast of Izu and is a nice road winding in and out of the cliffs along the coast line. Though it’s better to take the Izu Skyline during busy times such as weekends or summer holidays because route 135 gets very crowded. The Skyline is a sightseeing road of 40.6 km that runs over a mountain ridge and is quite comfortable. Both are nice roads to drive.

English： http://siz-road.or.jp.e.nd.hp.transer.com/sz/road/izusk/

Chinese： http://siz-road.or.jp.t.nd.hp.transer.com/

Karuizawa in Nagano

Karuizawa is well known as an upscale resort town as well as their large outlet mall. It’s approximately a 2 hour drive from Tokyo via the expressway, and many tourist attractions are dotted throughout the green landscape. It’s a good escape from concrete jungles in Tokyo.

English：　 http://tr.thread.ne.jp/kta2/c3/tr.cgi/http%3a//karuizawa-kankokyokai.jp/?XPID2=22893_0

Chinese：　 http://tr.thread.ne.jp/kta2/c3/tr.cgi/http%3a//karuizawa-kankokyokai.jp/?XPID2=23057_0

Rokko and Arima Onsen in Hyogo

Mt. Rokko is accessible by public transportation, actually. But if you drive the scenic route from Kobe to the top of the mountain, you can look down over the city. There are several places to visit such as the Alpine Botanical Garden along the road, and the access to Arima Onsen is easier by car. Night view of the town from the observation deck is called a ten million dollar night view by locals.

English：　 http://www.rokkosan.com/en/

Chinese：　 http://www.rokkosan.com/zh-tw/

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Onaruto Bridge (Hyogo & Tokushima)

Both bridges carry parts of the Honshu-Shikoku Highway. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the world’s longest suspension bridge which connects the mainland city, Kobe, to the north of Awaji Island. This bridge is beautiful particularly when it’s illuminated at night. Onaruto Bridge, one of the largest bridges in the worlds, connects the south of Awaji Island to Tokushima. The areas connected by those bridges are scenic with ocean view and nice escape from busy urban areas. Once you arrive at Awaji Island, we recommend you to get off the expressway and enjoy driving on the west coast line.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge 

English： http://www.jb-honshi.co.jp/english/index.html

Onaruto Bridge

English： http://www.uzunomichi.jp/english/

Chinese： http://www.uzunomichi.jp/chinese/

Aso in Kumamoto

The feature of the area is the world’s largest ancient caldera and the beautiful sceneries surrounding it. There is the Kusasenri-ga-hama (草千里ヶ浜), grass covered plain, and the drive to reach the area called the Tenku no Michi, which is named after the movie “Castle in the Sky” by Hayao Miyazaki. This area offers lots to see, especially since Mt. Aso is an active volcano and the crater area is sometimes closed partially or completely. Approx. 1 hour from Kumamoto Airport.

English： http://www.asocity-kanko.jp.e.px.hp.transer.com/

Chinese： choose from the language menu

Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki

Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki is located in the middle of the mountains 1 hour and half from Kumamoto Airport. It’s also 3 hours and half from Fukuoka Airport, but 1 hour and half from Mt. Aso. “Overwhelming beauty of nature” might be the phrase to describe Takachiho Gorge: Steep cliffs lining the gorge and 17 m high waterfall surrounded by deep green - this is something you cannot miss.

英文：　 http://takachiho-kanko.info/en/

繁体中文：　 http://takachiho-kanko.info/tw/

Mid-sea Road

This 4.7 km long causeway connects three islands and the Katsuren Peninsula on the Okinawa main land. You can enjoy a scenic drive and take photos at the pedestrian parking overpass in the middle of the sea. Beautiful as long as the weather permits. Located in Uruma City, approx. 2 hours from Naha.

English： http://en.okinawastory.jp/facility/kaichu-doro

Chinese：  http://tc.visitokinawa.jp/facility/%E6%B5%B7%E4%B8%AD%E9%81%93%E8%B7%AF

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a fantastic aquarium located in Ocean Expo Park within the Motobu district. Multiple whale sharks can be seen in the world first class aquarium tank. It takes about 2 hours by car from Naha Airport.

English：　 http://oki-churaumi.jp/guide/access.html

Chinese：　 http://oki-churaumi.jp/mm/index.html

C. How to Rent a Car in Japan

1. driver’s license required.

To drive in Japan, people from abroad must obtain the International Driving Permits (IDP) from their countries’ national automobile associations prior to their departure. Some countries (* listed below) which do not issue IDP have other agreements instead. People from those countries can drive in Japan with official Japanese translation of their licenses issued by Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), or the respective countries’ consulates or embassies. You must carry your driver’s license, passport, and IDPs or official translations when you drive.

* France, Switzerland, Germany, Monaco, Slovenia, Belgium and Taiwan.

2. How to book

Japan’s major car rental companies offer English and Chinese sites: Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan Rent a Car, Times Car Rental, or Nippon Rent-A-Car.

They provide a wide range of options in size and in vehicle types, and operate at various locations throughout Japan. This allows you to pick up and drop off your car in different locations. There are also several English online booking sites offering unique services or competitive prices.

We strongly recommend that you book through a website in advance . You can book directly on site, but please note that the number of cars is limited, especially if you need the GPS in a foreign language.

3. Rent-a-car-shops & Online booking sites

[rent-a-car shops], toyota rent a car.

Reservation in English is only available by phone, and toll free calls are accepted within Japan. If you'd like to make a booking online in English, please refer to the affiliated online booking sites.

English： https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/

Chinese： https://rent.toyota.co.jp/zh-tw/

Nissan Rent a Car

Reservation via net can be made in English and Chinese. You might be able to rent a Fairlady Z or Skyline model depending on the conditions.

English： https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/

Chinese： https://nissan-rentacar.com/tc/

Times Car Rental

Online booking available in English or in Chinese. This company is formerly known as Mazda Rent-a-Car. A wide range of vehicles are available from K-cars to sports types like Mazda Roadster.

Selectable brands: Toyota/ Nissan /Honda/ Matsuda (incl. Roadster)/ Subaru

English： http://www.timescar-rental.com/

Chinese： http://www.timescar-rental.hk/

Nippon Rent-A-Car

Online reservation in English available. Located mainly at airports or near train stations. They offer a variety of vehicles.

Available brands: Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Matsuda (including Roadster models), Subaru (including Impreza)

English： http://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/index.html

[Online booking sites]

Japan experience.

You can choose between French, English, German, Italian, or Spanish. They offer Drivin’ Assistance in English and French, in which they can help you through phone or by e-mail in case you are lost or need help communicating with police officers

Partnership: Nissan Rent a Car

English： https://www.japan-experience.com/car-rental-japan

Online reservation available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. Their partnership varies from leading companies to local ones.

Partnership: Nissan Rent A Car, Toyota Rent a Car, Honda Rent a Car, MMC Rent-a-car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental, Orix Rent-A-Car, JR Hokkaido Rent A Car, JR Kyushu Rent A Car, and others

English： http://www2.tocoo.jp/en

Chinese： http://www2.tocoo.jp/cn

rentalcars.com

They offer a large choice of languages.

Partnership: ABC rent a car, Europcar, Honda rent a car, Nissan Rent A Car, Orix Rent-a car, Sky Rent a Car, Times Car Rental

English：  http://www.rentalcars.com/en

Traditional Chinese：  http://www.rentalcars.com/Home.do;jsessionid=AC17E373C78FA763C4207CDE638B40ED.node386a

Partnership: Toyota Rent a Car

https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reservation/

You can choose from Japanese or English.

Partnership: Times Car Rental

http://www.europcar.jp/

D. Things to take note before you drive in Japan

1. basic traffic rules.

It is not hard to drive in Japan, as the country follows the global standards in traffic rules and road signs. However, there might be some exceptions depending on the area you come from.

• Keep left: all vehicles must drive on the left side of the road.
• Seated on right: driver’ seat and steering wheel is on the right. Please be careful about the clearance in left side. You share roads with bicycles and motor bikes and they might pass on that side.
• All passengers must wear seatbelts, including the driver.
• No drunk driving: it's strictly prohibited to drive after you have drunk any alcohol.
• No using a cell phone while driving: if you'd like to use your cell phone, you need to stop the vehicle at secure location.
• Safety seat for children: children under the age of six years old must be seated on child safety seats.
• No parking or stopping in prohibited zones.

Traffic Lights

• Red lights means STOP: all traffic must stop at the red lights and you cannot turn left.
• Green arrows: you may advance to the indicated directions.
• Others: At blinking red lights, you must stop and check right and left before you proceed. At blinking yellow lights, you must slow down and check for pedestrians and vehicles. Be careful when you drive on narrow roads in city areas as bicycles or children may run out regardless of signals. Be aware of the lights and your surroundings at all times

Speed limit in city areas

Typical speed limit is 60km/h on normal roads. There are exceptions depending on the place and the circumstances.

Stop at railway crossings

You must stop before crossing the railway. Make sure no train is coming as the signal might be broken. Make sure there is enough space for your car to be able to cross the railway completely before heading forward. If the opposite side of the railway seems to be busy, wait until you confirm safety, because otherwise you might be stuck in the middle of the railway with nowhere to go. The train service in city areas is frequent.

Major traffic signs

In general, circles used to give orders and if they are red colored, they tell you what you must not do or are mandatory instructions.

There are many one-way streets and alleys in Japan. Please be careful with one-way signs, especially if you’re driving downtown.

Crossing: be careful when you drive by the sea side or across a bridge. Slow down for your safety.

2. How to refuel the car

There are two types of gas stands: self and full-service. Both usually accept cash and credit cards as payment. Most gas stands operate within limited hours and are rarely found in remote areas. Many gas stands have toilets. The only thing you might worry about is language, but you can get by with only two words. Here are the basic words you might use.

“Regular” is marked in red, for regular gas. “Haioku” is yellow and means high-octane gas. “Keiyu” is green and is diesel. You can say either “full” or “mantan” to fill up your tank.

They usually only have a Japanese menu at self-service stations, but there should be an attendant to help you. Do not hesitate to ask them if you are unsure of what to do, especially if it’s in regards to which fuel to choose.

3. How to park your car

In large cities, you can find many parking lots though they may be expensive. Popular parking lots are ‘coin parking’ or underground parking. There are unique kinds of parking lots called elevator parking, in which your cars are stored in towers. However, those lots often have height limits. In small towns in the countryside, parking is cheaper or sometimes free.

Basically, it is illegal to park on side roads in Japan. Please check where you can park.

• Solid lines: no parking if the width is less than 75cm
• Solid and broken lines together: No parking & no stopping
• Double solid lines: Pedestrian. No parking.

E. What you can do to make your trip comfortable

1. take a good rest.

Unless you are on a business trip, you don’t have to hurry. Convenience stores in suburbs have parking lots and you can use their toilets for free. Some stores even have eat-in spaces. ‘Michi-no-Eki’ on motor ways offer toilets, places to take a rest, to eat, to ask for information, and to buy local products. Usually everything is in Japanese, but it could still be interesting to see the local area’s culture. Take the time stop by and enjoy something that you cannot experience on a typical tourist course.

2. Utilize GPS

Most rent-a-cars are equipped with GPS. Some of leading companies even offer GPS with menus in four languages as options: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. However, the numbers available are limited and in many cases maps are indicated only in Japanese. As the input system works only in Japanese or with phone numbers, we recommend you to check how to get to your destinations and phone numbers of your destinations in advance. Apps such as Google Maps will help you, or you can get paper maps from tourism information offices which often provide English maps of the area. However, if you use phone numbers make sure you double check the address the GPS gives you against a confirmed address, as it may not be accurate.

3. Becareful when you drive in winter time

In winter, your luggage might be heavier and you might start considering renting a car, particularly if you head to ski resorts. Even if you think you know how to drive in winter, you could encounter some unexpected situations. The road may look unchanged or covered with snow, but it can be covered with black ice in shaded areas and at intersections where it’s unevenly frozen as snow melts and freezes repeatedly. Wet snow in the Honshu area cannot be underestimated as they are likely to deprive you of your vehicle’s control. You can choose winter tires when you book, and it’s preferable to choose a vehicle with four wheel drive if you want to drive in a mountainous area.

F. How to Use Expressway

1. the entrance and the lane to drive on.

Entrance gate of expressway: Information concerning expressway is shown on green rectangle signs. Please check the direction you'd like to proceed. The entrances of expressway are located differently depending on the direction even if the name of the entrance is the same.

Lanes to take: most expressways have two lanes in each direction. Left side is the driving lane and right side is passing lane. There are exceptions depending on the place and the conditions.

2. Toll gate

There are 3 types of toll gates on the expressway: ETC cars (electric toll collection) are marked with violet, cash is green, and the third lane which accepts either. Please double-check which lane you can take.

3. Speed limit on the expressway

The speed limit is normally 100km/h on expressways, but it's subject to change due to weather conditions, roadwork, or other reasons. Be aware of the road signs all the time.

4. Directional road signs

On the expressways in urban areas, especially in Tokyo, you have lots of junctions in a short period. Even if signs are written in English, the place names are likely to sound unfamiliar to you. Prior confirmation of the direction you’re taking on GPS or with a map is strongly recommended. If you are on a loop line and not sure about which direction to take, take the time to make another round. It’s better to avoid expressways on weekends or holidays when traffic is very heavy.

5. Tips: Take a good rest at a service area

Service areas (SA) and parking areas (PA) are rest facilities on expressways. Generally they are equipped with toilets, rest spaces, and some shops such as convenience stores. SAs are bigger and equipped with more: eat-in spaces, restaurants, souvenir shops, and gas stands. They are more than rest facilities. Some have lodging facilities with large public baths. You can also get information about traffic jams, road conditions, and free road maps of the expressway.

G. Useful information sources

From this site, you can reach the official sites of highway companies operating in Kanto, Chubu, and west Japan.

http://www.jexway.jp/english/index.shtml

E-NEXCO Drive Plaza

Full of useful information you might want to know about driving on expressways in East Japan. Very helpful to navigate your way with ease.

http://en.driveplaza.com/

This page provides road traffic information of expressways throughout Japan in English

http://www.drivetraffic.jp/pc_en/map.html

Official site of the Metropolitan Expressway. You can check the map with road signs, which are seen before junctions.

http://www.shutoko.co.jp/english/drive/map/

Michi-no-Eki (道の駅)

A list of service or parking areas on national route or prefectural roads (Japanese only)

http://www.michi-no-eki.jp/

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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Traveling through the Austin airport for the solar eclipse? Here's how to plan.

Travelers will flood the state of Texas to catch the total solar eclipse on Monday afternoon.

This means that Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is preparing for a "high volume" of travelers during the solar event.

Whether you are flying in or picking someone up from the airport, here is everything you need to know about traveling in Texas during the eclipse.

What will traffic be like in Austin, Texas, for the solar eclipse?

Prepare for heavy traffic on roads around the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Presidential Boulevard is the main entrance to the Barbara Jordan Terminal. If it is busy, drivers can use Spirit of Texas to access the terminal instead, according to a news release from the Austin airport. Travelers should plan to spend more time than usual in traffic due to congested major highways and roadways across Central Texas.

Busy times will be 8 a.m. April 9 on Highway 71, north of the airport. So leave the house with plenty of time to spare.

"Airport roadways will be busy and congested and could contribute to delays for passengers and staff getting to the airport," according to the news release.

More: Cloud coverage will 'most likely' impede eclipse viewing in Texas, NWS reports

Will there be flight delays for the solar eclipse?

Possibly, the Austin airport warned of flight disruptions in air travel due to recently issued air traffic procedures by the Federal Aviation Administration for the eclipse. This could cause delays or changes to flights.

Expect lines for rental cars, airline ticket counters and security screening checkpoints. Build this additional time into your travel plan.

"AUS is prepared to utilize every square foot of the terminal to ensure a safe and smooth operation," according to the news release. "Extra Department of Aviation staff will be in the terminal to provide assistance to passengers and to help keep ticket counter and security screening lines organized."

More: Where to buy solar eclipse glasses, according to the experts

Can I still get a rental car at the airport for the solar eclipse?

Rental cars will be in high demand due to the nature of the event. Visitors will drive into Austin and fly out after the eclipse is over. The airport expects a high volume of rental car returns at the Rental Car Facility, making lines and wait times longer. Rental agencies are "100% booked" for available rentals on the day of the eclipse. They are also expected to be booked on April 9.

"The Department of Aviation is working with our rental car operators to support their operations contingency plan," according to the press release.

More: Austin airport's rental car agencies are '100% booked' for eclipse

Where to drop off passengers at the Austin airport?

Drop-off can happen at the upper departures or the lower arrival levels of the airport. The airport recommends dropping passengers off at whichever location is least congested.

Tips for traveling during the solar eclipse

• Get to the airport early: Plan to arrive at least two and a half hours before departure for domestic flights. International flights should arrive at least three hours in advance. If you have to return a rental car, check luggage or have a large group, plan to arrive even earlier than the two-and-a-half-hour early recommended arrival time.
• Keep traffic conditions in mind: Roadways outside of the airport will also be congested. Austin-Bergstrom airport recommends allowing for extra time while traveling to the airport.
• Returning a rental car: Rental cars must be returned by the renter in person at the Rental Car Facility. Plan to wait in line and allow for extra time on April 9 at the car drop-off.
• Getting assistance: There will be additional aviation staff on the day of the eclipse and after to provide support to travelers. You can also call the airport at 512-530-2242 if you need any assistance. The airport also will provide real-time updates via its X account .

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Riding in Style on Japanese Trains

Luxurious rail cars offer countryside views with a range of cultural itineraries and budgets.

By Vivian Morelli

Reporting from Tokyo

Japan’s public transportation is known for its punctuality, efficiency and high-quality service, which means train travel is a great way to see the countryside and to experience Japanese culture — even if you’re squeezed into Tokyo’s crowded Yamanote line at rush hour or experiencing the popular high-speed Shinkansen bullet train .

But many savvy visitors crisscross the country in another way, using luxury trains that resemble five-star hotels on rails.

Luxury rail travel appeals to “someone who wants slow travel, the experience of excellent service in a contained environment, the finest dining, the most exquisite accommodation with private bathrooms,” Simon Pielow, co-founder of the Luxury Train Club , said by phone from Wiltshire County, England. “Things that many people have no idea is possible on anything other than a royal train.”

One trip chartered by his agency starts and ends at Hakata station in the city of Fukuoka, crossing the southern Japanese island of Kyushu on the Seven Stars , a seven-car luxury sleeper train. Journeys for either two days and one night (per person, double occupancy) range from 650,000 to 900,000 yen (about $4,292 to $5,942), or four days and three nights from ¥1.2 million to ¥1.6 million. (A single supplement would apply.)

“The train is very much sought-after because of the quality of the service on the train and its exclusivity,” Mr. Pielow said. “The people who come to us are desperate to travel on the train.”

With limited space, most would-be travelers need to apply several months in advance.

The Seven Stars, or Nanatsuboshi in Japanese, was named in part after the number of its carriages, in part after the seven prefectures of Kyushu: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki and Kagoshima, and for seven of the main attractions of the region, including its nature, food and hot springs. (Other stars have been known to ride these rails: The actress and producer Margot Robbie told Vogue last year that she and her husband had traveled to Japan in part to ride the Seven Stars.)

The train consists of a lounge car, a bar, a tatami-mat tearoom and a souvenir shop, as well as eight 108-square-foot private rooms and two larger suites, the biggest measuring 226 square feet.

Guests don’t necessarily have to spend all their time on board. They can also get off to participate in activities such as a guided walk along the Wakimoto coast, a seaside area of Kagoshima Prefecture, that lasts about an hour.

Meals can be consumed aboard the train or at restaurants along the way, and one night can be spent in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.

So how does that work on a train? Some stops last an hour or more, enough time for guest excursions. But often, the train will keep rolling and pick up the guests at a later station.

But there also are other luxury trains in Japan. (Seven Stars and the Shiki-Shima, detailed below, can be booked from overseas. The others listed here must be booked from within Japan.)

The Twilight Express Mizukaze is an Art Deco-inspired sleeper train decorated from traditional crafts such as pottery and cut glass. Onboard entertainment includes a tea ceremony, live music and a signature cocktail from the bar. Five routes are offered, including a two-day, one night one-way trip and a three-day, two-night round trip. A suite includes a private balcony and bathroom with a tub at ¥875,000 for a shorter journey and ¥1.4 million for a longer one. A “royal” twin room with windows on both sides of the car was recently listed at ¥385,000 per person, double occupancy.

The Aru Ressha is known as a “dessert train” that runs between Hakata and Yufuin in Kyushu. The one-way, three-hour itinerary is just enough time to indulge in appetizer, fish, meat and dessert courses for ¥35,000 per person. The train is decorated with black and gold arabesques on the outside and baroque styling inside.

The Spacia X offers a more budget-minded luxury experience. This six-carriage train equipped with plush sofas and private lounges links Tokyo to Nikko, a picturesque city in Tochigi Prefecture. Simran Nagra, a 33-year-old Canadian actuary who lives in Tokyo, used the train for a two-hour, ¥3,840 trip in July to the hot springs resort of Kinugawa Onsen. “I was really excited to ride it because it’s a luxury train, but has very affordable pricing,” she said. “The windows are huge and hexagonal, to highlight the views,” she said, and the cafe car featured Nikko specialties including craft beer on tap, two types of sake and locally sourced coffee.

GranClass was the choice out of necessity for the Australian journalist Jake Sturmer, 35, and his wife, Rachel, in 2018. “We had just moved to Japan, some friends invited us on a trip, and the only seat available for us to travel was on GranClass,” he said, referring to the first-class cabin on the Shinkansen. “What a luxury it was,” he said, mentioning the large, cushy seats, the hot towels to cleanse hands and faces, and bento boxes they were served during a two-hour ride from Tokyo to Iiyama in Nagano Prefecture.

The Train Suite Shiki-Shima was created to contribute to the recovery from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan.

Riders can choose from four seasonal routes lasting from one to three nights and departing from Tokyo. One goes northward along the Sea of Japan to Hakodate and the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in Hokkaido Prefecture. Another is a wintertime itinerary through the snowy Tohoku region, where guests will get off the train to view traditional dancing and participate in woodwork or sewing workshops with local artisans. Prices range from ¥420,000 to ¥1.3 million per person, based on double occupancy in a sleeper car.

Shinobu Ohashi, 34, a paper-cutting artist who lives and works in Saitama, Japan, used the Shiki-Shima in December 2020 and April 2022. “I wanted to experience the design of the Shiki-Shima train, which I had seen on TV and in magazines, and the hospitality provided,” she wrote in an email.

The attention to detail impressed her: “When my companion complimented the garnishes that were offered only to the women on the dishes,” she said, “he was then also brought the same ones. We were both surprised.”

During one trip the cherry blossoms in Hakodate were in full bloom, she said: “We were taken to a cherry blossom viewing spot that was not on the trip schedule.”

The train has special meaning for her. “I am from the Tohoku region, from Fukushima Prefecture,” she said. “Even though a lot of time has passed since the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I believe that Shiki-Shima is a reassuring presence.”

Japan car rentals

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Cheap car hire in Japan

Top tips for hiring a car in japan.

• While public transportation inside and between cities is usually efficient, there are some areas of the country where it is greatly beneficial to have a rental car—Hokkaido, for example, or the beaches of Okinawa (not to mention the Mt. Asu volcano) are all best accessed by road.
• Japan has an extensive system of toll roads, which can be paid for in many different ways. Besides the regular cash and credit card payment booths, drivers who rent a car in Japan can add an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) device on to their rental; some companies like Toyota Rent a Car even include them as standard. This allows you to pass through the toll system without paying on the spot. All tolls are added together and paid to the rental company when the car is returned.
• The law in Japan states that children under 6 must be restrained in an age-appropriate car seat in the rear seats of the vehicle. Car hire agencies generally have baby and child seats for different age categories, which can be booked in advance for an additional fee. Nippon Rent-A-Car, for example, charges approximately ¥540 ($5) per seat per day.
• While cross-border car rentals are not permitted in Japan, rental agencies have no problem with drivers visiting the different Japanese islands by car ferry. These ferries are a popular way of traveling from island to island but can be quite expensive. In the case of a very long sea journey (e.g., to Rebun or Sado), it may in fact be cheaper to drop off your car at the ferry port and pick up a new one on the other side.
• 25% of our users found rental cars in Japan for RM 213 or less
• Book your rental car in Japan at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
• Off-airport rental car locations in Japan are around 42% cheaper than airport locations on average
• Mini rental cars in Japan are around 44% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Japan

How much does it cost to hire a car in japan.

On average a car hire in Japan costs RM 333 per day.

What is the most popular car hire in Japan?

Mini (Suzuki Wagon R or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Japan.

What is the cheapest car hire company in Japan?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Relax Rent A Car (RM 208/day), Toyota Rent a Car (RM 267/day) and Nissan Rent-A-Car (RM 302/day).

How can I find car hires near me in Japan?

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Where should I hire a car in Japan?

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Japan are Nagoya (84% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Japan), Asahikawa (8%) and Akita (4%).

How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Japan?

On average a car hire in Japan costs RM 1,625 per week (RM 232 per day).

How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Japan?

On average a car hire in Japan costs RM 6,964 per month (RM 232 per day).

What is driving like in Japan?

Driving conditions in Japan are generally very good, with roads well maintained and a large network of highways that crisscross the country. Roads are usually efficient and smooth. In Japan, traffic drives on the left, and it is important to note that there is a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving, with hefty fines or even deportation used to counter offenses.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Japan?

To rent a car in Japan, drivers must be at least 18 years of age. With the exception of a few European countries like Germany and Belgium, whose citizens may submit their domestic driving license with an official Japanese translation, it is essential to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Japan. A credit card will also be required.

How much does petrol cost in Japan?

Petrol prices in Japan are comparable to those in Europe but considerably higher than in the USA: expect to pay around ¥150 ($1.40) for a liter of gas, equivalent to around $5.29 for a gallon. Most petrol stations offer the option of self-service (menus in Japanese only) or full-service, in which case it may be helpful to know a few Japanese words. Payment is usually accepted in cash or credit card.

What are the speed limits in Japan?

Several different speed limits are enforced in Japan, all of which are clearly posted. As a general rule, the limit in urban areas is 40 km/h (25 mph), while side streets are limited to 30 km/h (18 mph). Open roads are usually limited to 50 or 60 km/h (31 or 37 mph), while expressways and highways carry speed limits of 80 to 100 km/h (49 to 62 mph).

Car rental directory

Toyota rent a car car hire locations in japan.

1490 Locations See all locations

ORIX Rent a Car car hire locations in Japan

885 Locations See all locations

Nippon Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

802 Locations See all locations

Nissan Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

529 Locations See all locations

Times car hire locations in Japan

500 Locations See all locations

keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Japan

322 Locations See all locations

Europcar car hire locations in Japan

321 Locations See all locations

Hertz car hire locations in Japan

232 Locations See all locations

Shouqi car hire locations in Japan

228 Locations See all locations

Sunnycars car hire locations in Japan

136 Locations See all locations

National car hire locations in Japan

108 Locations See all locations

Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

85 Locations See all locations

Good to know

When to book a rental car in japan, car hire locations in japan.

• Aichi Prefecture car rentals
• Akita Prefecture car rentals
• Aomori Prefecture car rentals
• Chiba Prefecture car rentals
• Ehime Prefecture car rentals
• Fukuoka Prefecture car rentals
• Gifu Prefecture car rentals
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• Hokkaido Prefecture car rentals
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• Iwate Prefecture car rentals
• Kagawa Prefecture car rentals
• Kagoshima Prefecture car rentals
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Popular car rental locations

• Tokyo car rentals
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The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.