The Japanese rail network is known for its punctuality and efficiency. However, the car often remains the best way to explore rural areas, mountains, coasts or villages far from major tourist attractions. Renting a car offers great freedom of movement, provided you know local rules and administrative formalities. Here’s all you need to know before you drive in Japan.
Why rent a car in Japan?
In major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima or Fukuoka, public transport is easy to travel through a dense network of trains, metros and buses.
On the other hand, as soon as one moves away from the large agglomerations, the services become more limited. Buses sometimes travel only a few times a day and some natural or cultural attractions are difficult to reach without a vehicle.
Renting a car then becomes particularly interesting to visit areas such as the Japanese Alps, the Noto Peninsula, Shikoku, Kyushu, Hokkaido or many country villages. It also makes it possible to organise its itinerary without depending on the timetable of the transport.
What permit does it take to drive in Japan?
Contrary to a common idea, the international driving licence issued in France is not recognized in Japan.
In order to drive legally, holders of a French licence must present:
- their original French driving licence;
- an official Japanese translation by the Japan Automobile Federation.
This translation is mandatory and must be obtained before driving.
Obtain the official translation of his licence
The official translation is issued only by the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation). This can be done by all offices of the organization.
The office near Shiba Park in Tokyo regularly welcomes foreign travellers and its staff generally speak English. In smaller offices, it may be useful to prepare a written request in Japanese.
To apply, you must submit:
- the original driving licence;
- the official completed translation request form;
- Translation costs of approximately 3,000 yen.
Time frames vary across offices. Some agencies issue the translation on the same day, while others request one to two weeks. The date of availability shall be communicated at the time of filing of the file.
For a long stay of more than one year, it is also possible to obtain a Japanese permit after various steps including a theoretical examination, a practical examination and an aptitude check.
The main rules of conduct in Japan
The traffic rules are similar to those applied in France, which makes it easier for foreign drivers to take charge.
The minimum age for driving is 18.
The main difference concerns the direction of traffic: in Japan, you drive to the left. Exceedances are therefore carried out by the right of the vehicle and the steering wheel is located on the right.
Another particular feature is that the tricolor lights are installed on the other side of the intersections. It is important to stop before the crossroads.
The STOP panels are easily recognizable thanks to their inverted red triangle bearing the Japanese inscription
Speed limitations are generally:
- 30 to 50 km/h in town;
- 60 km/h on ordinary roads;
- 100 km/h on most motorways.
As in France, the use of the telephone behind the wheel is prohibited, the wearing of the belt is mandatory for all occupants and parking is strictly restricted.
Rent a car in Japan
Unless you arrive with your own vehicle by ferry, renting is the simplest solution.
The main agencies present throughout the country are Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Orix Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental, Nissan Rent a Car and Ekiren.
These signs have hundreds of agencies in stations, airports and large cities. They offer cities, sedans, SUVs, monospaces and more spacious vehicles for families.
Most have an English-language website to make a reservation before departure.
Prices are relatively uniform and usually start around 5,000 yen for a rental day, depending on the vehicle category and period.
Filling up gas in Japan
Japan has two types of service stations: self-service stations and personnel stations.
Self-service service stations
Automatic stations operate with a touch screen.
The payment can usually be made in cash (”) orgenkin) or by credit card (”) orkurejitto kādo).
The screen then asks if you have a loyalty card:
- (ari) : yes ;
- (nashi) : no.
Then select the fuel type:
- (Regular) : unleaded petrol;
- (High Octane) : premium petrol ;
- (Keiyu) : diesel fuel for diesel vehicles.
The full size corresponds to the option mantan).
Payment may be made before or during refueling depending on the stations.
Service stations with staff
In traditional stations, just stop in front of the pump and cut off the engine.
The employee generally asks:
- fuel type;
- the quantity desired;
- the method of payment.
Some useful expressions facilitate the exchange:
- Mantan: full.
- Genkin ofPayment in cash.
- Kurejitto kādo dePayment by credit card.
During filling, employees often clean the windscreen and can put a cloth back on to clean the interior windows.
If the exit of the station leads to a busy road, an employee may ask in which direction you wish to leave to help you get into traffic.
Japanese highways and the ETC system
The Japanese motorway network is particularly developed and makes it possible to quickly reach the main regions of the country.
Exchangers are calledIC, forInterchange.
The highways are paid. Two payment methods are available:
- regular cash or credit card payments;
- the electronic ETC system (Electronic Toll Collection).
The ETC works as a toll and allows you to cross the barriers without stopping.
Japanese residents usually use an ETC card box, but travellers can often rent a box directly from their rental agency.
This option is strongly recommended as it facilitates journeys, reduces waiting times at tolls and allows the use of ETC lanes.
Tips for serene driving in Japan
Driving in Japan is generally pleasant. Motorists respect speed limits, show courtesy and roads are particularly well maintained.
A GPS available in English is often offered with rental vehicles and facilitates travel. Navigation apps like Google Maps also work efficiently.
Finally, it is recommended that a budget be provided for tolls, sometimes high over long distances, as well as for parking in city centres where paid parking is the norm.
Renting a car in Japan allows access to landscapes, villages and natural sites difficult to access by train. With an official translation of the license, some knowledge of local rules and a good preparation of the itinerary, driving in Japan becomes a simple, comfortable and ideal solution to discover the country in complete freedom.
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