Rent a car in Japan: What to know before you drive

Renting a car in Japan can transform your trip, especially if you want to explore rural areas, islands or get out of traditional circuits. However, this transport solution requires minimum preparation. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding the approaches, rules and specificities of driving in Japan.

In which cases renting a car in Japan is a good idea

The car is a particularly suitable means of transport to discover certain areas of Japan where public transport is uncommon or impractical. This is the case of Hokkaido, Okinawa, some islands such as Yakushima or Sado, or remote mountain areas such as the Japanese Alps.

Renting a car is also a good idea if you are traveling in a group or with a lot of luggage, as it can be more economical than a train and bus chain. On the other hand, in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, the car is often a burden due to heavy traffic, complex traffic rules and parking prices. It is better to focus on efficient and well organized public transport.

Conditions for driving in Japan: permit and minimum age

Japan imposes strict rules on driving for foreign visitors. To rent and drive a car, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid driving licence in your country of origin.
• Have an international driving licence (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, issued by the competent authority of your country.

IDPs are valid for one year from the date of issue, and their validity is limited to one year after your entry into Japan. If you go through an automatic portico at the airport, make sure you have an entry stamp affixed to your passport, otherwise IDP will not be recognized.

Visitors from France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco and Taiwan do not have access to IDP in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Instead, they must present their national driving licence accompanied by an official translation into Japanese, carried out by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or by an approved body such as Driving-Japan or Keikaku.

Renting a car: companies and modalities

The main Japanese rental agencies are Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Orix Rent-a-Car, Times Car Rental, Nissan Rent-a-Car, and Ekiren (affiliated with JR). They have exit points throughout the country, including near train stations, airports and city centres. Sites like ToCoo! Travel or Rentalcars.com make it easy to compare and book online, often with English interfaces.

Some international agencies such as Budget, Hertz or Avis are also present in Japan, usually in partnership with local companies. However, their tariffs are rarely competitive.

Most agencies accept credit card payments, and some also accept cash.

Phrases to use if you plan to rent live without going through the internet

If you prefer to rent a car live at an agency in Japan, it is useful to know some basic Japanese phrases to facilitate communication. Here are some expressions that will help you:

• (Kuruma o karitai desu): I would like to rent a car.
• (Unten menkyosho o miste mo ii desu ka?): Can I show my driver’s license?
• (Kokusai unten menkyo-sho wa moteimasu): I have an international driving licence.
• “日本語: I speak a little Japanese (useful to indicate that you are a foreigner and that there might be a language barrier).
• (Kuruma no hoken wa dou natteimasu ka?): What is the insurance coverage for this car?
• (Gasorin dai wa fukumareteimasu ka?): Is fuel included in the price?
• (Furu saizu no kuruma o onegaishimasu): I would like a car of normal size.
• “: I will return the car on (date).

Having these sentences at hand can make renting more fluid and less stressful, especially if you are not familiar with Japanese.

Rental rates and possible supplements

Prices vary according to vehicle size and season. On average:

• Small car: about 7,500 ¥ per day
• Average: around 10,000 ¥
• Large model: about 15,000 ¥
• Van or minibus: up to 20,000 ¥

Some renters also offer rates for 6 or 12 hours. Prices generally include unlimited mileage, consumption tax and mandatory basic insurance (damage, civil liability, injury), but exclude costs related to vehicle immobilization in the event of an accident.

It is common to have to bring the vehicle with the full. However, some agencies are able to refuel on their return at a reasonable rate.

Return fees to another agency are sometimes offered if the distance is short. Otherwise, they can climb to tens of thousands of yen.

Additional options such as child seats, multilingual GPS or snow tires are available. In snow-covered areas, snow-covered areas are often included free of charge in winter.

All items to consider if you rent a car in Japan

When renting a car in Japan, several factors must be taken into account to ensure a pleasant and unsurprised experience. The key elements to be checked are:

1. Vehicle type and capacityChoose a car that meets your needs. If you travel with family or group, a larger model or a van may be required. Think about checking the capacity of the trunk if you have a lot of luggage.
2. InsuranceThe basic coverage included in the rental generally covers property damage, injury and civil liability. However, additional insurance may be appropriate for additional protections, such as non-operational damage coverage, or vehicle theft.
3. Fuel: Cars must be returned with full fuel, unless you have opted for an option where the agency takes charge of the fuel. Find out more about the cost of gasoline in the areas you will visit and make sure you know where to find a gas station.
4. Snow tyres and weather conditions: If you travel to snow-prone areas (especially in the north of the island), renting snow tires is essential. In some areas, it is included automatically during the winter, but it is always better to check in advance.
5. GPS and navigation: Although most rental cars are equipped with GPS, make sure the system can display information in English. If this is not the case, make sure you can enter the address of your destinations, often more easily accessible by using a telephone number.
6. ParkingThe cost of parking varies considerably depending on where you are. In large cities it can be very expensive, and in some places it is practically impossible to find a place. Be sure to check the parking options available in your places of stay.
7. Peages and toll roadsJapan has many toll motorways. If you are planning to borrow them, consider asking for an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card to make it easier without having to stop.
8. Traffic rulesRemember that driving is to the left, and pay particular attention to specific road safety rules, such as the obligation to use the seat belt, or restrictions on the use of the telephone.
9. Duration of the rental: Most agencies offer daily rental, but some offer discounted rates for longer-term rentals. It may be useful to compare the options to see if a rental of several days or even a week is cheaper for you.
10. Check of vehicle condition: Before taking the road, carefully inspect the vehicle for any scratches or damage. Take photos and make sure that everything is documented before leaving, to avoid possible misunderstandings during restitution.
11. Return of vehicle: Remember to check or you can return the rental vehicle according to your itinerary.

Fuel: how to fill up

The average price of gasoline in Japan is 180 ¥ per litre (March 2025). Service stations are available everywhere, including in rural areas. They may be:

• Self-service: cheaper but only in Japanese. Assistants are often present to help you.
• Full-service: the staff takes care of everything. Just say “regular” for classic essence, “mantan” for a full, and “credit card” or “genkin” to indicate the method of payment.

Keep the receipt, some agencies may request it when the vehicle is returned.

GPS and navigation

Most rental cars are equipped with an integrated GPS. Several models allow to pass the interface and voice instructions in English. Even if the GPS is in Japanese, it is often possible to enter the address or telephone number of the destination.

Before leaving, ask if the vehicle has a multilingual system.

Driving in Japan: traffic rules and precautions

The cars are driving left. It is mandatory to wear the seat belt in both front and rear. Driving alcohol is strictly prohibited and the use of the telephone is liable to fines.

Before crossing a crossing, you must mark the stop and check the absence of trains.

Other features to know:

• New drivers must apply a special sticker (green leaf).
• Drivers over 70 are also required to report their status.
• In winter, you must equip your vehicle with snow tires or chains.
• Wild parking is severely punished. We need to use official car parks.

Parking: what to know

Parking in large cities can cost several hundred yen an hour. In the suburbs or in the countryside, parking is often free.

Some car parks use special systems:

• Elevator parking: the cars are piled in an automated tower.
• Individual barriers: a metal plate rises under the car and lowers once the payment is made.

In urban hotels, a package of 1,000 ¥ per night is common. Accommodation outside large cities usually offers free parking.

Motorways and tolls

Japan has an extensive network of paid motorways, easily accessible from large cities. Tolls are calculated according to the distance travelled. Example: Tokyo – Kyoto = about 10,000 ¥.

Two payment systems are available:

• ManualCash or credit card.
• Automatic with ETC card: to ask from the rental. The total amount will be paid upon return of the vehicle.

The rest areas on motorways (Service Areas) are very well equipped: toilets, restaurants, local shops and regional products.

Expressways Pass for Foreign Tourists

Although the Japan Expressway Pass (JEP) was abolished at the end of 2023, several regional passes remain available. These packages allow unlimited use of motorways in a defined region for a given duration. They are reserved for foreign tourists and available from partner agencies. This can be a very profitable solution if you plan a long drive in the same area.

Ferries and transport between islands

As Japan is an archipelago, ferries connect the main and secondary islands. It is possible to embark with a rental car, especially for short trips like to Sakurajima. However, long connections to Yakushima or Rishiri are expensive. It may be wiser to return the car before crossing, then rent a new one at destination.

Even though car rental in Japan requires a little organization, it offers a unique freedom to explore the country at its own pace, away from crowds and in beautiful landscapes. By respecting local rules and choosing the right routes, you can experience an unforgettable travel experience.

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