Car rental in Japan

The question of renting a car in Japan often comes up when planning a trip. Japan offers very different types of travel experiences, so it’s important to define the nature of your itinerary before deciding whether a car is necessary. If your main focus is exploring major cities, there is usually no reason to rent a car. Public transportation is efficient, clean, fast, and much more convenient than driving in dense urban areas. Travel between large cities is also extremely easy thanks to Japan’s excellent railway networks.

However, if your trip includes nature destinations outside the main cities, remote viewpoints, scenic villages, or national parks, then renting a car becomes a practical and often recommended option. It gives you flexibility, comfort, and freedom to set your own pace without depending on limited rural transportation schedules.

Recommended Car Rental Companies

Japan is a highly developed country with outstanding service standards. All global car-rental brands operate here, alongside many reliable Japanese companies. Service quality is generally excellent, and surprises at pickup are uncommon. It’s also easy to compare offers using specialized websites that help you find the most suitable option based on your needs.

Below is a list of recommended companies — not exhaustive, but a solid starting point.

Local Companies

• Nissan Rent-A-Car Japan
  A Japanese rental company based on Nissan vehicles, offering a wide selection of models for different travel needs.
• ORIX Rent
  A reputable Japanese company known for its customer-focused service and broad range of vehicle options.
• Nippon Rent-A-Car
  A highly trusted local brand with an excellent reputation and a diverse fleet suitable for individuals, couples, or larger groups.

International Companies

• Hertz Japan
  An international company offering a simple, user-friendly booking interface and all essential rental conditions.
• SKY Rent-A-Car
  Known for premium-level services that are not always included in standard rentals, as well as the option to book luxury vehicles.
• Budget Rent A Car
  Recognized for competitive pricing and a wide range of rental choices.

If the rental process feels confusing, you’re welcome to contact us through the website. We can help you compare options and sometimes secure discounted rates from different companies.

Driving Rules in Japan

Driving in Japan is generally straightforward, and the country’s road network is modern and well maintained. Inside major cities the traffic can feel intense, while rural areas offer calm and pleasant driving conditions. Japanese drivers are typically polite, patient, and considerate, making it easier to merge or correct small mistakes on the road. Still, every country has its unique rules, and Japan is no exception.

Below are several important points to know before you begin driving.

Key Details Before You Start Driving

• In Japan, as in many other countries, driving is on the left side of the road. Seat belts and strict rules regarding mobile phone use are strongly enforced.
• The minimum age for renting and driving a car is 18.
• You must carry a valid International Driving Permit (the grey booklet issued by optical stores), in addition to your regular licence.
• The international permit is valid only for tourists; residents must follow different licensing rules.
• Some Japanese road signs differ from what many visitors are used to. For example, the STOP sign is a red triangle, while a white triangle indicates Yield.
• Check that your travel dates do not coincide with major national holidays. During those periods, roads become unusually crowded.
• Rental cars in Japan typically include a built-in navigation system, and in many cases it is possible to enter destinations using phone numbers.
• It is highly recommended to have reliable mobile internet available at all times during your trip.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Before you start the engine, take a moment to adjust the navigation settings to English and learn where essential buttons are — this simple step prevents confusion on the road.

How to Avoid Fines in Japan

Japan’s road system is extremely organized, and enforcement is equally strict. The country is known for its advanced technology, and drivers should assume that they are being monitored at almost all times. To ensure a smooth trip, it’s important to avoid unnecessary violations and understand how the system works.

Toll Roads

Most major highways in Japan operate as toll roads. Entering these roads requires payment, usually in cash or by credit card, and the process is simple and efficient. Many rental companies offer the Japan Expressway Pass, which allows unlimited travel for one or two weeks. This pass is intended for tourists; if it’s not provided automatically, request it from the rental company.

Speed Limits

Speed limits are clearly marked:

• 80 km/h on intercity roads
• 100 km/h on expressways
• 40 km/h in built-up residential areas
• 30 km/h on small or narrow streets

Staying within these limits is essential, as speeding fines can be high and enforcement is strict.

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Lane Discipline

Japan follows a clear rule: keep left unless overtaking. Even when roads are not crowded, drivers are expected to remain in the left lane. This is a cultural norm and is taken seriously.

Using the Horn

Using the car horn is considered illegal in most situations and is strongly discouraged, especially in large cities. Excessive horn use may result in fines.

Parking

Parking on city streets is prohibited in most major urban areas. Unauthorized parking may lead to a fine and, in some cases, towing. Stick to official parking lots and designated paid parking areas.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: When driving in large cities, plan your parking in advance. Knowing where the closest legal lot is located will save you time and protect you from unexpected fines.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Japan?

Like anywhere in the world, the cost of renting a car in Japan depends on the type of vehicle you choose. You can rent anything from a small compact car to an 8-seater vehicle or even a luxury model — with prices varying accordingly. Japan takes great pride in its excellent automotive industry, and most rental cars are modern, well-equipped Japanese models.

Rentals are typically calculated in 24-hour blocks. Prices usually range from:

• $50–$60 per day for compact mini cars
• $70–$80 per day for standard family vehicles
• $110–$120 per day for vans, SUVs, or luxury cars

It’s important to note that rental prices worldwide have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, and this trend has affected Japan as well. Current prices reflect this global rise.

Car Rental in Tokyo

As expected from a city of its size and importance, Tokyo offers an exceptionally wide range of car-rental options. You can rent a vehicle at the airport, at major train stations, and at various designated rental points throughout the city.

Because of high demand and limited urban space, rental prices in Tokyo are often 5–10% higher than in other parts of the country. In general, it is recommended to avoid driving inside the city itself. The public transportation system is far more efficient, and navigating Tokyo’s dense traffic and limited parking can be challenging. A rental car becomes useful mainly when leaving the city for open, rural, or scenic areas.

Car Rental in Other Cities

Renting a car is also straightforward in Japan’s other major cities such as Osaka, Kanagawa, Kyoto, and many more. Availability generally reflects the size of the city: the larger the city, the wider the range of rental companies and vehicle types.

If your itinerary allows, renting a car outside Tokyo can sometimes result in slightly lower prices. Regardless of where you rent, always check the details of your reservation carefully. It is especially important to confirm whether you can return the vehicle at a different location from where you picked it up, as this may influence both logistics and cost.

Additional Costs

When renting a car in Japan, it’s important to remember that the daily rental fee is only one part of the total expense. A rental car comes with several additional costs that should be included in your overall trip budget.

Fuel:
Distances in Japan can be long, and in some cases you may find yourself filling an entire tank in just one or two days of travel. As of January 2024, the price of one litre of gasoline is 5.7 NIS, which is significantly cheaper than in some countries, yet still a notable daily expense.

Toll Roads:
Many of Japan’s major roads operate as toll roads. While toll fees are not extremely high, you will encounter them almost every day. Make sure to account for this in your planning.

Parking:
Outside major cities, parking is usually not an issue, and most hotels offer free designated spaces. In large cities, however, street parking is prohibited, and you will need to use official paid parking lots.

Return Location:
If you return the car to a different station than the one where you collected it, expect an additional fee.

Insurance:
Japan requires basic mandatory insurance, similar to many other countries. It is recommended to add comprehensive insurance for full coverage. This usually adds a few dollars per day to the total cost.

When Is the Right Time to Rent a Car in Japan?

Before booking a rental car simply out of habit, it’s worth pausing and evaluating the structure of your trip. Japan’s public transportation system is often considered one of the best in the world. Trains, subways, and buses offer convenient access to almost all major attractions, especially in big cities and popular tourist areas such as the Disney parks or Mount Fuji. In addition, Japan offers several discount travel passes — JR Pass, Hakone Free Pass, Nikko Free Pass, and others — which can reduce costs significantly for train-based itineraries.

Still, renting a car holds clear advantages. A car provides freedom, flexibility, and the ability to make spontaneous detours without relying on fixed schedules. Some regions in Japan are best explored by car and, in certain cases, require a vehicle to access remote viewpoints, rural villages, or natural attractions.

To help you decide, here are key situations where renting a car is genuinely beneficial:

• Your itinerary goes beyond standard routes — for example, traveling to the north or south of the country, or visiting distant natural sites and isolated villages.
• Your route includes areas where public transportation runs infrequently, especially when buses (and not trains) are the main option.
• You plan to visit destinations not covered by discount passes such as the JR Pass.
• You are traveling as a group of four people or more.
• You are planning trips where the cost per person using public transportation is relatively high, making a rental car cheaper for two or three travelers.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: If your itinerary includes remote nature spots or locations with limited train access, renting a car will often save you both time and energy — and will open up experiences that are hard to reach otherwise.

Have More Questions? Need Clarification?

If something is still unclear or you’re unsure whether renting a car is the right choice for your itinerary, feel free to reach out. We are here to assist with anything you need regarding car rental, route planning, or any question you may have about traveling in Japan.

You can contact us through the website, and Itinerary Expert will be happy to guide you and help you make the best decision for your trip.

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