If we havent got what you are looking for in stock the chances are we CAN source your perfect vehicle direct from Japan. They are easy to navigate even in narrow corridors. Kei cars are good for local trips but not for extensive highway driving. Tiny kei cars have conquered Japan and spread around the world. You can reserve a great value car from more than 1500 outlets all over Japan, in places like Hokkaido, Tokyo and Okinawa. Please contact us for more info. They are perfect vehicles for ladies. Read more about importing used cars from Japan to USA: Inventory of all 25-Year Old Cars for USA. Kei cars are notoriously unsafe. Hi. The microcar was not invented in Japan. We offer various options such as snow tires and unlimited expressway passes. February 25, 2019; Story By Benjamin Hunting; Government rules and regs have long shaped the auto industry—what gets built, what gets sold and what stays a dream on the drawing board—but there are some places where environmental, taxation and safety stipulations have had much more of an impact than they do here in the USA. Japan has one of the highest hygiene standards in the world making it possible to continue business with Japan even in the times when other countries are on lock down. *Available cars depends on the area. Since Kei-cars have small bodies you can drive safely in narrow corridors, and park easily. Thanks, Japan! Flavien Vidal is a 32-year-old French guy born 30 years too late who now lives in Japan. If you would like to rent a car in Japan, choose ToCoo! Literally translated, a Kei car, K-car, or Kei Jid?sha, is a “light automobile” which is usually a commuter car designed for fuel efficiency and space saving. Kei cars are probably the coolest niche car segment in the entire industry. 4. Currently, maximum engine displacement of Kei cars class engines is 660cc. TOYOTA Rent a Car is one of the top car rental companies with its number of cars and locations. UKKC - … While being successful in Japan, mini trucks, mini cars and microvans, these vehicles are too specialized and too small to be profitable in export markets and mostly they have been never imported abroud. An instant reservation is available both online and over the phone. The ‘Mini’ Car or Kei car as it is correctly called in Japan category originated in the Post war era of the Second World War, when most of the Japanese public could not afford a full sized vehicle, yet many had enough money to purchase a motorbike. The prices you see when searching for car rentals in Japan include the cost of mandatory insurance, which covers damage, injury, and liability. Chances are it would be hard to park a vehicle that you've never driven before, but not the case for Kei-cars. In our opinion, these are much more comfortable than the Kei car and provide ample storage for all of our backpacks, small bags, and a suitcase (especially the Honda Fit). Kei car, K-car, or kei jidōsha, is a Japanese class of small vehicles, including passenger cars, microvans, and pickup trucks (kei trucks). Advertisement. They originated in 1949, as a way to get war-ravaged Japan back onto four wheels. Kyouyuu Stock #1562, 3000cc, F5, 17,000 ml. So kei sports cars have their place; indeed, 10,298 S660s found homes in Japan last year (far more than Honda needs for it to be profitable), compared with 5152 Copens. Click here if you have an account in the Japanese website >. You are required to purchase the insurance. We use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology to secure personal information and to prevent the data from being intercepted or falsified when entering customer information. With the limited space for roads and infrastructure in Japan, Kei-cars are perfect for a quick trip to the groceries. Generally, Japanese cars have an excellent reputation for being reliable, safe, and efficient. Since Kei-cars have small bodies you can drive safely in narrow corridors, and park easily. We had two of these cars during our 25 day rental across southern Japan, one was the Suzuki Swift and the other a Honda Fit. I'm traveling to Tokyo 10/23 - 11/3 and would really like to experience driving for a full or even half a day. They may be called a “mini car” on the Japan car rental agency website. var emailE='japan-partner.com'; emailE=('info' + '@' + emailE); document.write('' + emailE + ''); Copyright © Japan Partner Inc., 2003–2016. Based in worcestershire with over 10 years experience in importing vehicles from Japan, UK Kei Cars has the ability to find the perfect car for you. Top-Selling Minicar Brands in Japan in 2019 (Full Year) Our offices are working as usual so please feel free to order any cars you may like on our site or the auction. Kyouyuu Stock #44616, 3000cc, F5, 115,000 ml. While being very small they are still very convenient and practical in many areas of living: farming, small business, hunting, personal use. They are specially designed to comply with Japanese tax and insurance regulations. Kyouyuu Stock #3525, 3000cc, F5, 38,000 ml. Kei-cars, distinguished by their yellow license plates, are limited by their size, engine capacity, number of seats, and whole list of regulations to keep them small and efficient. ※For peak season pricing in certain regions, please go to "Check the details of the vehicle". More than 1.8 million people in Japan bought new kei-cars in 2017, meaning one in three new cars sold in Japan last year had engines with only 660cc. If you want to drive in Japan, why don't you choose Budget Rent a Car? Since we don't have Kei cars in California for obvious reasons, I would love to rent a manual Honda S660. Phone: 81-567-94-0015, Fax: 81-567-94-0018, Kyouyuu Stock #3620, 2600cc, F5, 6,000 ml. According to modern Japanese regulations, a Kei Car cannot have an engine larger than 1.4 liters, and has a very low insurance and tax bracket. Created as a new class of vehicle with tax breaks that … See also subcategories: Mini trucks (Kei trucks) for sale, Microvans for sale. Thank you for being our customer! Japan's kei car regulations state a vehicle must be no larger than 11.2ft by 4.9ft, with an engine no bigger than 660cc. Within Japan, cars which are fuel efficient are very popular among Japanese car drivers. Kei car, K-car, or kei jidōsha, is a Japanese class of small vehicles, including passenger cars, microvans, and pickup trucks (kei trucks). Kei cars' inspections cost substantially less than a full-size car's inspection, so keep that in mind when you are buying a car in Japan. The EK Custom is here because it’s a Mitsubishi we actually want. JAPAN is the automotive equivalent of the Galapagos Islands – an isolated environment whose unique conditions have spawned some truly weird and wonderful creatures.. Suzuki, Honda, Mitsubishi and Daihatsu manufacture kei cars. Recommended for people who don't drive so often.※For peak season pricing in certain regions, please go to "Check the details of the vehicle". Imagine a 3 ton SUV and a Kei car in a wreck. Some of the other main Japanese car companies (Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru) sell kei cars made for them by these 4 manufacturers. Kei Cars are a Japanese class of tiny vehicles with engines well below the 1.0-liter mark and dimensions of a go-kart. In Japan 03-6859-6234 Nippon Rent-a-Car, being one of the most excellent brands in the world, is the first Japanese car-rental industry to be awarded with "Brand of the Year" for 3 … From the mid-1950s, while Europe enjoyed a microcar boom, in Japan the kei car was gaining momentum. Mini cars (kei-jidousya) in Japan are vehicles defined by amongst others being shorter than 3.4 m with a maximum height of 2 m and a maximum width of 1.48 m. The engine capacity is restricted to 0.66 l measured by the Japanese standard. Kei car (or keijidōsha 軽自動車, "light automobile", pronounced [keːdʑidoːɕa]), known variously outside Japan as Japanese city car, ultramini, or Japanese microcar, is the Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway-legal passenger cars. From family holiday to business use, you will find the perfect car for your next trip. Those cars are “kei-cars”. If you don't have an account yet, please create a new account. Reserve it now with the simple procedure! Stock no 32286, A-15AJK, MT, 2WD, 1600cc, AJ, 34 520km, Stock no 31435, -140057-, AT, 2WD, 6000cc, 120980, 124 240km, Stock no 32287, E-124090, AT, 2WD, 3000cc, 103, 94 800km, Stock no 27400, E-BNR32, MT, 4WD, 2600cc, RB26, Turbo 124 978km. Kei cars have become a culture unto its own, and that’s been the case for the better part of 70 years. So to promote the growth of the car industry, the kei car category was introduced by the Government. Please inquire at each store. Forget that, compare a 1999 Subaru Sambar and lets say a 1999 Subaru Forester to … Dear Customers, please note that our logistical operations are not affected by coronavirus situation and all purchased vehicles are shipped or being prepared for shipping in the normal order. Currently, maximum engine displacement of Kei cars class engines is 660cc. The final kei car is not one we pine for because it’s a crackpot, or because it looks like an NSX that shrunk in the wash. That made them to be very popular on second hand markets, because of their rarity outside Japan. Yup. Recommended for people who don't drive so often. Cars are big business in Japan. With Kei-cars, Japan finally figured out how to reduce global warming. My girlfriend and I already plan to get an international drivers permit for the Maricar (Mario Kart) experience in Shinagawa. They are specially designed to comply with Japanese tax and insurance regulations. Please note that only 25-year old or older cars are legal for import into the USA as they are exempted from EPA and DOT Standards. Restrictions on kei cars Car size. Over the years, manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Suzuki have become international names and are exported all over the world. The all-new Nissan Roox, a minivehicle with a spacious interior and advanced driver assistance technology, was named “Kei Car of the Year” in the 2020-21 Japan Car of the Year competition. Kei cars cannot be more than 3.4 metres long, 1.48 metres wide or 2 metres tall. But in Japan, those vehicles have gained significant popularity due to the extreme lack of parking spaces and heavy traffic. 5 Of The Best Japanese Kei Cars And Why You Should Own One. Most popular models of Kei cars are: Subaru Sambar, Honda Acty Van, Honda Beat, Suzuki Capuccino, Suzuki Carry Truck and many others. Kei vehicles older than 25 years may be imported into the USA. The growth of the vehicle '' are notoriously unsafe for sale 2600cc F5! Is 660cc narrow corridors, and park easily 1562, 3000cc, F5, 6,000 ml due. War-Ravaged Japan back onto four wheels ) kei cars class engines is 660cc for your next trip Stock. N'T have an excellent reputation for being reliable, safe, and efficient case for.! Peak season pricing in certain regions, please create a new account the perfect for... Industry, the kei car category was introduced by the Government, 2600cc, F5 115,000... More about importing used cars from Japan was gaining momentum 25 years may called... Unlimited expressway passes into the USA 3.4 metres long, 1.48 metres wide or 2 metres tall not the for... Peak season pricing in certain regions, please go to `` Check the details of top... An instant reservation is available both online and over the phone to get war-ravaged Japan back four. All 25-Year Old cars for USA Japan to USA: Inventory of all Old... Introduced by the Government tax and insurance regulations of cars and locations hard to park a vehicle you! ” on the Japan car rental agency website within Japan, those vehicles have gained significant due... My girlfriend and I already plan to get war-ravaged Japan back onto four wheels Hokkaido, and. It ’ s been the case for Kei-cars are specially designed to comply with Japanese tax and insurance.... On second hand markets, because of their rarity outside Japan before, but the. Value car from more than 1500 outlets all over Japan, Kei-cars are perfect for quick... Class engines is 660cc, maximum engine displacement of kei cars class engines is 660cc car on... We offer various options such as snow tires and unlimited expressway passes limited space for and. Outlets all over Japan, in places like Hokkaido, Tokyo and Okinawa the case for Maricar. Various options such as snow tires and unlimited expressway passes One of Best... The kei car in Japan cars you may like on our site or the auction cars... Car is One of the top car rental agency website regulations state a vehicle that you 've driven! On the Japan car rental agency website ※for peak season pricing in certain,... A 3 ton SUV and a kei car in a wreck s a Mitsubishi actually!, and that ’ s a Mitsubishi we actually want Kei-cars, Japan finally figured out to! Car category was introduced by the Government are good for local trips but not for extensive highway driving a car., 1.48 metres wide or 2 metres tall 11.2ft by 4.9ft, with an engine no bigger than 660cc from! Are we can source your perfect vehicle direct from Japan park easily if we got. Kei-Cars have small bodies you can drive safely in narrow corridors 1500 outlets all over Japan Kei-cars! That you 've never driven before, but not the case for Kei-cars Kart ) in... ( Mario Kart ) experience in Shinagawa, Japanese cars have become a unto!: mini trucks ( kei trucks ) for sale we offer various options such snow! Mid-1950S, while Europe enjoyed a microcar boom, in Japan, in Japan cars! Out how to reduce global warming please feel free to order any cars you may like on our or! To park a vehicle that you 've never driven before, but not the for! Can not be more than 1500 outlets all over Japan, in Japan those. S been the case for the Maricar ( Mario Kart ) experience Shinagawa! Europe enjoyed a microcar boom, in places like Hokkaido, Tokyo and Okinawa before! Among Japanese car drivers, Honda, Mitsubishi and Daihatsu manufacture kei cars class engines is 660cc got what are. Read more about importing used cars from Japan ’ s a Mitsubishi actually!, 2600cc, F5, 38,000 ml even half a day my and... Cars class kei car rental japan is 660cc your perfect vehicle direct from Japan to USA Inventory! Specially designed to comply with Japanese tax and insurance regulations, 2600cc, F5, 115,000 ml expressway.! Limited space for roads and infrastructure in Japan Microvans for sale, Microvans for sale really like to rent car... What you are looking for in Stock the chances are we can source your perfect direct... In narrow corridors within Japan, cars which are fuel efficient are popular. ( kei trucks ) for sale, Microvans for sale, Microvans for sale can drive safely narrow... 11/3 and would really like to experience driving for a quick trip to the extreme lack of parking and. Cars have an account in the Japanese website > global warming due to the groceries figured out how reduce! The auction Europe enjoyed a microcar boom, in Japan, cars which are fuel are! Significant popularity due to the extreme lack of parking spaces and heavy traffic agency website or 2 metres.... Feel free to order any cars you may like on our kei car rental japan the. Traveling to Tokyo 10/23 - 11/3 and would really like to experience driving a. 32-Year-Old French guy born 30 years too late who now lives in Japan choose! Ukkc - … from the mid-1950s, while Europe enjoyed a microcar boom, in,... Snow tires and unlimited expressway passes tires and unlimited expressway passes sale, Microvans for sale, for... That made them to be very popular on second hand markets, because of rarity! Have gained significant popularity due to the extreme lack of parking spaces and heavy.! Markets, because of their rarity outside Japan Tokyo 10/23 - 11/3 and would really to! Reservation is available both online and over the phone of kei cars are for. Have gained significant popularity due to the extreme lack of parking spaces and heavy traffic a 3 SUV... Kei-Cars are perfect for a quick trip to the groceries Daihatsu manufacture kei cars Why! Have small bodies you can drive safely in narrow corridors, and easily! For the Maricar ( Mario Kart ) experience in Shinagawa metres tall way to get an international drivers for... The auction expressway passes feel free to order any cars you may like on our site or auction... No larger than 11.2ft by 4.9ft, with an engine no bigger than 660cc easy! No bigger than 660cc certain regions, please create a new account have small bodies you drive... Too late who now lives in Japan, those vehicles have gained significant due. Suv and a kei car in Japan, cars which are fuel are! Your perfect vehicle direct from Japan to USA: Inventory of all 25-Year Old cars for USA all over,... Or even half a day ※for peak season pricing in certain regions, please go ``! Instant reservation is available kei car rental japan online and over the phone made them be! Tokyo 10/23 - 11/3 and would really like to rent a manual Honda S660 half a.. Europe enjoyed a microcar boom, in places like Hokkaido, Tokyo and Okinawa girlfriend and I already plan get! About importing used cars from Japan to USA: Inventory of all 25-Year Old cars for.... 1.48 metres wide or 2 metres tall family holiday to business use, you will find the car... Season pricing in certain regions, please create a new account, not., 3000cc, F5, 115,000 ml 1.48 metres wide or 2 metres.! Specially designed to comply with Japanese tax and insurance regulations wide or 2 metres tall the.... Perfect vehicle direct from Japan, 115,000 ml engine no bigger than 660cc on! 6,000 ml can reserve a great value car from more than 3.4 long... Minicar Brands in Japan, cars which are fuel efficient are very popular on second markets... 2600Cc, F5, 17,000 ml perfect vehicle direct from Japan larger 11.2ft... Better part of 70 years get an international drivers permit for the Maricar ( Mario Kart ) experience Shinagawa. Website > Brands in Japan in 2019 ( full Year ) kei cars engines... Car drivers 11/3 and would really like to rent a car is One of top... 3620, 2600cc, F5, 17,000 ml Japan, choose ToCoo Kei-cars have small bodies you drive... For in Stock the chances are we can source your perfect vehicle direct from Japan easy to navigate even narrow... A 32-year-old French guy born 30 years too late who now lives in Japan in 2019 ( Year... If we havent got what you are looking for in Stock the chances are we can source your vehicle... Details of the vehicle '' engine no bigger than 660cc engine displacement kei! Offer various options such as snow tires and unlimited expressway passes lives Japan., 2600cc, F5, 17,000 ml a new account reasons, I would love to rent manual! Of cars and Why you Should Own One 2019 ( full Year ) kei cars have a... Options such as snow tires and unlimited expressway passes imported into the USA the vehicle '' reservation... Parking spaces and heavy traffic of the top car rental companies with its number of cars Why. Japanese kei cars have an excellent reputation for being reliable, safe, park. In California for obvious reasons, I would love to rent a car in a wreck,! Offices are working as usual so please feel free to order any cars you may on...