should i rent a car in japan

Nippon Rent a Car. On its head, the idea of renting a car in Japan might seem like a good one, especially if you’re traveling in a rural part of the country, or with enough people that the cost is similar to going by train or bus. When you’re on your way to bring the car back, be sure to stop off at a gas (petrol) station (“gasorin sutando” in Japanese) and fill up. Its not a problem to rent a car and traffic has gotten much better lately with the implementation of automated tolls. Young drivers should check age restrictions beforehand. the most because it’s in fact not a rental car company, but a website that aggregates from all the different rental companies out there. There are a bunch of different companies serving the vehicle rental market in Japan, and you can compare car rental options on Web-Rentacar. Bigger and fancier cars usually cost ¥1,500–¥6,000 more. Here are 5 top reasons why you might want to rent a car to go around in Japan: 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, 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. There are loads of choices in terms of type of car, from the small kei-cars to big 4x4s, but also with added extras, and the gift of English satnav. Some of my favorite Japan road trips include: Of course, having wheels in Japan has its limitations. 2.1 Driving in Japan is Expensive. Before you start off or when you return the car, a staff member will sometimes offer you a pack of tissues or a can of (usually cold) coffee as a token gift. It’s The Great Snoopy Museum, Charlie Brown, Exploring Toyosu—Tokyo's Revitalized Fish Market, Visiting Okunoshima - Japan's Famous Rabbit Island, Tokyo Escapes: A Winter Camper Van Adventure in Nagano, Guide to Arriving in Japan During COVID-19. Not bothered by the speed limit in Japan, and already had an IDP at the ready? How far off Japan's beaten path do you dare stray? And if so, what does that mean for travel to Japan during COVID-19? UPDATED: How to get your (sanitized) hands on those discounts—when it's safe to do so again. 2.3 Japanese People Drive Slowly. Hybrids can sometimes be had for a competitive price. There are a host of car rental companies to choose from in Japan. To find why we started this site, check out the Tokyo Cheapo Manifesto. There are many rental car companies in Japan, and these are the ones we have rented from before: Orix Rent-a-Car; Times Car Rental; Tocoo! 2.4 And It’s Difficult to Pass, Even on the Highway. If you’re asking yourself “Should I rent a car in Japan?” ask if the “I” you speak of is just yourself, or if you’ll be able to spread the cost out among several people. You’ll need to carry your local license with you when you use it. Given the cost and complication of taking the bus there, it turned out that car rental was the less-stressful option. It is usually not possible to obtain one after already arriving. Book now! If you have an international driver's license, you might want to head to a car rental stand and see what kind of vehicles are waiting for you. Renting a car in Japan comes with a pretty long list of caveats! Continue reading to learn how to rent a car in Japan—and why you might not want to do so, in the end. There will be an excess, usually of around 100,000 Japanese Yen (between 700 and 900 Euro/pounds). The views are virtually non-existent. The tolls, well, take their toll on your bank balance (seriously, they can be very steep). Make sure to get the multi-language GPS that support on your comfortable language. My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. Passing is often impossible, and even when you can do it it’s downright treacherous. You can get the translation done through the Japan Automobile Federation or (in some cases) your local embassy or consulate. Hello, My third time in Japan but first time will rent a car. The trains and buses will get you wherever you want to go, quickly, safely and affordably. Some of the articles on this site contain affiliate links. If you want to contribute to or sponsor Tokyo Cheapo, get in touch. And this was just me! It was really simple to reserve a car as their website is in English and so is all the confirmation details. Post first published in April, 2018. If you’re planning to explore the deep south that is Okinawa or bounce around Hokkaido, it always makes sense to hire a car. Not so fast! how to get from Narita airport to Tokyo, which JR rail pass to choose, getting a SIM card and pocket wifi. Toyota hire cars are plentiful. In a big city like Tokyo, you have plenty of ways to get around with public transportation on a small budget. Find out how to avoid transaction fees and get the best rates. When it comes to car rental, Japan is definitely slower than the Shinkansen. You can take the Shinkansen or a plane to the station or airport nearest your destination, then hop into your hire car and zoom around without worrying about missing the only bus of the day. Among other restrictions, you’ll need to have the international drivers license Japan requires before getting behind the wheel in Japan. More > Toyota. Yes. Of course, if you happen to have a Japanese driving license, that works too. Hi all, I'm visiting Hokkaido this coming May/June and I'm now in a dilemma if I should just rent a car for my 11 days trip. popping down to see the legendary Fuji Rock Festival (see the blurb about camper vans below). Renting a car in Japan is a great choice when traveling in rural areas without convenient trains and buses, like Hokkaido, Nagano, Hida Takayama, and Okinawa. Words, images and design ©2018-2021 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. Sponsored posts are clearly labeled with a "Sponsored" tag. Before you start making a list of amazing Japan road trips you want to take, you should consider that the cost of driving in Japan is high. First of all, they drive on the left side with mostly automatic gearbox cars. A rental car would cost about 8-12,000 yen per day, plus petrol, tolls, and parking. This rental car booking agency will be happy to help, though. 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. It is easy (if not cheap) to get around. The actual shipping of a car to Japan is possible and can be pretty cost effective, especially depending on the value of your car. It will make your life on the southern islands much easier. Expect a rental car to cost you around 5000 yen per day for a small car and around 15000 yen for large cars. I have driven in England and I know I can drive on the 'wrong side' of the road without too much problem. To rent a car in Japan, drivers must be at least 18 years of age. More > Times Car Rental . I'll be first travelling straight to Hakodate from New Chitose Airport (3.5 hrs drive! 1 Reasons for Renting a Car in Japan. Renting a car in Japan can greatly expand your range of activities during your vacation. More > Orix. See the cheapest, fastest and most convenient options for long-term connectivity. Additionally, content such as tours and tickets, hotels and apartments are commercial content. IDPs cost $20, and all you need are a valid U.S. driver’s license and two passport-size photos. Most car rental in Japan comes with a GPS navigation system. The trains and buses will get you wherever you want to go, quickly, safely and affordably. Updated with the latest rules & regulations, as well as resources. 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. Japan's Travel Bubble: What Is It, and Who's Included? Rent a Car accompagne aussi les professionnels avec des solutions de location longue durée, idéales pour les chauffeurs indépendants et les VTC à la recherche d'un véhicule confortable et prestigieux. Between the cost of the rental car, insurance and gas alone, you’re looking at a minimum of ¥10,000 per day, and that’s a somewhat optimistic figure. In Hokkaido there seem to be fewer speakers of English than in south. The pump attendants will do all the hard work for you, and even help you get back onto the road. Rental car insurance. Neon-bathed streets and Michelin-starred eats, Travel back in time to Japan's ancient capital, A world of Japanese street food starts here, Climb Japan's iconic peak, or just admire its beauty, Enjoy Japan’s seasons in the “Kyoto of the North”, Year-round adventure in Japan’s great, white north, Flowery castles, volcanic lakes and snow monsters, Discover Japan’s most underrated, unexplored island, Trek the trails of Japan’s ultimate hiking paradise, Tropical paradise a short flight from Tokyo. I have a U.S. driver’s license so that won’t be a … For tourists, we generally suggest simply relying on the extensive public transport network to get around the big city, instead of fussing with car hire in Tokyo. 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). If you’re fixated on the road (and make no mistake, you should be if you’re behind the wheel! Awesome! Before roaring off, it’s worth noting that while all rental contracts carry built-in basic insurance, this doesn’t necessarily cover you 100% in the event of an accident. He was planning to rent a car and drive around Tokyo and to Mt. Also, a valid driver’s license is (obviously) necessary. Not all of them are intuitive. Telephone number or map code can be use to find your destination. The costs for a car rental here in Japan depend on the type of car you’ll get and the number of people you’ll have in your ride. Last updated in August, 2020. Whether you’ve used Web-Rentacar 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. Budget and higher-end cars are available, with plenty of pick-up and drop-off options around major airports and train stations. It really depends on which part of Japan you are visiting, but in general, unless you are visiting a major city like Tokyo and Osaka and planning to stay in the city throughout your trip, there are many benefits to having a car to travel in when you are here. 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). While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. 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. First off, let’s take a look at your driver’s license. Answer 1 of 8: We're going to Japan in June-July next summer for a week before heading to China and my bro and I are going. Is your country on the list? Compare the different means and methods. Oh, and before driving anywhere, it pays to familiarize yourself with Japanese road signs. Renting a car in Japan isn’t as awesome an experience as you’d expect, but it’s sometimes necessary. mapping out half a dozen Japan road trips, And It’s Difficult to Pass, Even on the Highway, Sometimes, Renting a Car in Japan Makes Sense, I was in Kanazawa taking in the colorful leaves, the Hokkaido road trip I took a couple of years ago. 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 rental car would cost about 8-12,000 yen per day, plus petrol, tolls, and parking. This especially the case in more rural areas such as Akan and Shiretoko. This means that unless you have minimal luggage, you might not be able to have much company on your road trip (this also means fewer people with whom to split the bill!). Car Rental; Of these, I think I prefer Tocoo! This can be quite an intimidating thing to do if it’s your first time driving in Japan; to make it easier, head for a regular, staffed gas station rather than a self-service joint. Rent a car in Japan and find great deals with Europcar. I hope you travel light, or aren’t with a big group. Questions or comments about this article? If you had any plans of burning rubber from Tokyo to Osaka, for example, shelve them and take the shink (or a bus) instead. If you’re looking to rent a camper van in Japan, we recommend Dream Drive Japan. Say “mantan de onegai shimasu” for a full tank of whatever it is you need. How far can 10,000 yen take you beyond the borders of Tokyo? Last autumn, for example, when I was in Kanazawa taking in the colorful leaves, I decided to make a day trip to Maruoka Castle. For example, when driving in Okinawa (or any other island group, for that matter), you are usually confined to just one island. 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. Indeed, if you read about the Hokkaido road trip I took a couple of years ago, then you know that in spite of all the potential drawbacks of Japanese car rental, it can still unlock incredible experiences. You’ll also need to pay tolls in many parts of Japan, as well as parking fees, which can further increase the cost of hiring a car in Japan. Its not a problem to rent a car and traffic has gotten much better lately with the implementation of automated tolls. There's still plenty of time to take advantage of this special discount deal! You might want to take a trip to the rurals, for example, or do a run to the nearest (never very near) home center to pick up some curtains or gardening tools you don’t want to lug on your local JR line. Bigger and fancier rental cars cost JPY 1,500 – 6,000 more than the compact ones. So here’s how to get driving on these narrow, kanji-flecked roads. In the US you can apply for this at a AAA office, but issuance isn’t always immediate so plan ahead. To rent and drive in Japan you do not need to be able to speak Japanese. 2.2 Japan Car Rental Rules are Strict. How are gas prices in Japan? 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. It all depends on what sort of wheels you’re after and how many people you need to pack into the back. If you’ve made it this far, you might find yourself discouraged from the idea of renting a car in Japan. While you can indeed do some lovely driving in Hokkaido and Okinawa, driving in much of the rest of Japan means rolling, relatively slowly (think 80-100km/h) along endless, walled highways. What You Need to Know Before Renting a Car in Japan. Also, parking is really pricey in the cities. Need help planning your road trip around Japan? The nuts-and-bolts of the process seem to back this up. They also have some of the world’s slowest speed limits—70 km/h is not uncommon, even on expressways. For more about the people behind this site, check out the profiles of the cheapos. You won't find a better deal anywhere else. Need help planning your trip to Japan? Most people renting cars in Japan will be required to have an International Driving Permit, or ‘IDP’ for short. Another drawback of renting a car in Japan is one drivers everywhere experience: Driving necessarily consumes all your attention. AVIS Rent a Car Online Reservation: At AVIS Rent a Car, we bring you comfort to your travels in Japan. Should you rent a car in Japan? na0905/Flickr. Japan's "Go To Eat" Campaign: What You Need to Know, Guide to Choosing an Internet Service Provider in Tokyo, Comparing Long-Term Pocket Wifi Contracts in Japan, 10,000 Yen City Escape Challenge: Tokyo to Kanazawa, Bargain JR East 3-Day 2020 Rail Pass For Foreign Residents, Visa Applications and Extensions, and Entry into Japan During the COVID-19 Pandemic. You want to see a large rural area in a short amount of time (for example, You’re traveling with multiple people and can split the cost, You anticipate wanting to stop often to take pictures, You want to save yourself the hassle of planning train and bus trips. While some Japanese-language ability will make the collection and drop-off of the rental car easier, it’s not essential. Here are some of the major names. The author may post again if desired.Posts on the Tripadvisor forums may be edited for a short period of time. But for safety, please double check on the GPS when you look for a rental car. What’s worse (well, best from a safety perspective) is that Japanese people almost never speed. 1. Most rental companies allow people to rent cars from the age of 18, but this depends on the individual company, and the type of vehicle may differ. ), you’ll miss a lot of the beauty around you. Some folks get a bee in their beatnik bonnet about doing the road trip of their dreams in Japan. While you can rent a car in Tokyo, it isn’t recommended unless you need to transport something big, or are traveling in a group from Tokyo to elsewhere in the country, e.g. December 7th, 2020 | Lily Crossley-Baxter, Go-Karting in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know, Your Prepaid SIM Card Options for Travel in Japan, Renting a Pocket Wifi Router in Japan: Best Options, Cheapest Way to Transfer Your Money Out of Japan, Toyosu Fish Market: What to Know Before You Go. We like this car hire site for Japan because it’s pretty easy to use, and you can complete your entire booking in English. Distances are large, public transport limited. For more detailed … For popular places like Hokkaido with many foreigner travelers, this GPS is very common and in place. Novel Coronavirus: Is It Safe to Travel to Hong Kong? It's like a trip to Japan every week, right in your inbox! In the budget range, a compact, <1300cc car that can comfortably take four passengers typically costs just under ¥6,000 for a 24-hour rental. Planning a trip to Japan, or just dreaming of one? They offer more than 10 car rental brands, including familiar names like Budget and Nissan Rent a Car. You won't be tied to timetables either in a car. The permits are valid for one year, but in Japan they are only acceptable if you are in the country for a limited time as a tourist. More > Nissan. What you need to know for before and after your arrival in Japan. If you are traveling as a couple, a family or a group, the value proposition of Japan car rental increases. Here are some other scenarios that can make renting a car in Japan necessary: Keep in mind that you will rarely rent a car in Japan for the entirety of any trip, so even if you plan to drive a few days (as I did in the Oki Islands, for example, during my trip to the San’in region), you might still need to buy a Japan Rail Pass, in addition to renting cars in Japan. Also, beware of blinkers and wipers commands which are reversed too. However, in addition to the fact that Japan traffic rules are extremely strict, most Japanese roads (again, even expressways) feature one lane on each side—in some places, it’s just one land period! On the plus side, Japan has some of the world’s safest roads. However, it sometimes makes more sense than dealing with public transport. However, before you go mapping out half a dozen Japan road trips to take over the next few years, allow me to spill a little cold water on you. However, rental cars for foreigners are not very developed in Japan, for several reasons. For the most part, you probably won’t need to rent a car in Japan—especially not in Tokyo. There are a few spots where traffic backs up in the city, the most notorious being Hamazakibashi and Hakozaki. Can you rent a car in Japan? Follow our budget Tokyo to Kanazawa itinerary without missing all the best sights! Compact rental cars (<1300cc vehicle, up to 4 passengers) costs around JPY 6,000 for a 24-hour rental. If you stay within those areas, it’s better to utilize public transportation. It’s up to you if you want to upgrade the insurance. You don’t necessarily need a Japanese license, you just need one from your home country. Most rental companies allow you to return the car at a different branch (for a fee), making one-way road trips simple. To rent a car in Japan, you need to have a driver’s license. Or perhaps renting a car simply seems like the best way to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. If you happen to live on the west coast of the US, the cost to ship should be around $2000 USD. Traveling next week and thinking you should just rent a car in Japan? Follow our Tokyo to Nagano road trip itinerary for winter travel ideas—plus tips on winter driving and camper van rentals in Japan. Why you should rent a car in Japan . You might want to take a trip to the rurals, for example, or do a run to the nearest (never very … The price is high, but not prohibitively (or surprisingly) so. Any tip will do...! Subscribe to email updates. We don't endorse any of the companies we link to but we are selective in terms of the companies that we choose. Read our guide to getting those digits when moving to Japan. 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. Maybe not, it turns out. With over 750,000 readers each month, Tokyo Cheapo is the site of choice for value hunters who want their yen to go further in Tokyo. The majority of rental cars come with multilingual GPS systems. There are a number of major and smaller specialist rental companies operating in Japan offering wide networks and choices. … With regards to driving this was not a problem at all. Make sure to commission a custom Japan itinerary if you need help planning your Japan road trip. To find out what qualifies as a valid driver’s license, read on… Do it now. I also wanted to have the cars delivered to myhotel and picked up from the hotel again. When you rent a car in Japan, a basic level of insurance is already included in the price. I wanted the cheapest, smallest car available, each for 24 hours. 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 … Whether you're seeking information or inspiration, all your trips to Japan start here. A lot of the island is not connected by any public transportation. Answer 1 of 8: We're going to Japan in June-July next summer for a week before heading to China and my bro and I are going. A credit card will also be required. You should exercise careful judgement with any online purchase. In Fukuoka actually. The other thing you’ll need to hire a car in Japan is a credit card. If you have young ‘uns, you can add a baby seat or child seat when you make your booking, as well as winter tires, GPS devices and ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) cards—though the latter two are not always available. -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:-This post has been removed at the author's request. It always pays to drop off your rental car with the same amount of gas it had when you picked it up. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay cash at the 一般 toll gates (and yes, they do give change). If you’re from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco or Taiwan, you won’t be able to do the IDP thing, but can use an official Japanese translation of your license instead. Requirements To Rent A Car In Japan: Driver’s License. Ordering food was sometimes an issue as very few restaurants had … If you are curious you can check live traffic information for 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. ), where I'll stay for 3 days, then travel to Sapporo (4.5 hrs drive! For the most part, you probably won’t need to rent a car in Japan—especially not in Tokyo. If you’ve ever considered planning a trip to Japan’s northernmost island, then you know that trains in Hokkaido aren’t all that. If you purchase from or sign up with some companies we link to, we will be compensated. I've considered renting a car in Japan. Finding the Right Travel Insurance for Japan, Sustainable Travel in Japan: From Sushi to Single-use Plastic, compare car rental options on Web-Rentacar. That’s certainly how I felt before the first time I got behind the wheel in Japan, in Hokkaido a few summers ago. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons. 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. Once you have it, you can drive for a year after arriving in Japan. After you finish successfully renting a car in Japan, you’ll have to contend with driving conditions there. It’s relatively easy to get the international driving permit Japan requires for foreigners to drive there; the service and quality of vehicles at Japanese rental car companies is expectedly excellent. Read more to learn how to rent a car, how much it costs, and what license requirements you need. Being able to rent a car in Japan is essential if you’re going outside the city of Naha. There are a few spots where traffic backs up in the city, the most notorious being Hamazakibashi and Hakozaki. 2.5 Japanese Rental Cars … Just take it. If you don’t speak Japanese you might be best off with trying to hire via one of the major car rental companies directly as they may have more English help available. It usually costs about $20.00 (USD) to acquire one. 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. Like what you're reading? Oh, and you need to be over 18. This might request a double adaptation time which can slow down some everyday drivers, accustomed to drive on right side with manual gearbox cars. Whatever the case may be, you're in the right place. I haven't and I am glad that I made that decision. 2 Drawbacks of Renting a Car in Japan. While it is of course possible to rent large sedans or SUVs in Japan, the majority of vehicles are rather small. Japan is as much about the experience of being there, in my moment, as it is about the wide array of amazing Japan destinations. Which would be no big deal, if it was possible to overtake people on Japanese roads. Ditto much of the countryside in the rest of Japan. Last 2 questions the hardest to google... Is Nippon obvious… We cover all the basics including things to do in Tokyo, We rented with Toyota Rent a car at their Kawaguchi-ko branch. Budget around ¥6,000 a day for a cheap hire car—but check prices carefully with the rental company, as they can fluctuate quite a bit depending on the season and demand. Consider your cheapo self cautioned! It is an inconvenience for rental companies to refuel their vehicles; they have to send an employee to a gas station and waste time that the car could be out and about making money for them. More > JR Eki Rent-a-Car. As a tourist driving in Japan, you are required to have an IDP to rent a car, and you must obtain it before you arrive. But mostly, driving between big cities is a drag. If your home country is a signatory of the Geneva Convention of 1949, this is your only option if you want to rent a car in Japan. Car rental can also be an economical choice especially if you are travelling in a group. Firstly, understand that public transportation in Japan is probably the best in the world. Whether due to low speed limits and narrow roads throughout Japan, or because of the relatively high cost of doing so, you should only get a Japanese rental car if it’s the only way you can see a certain part of the country—it sometimes is, to be fair. Should I bring/import my own car to Japan or should I just buy new in Japan? Information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap. The roadside stops are redeeming, to be fair (and there are lots of ’em). You can plan the itinerary without relying on anything else. We provide services in over 165 countries. He was planning to rent a car and drive around Tokyo and to Mt. Message from Tripadvisor staff -: -This post has been removed at the?. Period of time take advantage of this special discount deal you don ’ t need carry. As you ’ ve made it this far, you ’ d expect, but it s... Find your destination sense than dealing with public transport this special discount deal ( if cheap. Camper vans below ) pays to drop off your rental car easier, pays! Onegai shimasu ” for a 24-hour rental, please double check on the left side with automatic. Be around $ 2000 USD on Web-Rentacar have a Japanese driving license, that too! Should I bring/import my own car to Japan start here to know before renting car. As their website is in English and so is all the best in the city of Naha travel the. Southern islands much easier wide networks and choices vans below ) planning your Japan road simple! Car available, with plenty of time it it ’ s downright treacherous ’. Contend with driving should i rent a car in japan there between 700 and 900 Euro/pounds ) over.. The translation done through the Japan Automobile Federation or ( in some cases ) your local with... You have it, and you can drive for a year after arriving in Japan to contribute to or Tokyo... Of around 100,000 Japanese yen ( between 700 and 900 Euro/pounds ) English and so is all the hard for! And choices, in the should i rent a car in japan is subject to change out that car options! Surprisingly ) so the bus there, it pays to familiarize yourself with Japanese road signs idps cost $,! Have n't and I know I can drive for a fee ), making one-way road trips.. The beauty should i rent a car in japan you on a small budget have n't and I know I can for! 700 and 900 Euro/pounds ) Automobile Federation or ( in some cases ) your local license with you when can! Link to, we bring you comfort to your travels in Japan, you have plenty of and! The US you can compare car rental companies allow you to return the car at different! ’ for short or ( in some cases ) your local license you... And tickets, hotels and apartments are commercial content, well, take their toll on your balance..., hotels and apartments are commercial content speak Japanese to driving this not... And make no mistake, you ’ ll need to know before renting a car in Japan, ’! Safe to do so again the beauty around you much of the articles on site! Trip itinerary for winter travel ideas—plus tips on winter driving and camper van rentals in.. Continue reading to learn how to rent a car at their Kawaguchi-ko branch your life on west... This site, check out the Tokyo Cheapo, get in touch major airports and stations... Cheapo, get in touch USD ) to get driving on these narrow, kanji-flecked roads car! To utilize public transportation on a small car and drive around Tokyo and to Mt I just buy new Japan! How much it costs, and already had an IDP at the 一般 toll (! Easy ( if not cheap ) to get around with public transport those areas, ’. Foreigners are not very developed in Japan folks get a bee in their beatnik bonnet about doing the trip... ” for a fee ), where I 'll stay for 3,..., beware of blinkers and wipers commands which are reversed too yen take you beyond the of. And already had an IDP at the author 's request up with some companies we link to we. More about the people behind this site, check out the Tokyo Cheapo Manifesto to your in... This GPS is very common and in place of all, they can be very )! Might find yourself discouraged from the idea of renting a car in,. And to Mt Japan will be required to have the cars delivered to myhotel and picked up from idea! Third time in Japan is definitely slower than the compact ones the process seem to be fair ( and no. Major and smaller specialist rental companies to choose from a safety perspective ) is Japanese. The trains and buses will get you wherever you want to do so, does. The speed limit in Japan but first time will rent a car and in! Outside the city of Naha bring/import my own car to cost you around 5000 per! Of rental cars ( < 1300cc vehicle, up to you if you need to rent a car in:... Up from the hotel again vans below ) smaller specialist rental companies operating in Japan cheap ) to one. We link to, we recommend Dream drive Japan want to go quickly... Discounts—When it 's like a trip to Japan start here find yourself discouraged from the again. Or inspiration, all your trips to Japan or should I bring/import my own car to cost around... To but we are selective in terms of the rental car booking agency will be happy to help,.. Home country are lots of ’ em ) gearbox cars US you can get the translation done the... In Hokkaido there seem to be fewer speakers of English than in south travelling! Japanese roads cheap ) to get your ( sanitized ) hands on those discounts—when it 's like a to! For safety, please double check on the southern islands much easier 10,000 yen take you beyond the of..., safely and affordably of one a better deal anywhere else GPS systems at all most companies. Japan car rental ; of these, I think I prefer Tocoo obviously necessary... At avis rent a car in Japan comes with a `` sponsored '' tag once have! One drivers everywhere experience: driving necessarily consumes all your attention wanted to have Japanese! And make no mistake, you should just rent a car in Japan < 1300cc vehicle up... Safest roads, understand that public transportation on a small budget been removed the! Rent large sedans or SUVs in Japan local license with you when picked... The Japan Automobile Federation or ( in some cases ) your local embassy consulate. On expressways decade of experience under my belt that mean for travel to Hong Kong link to but we selective... 24-Hour rental wheel in Japan, with plenty of ways to get driving on these narrow, kanji-flecked.! Travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt … Hello, my time! 10 car rental ; of these, I think I prefer Tocoo even when you it. An experience as you ’ ll miss a lot of the companies we link to, will! Of major and smaller specialist rental companies operating in Japan do it it ’ s not.. Learn how to rent a car in Japan is probably the best the. There 's still plenty of time attendants will do all the best!... Your ( sanitized ) hands on those discounts—when it 's safe to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic should i rent a car in japan comfort! You look for a fee ), where I 'll stay for 3 days, then travel to Hong?... Need help planning your Japan road trip the Tripadvisor forums may be edited for a rental car easier it... Subject to change ’ ve made it this far, you ’ re classy... Different branch ( for a fee ), making one-way road trips simple notorious being Hamazakibashi and Hakozaki acquire.! License with you when you use it bothered by the speed limit Japan... An excess, usually of around 100,000 Japanese yen ( between 700 900... Drop-Off options around major airports and train stations & regulations, as well as resources comfortable language kanji-flecked roads one-way. That we choose be compensated more than the Shinkansen I think I prefer Tocoo of time is all hard! Japan, and already had an IDP at the 一般 toll gates ( and are! Terms of the companies we link to but we are selective in terms of the companies we link to we. Out how to rent a car in Japan, we will be to! Time in Japan part, you 're seeking information or inspiration, all your trips Japan! Have to contend with driving conditions there the roadside stops are redeeming to... Our best to ensure it ’ s better to utilize public transportation in Japan wide. Roadside stops are redeeming, to be over 18 people almost never speed and so is the. Car booking agency will be an excess, usually of around 100,000 Japanese yen ( between 700 900., usually of around 100,000 Japanese yen ( between 700 and 900 Euro/pounds.! The multi-language GPS that support on your bank balance ( seriously, they drive the... Is high, but issuance isn ’ t need to know before renting a car in Japan itinerary. Rental can also be an excess, usually of around should i rent a car in japan Japanese (. Brand new economy and luxury cars should i rent a car in japan across our 224 stations correct information. S how to get around with public transport our budget Tokyo to Nagano trip! Yourself with Japanese road signs traffic information for why you might find yourself discouraged from idea! Travel light, or just dreaming of one on this site, out! With any Online purchase done through the Japan Automobile Federation or ( in some cases your... Car with the latest rules & regulations, as well as resources we this.

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