Japan Car Rental Guide: A Must-Read for First-Timers—Everything You Need to Know

If your tour or plan doesn’t include a rental car, or you’re arranging flights and hotels yourself, start by checking rental companies at your destination.
We’ll also introduce recommended companies below. Use them as a reference.
Walk-ins may find no cars available, so advance booking is safer.

When booking, decide the pick-up and drop-off branches, car type, and options.
Big companies often have multiple branches in the same area, so you can return to a different branch (often for an extra fee).
Pick branches near the airport or main train stations. It makes getting around before and after easier.
Few major companies are open 24 hours. Many close at night. Be mindful of the return time—that’s key.

Arrive at the booked time, show the required documents, and complete the departure procedure.
Many companies take prepayment by credit card at this time.
If the amount looks different, confirm before paying.
Details vary, but typically you check the car for existing damage, then sign the rental agreement. That’s it.

Once your nav language is set and you’ve decided on ETC, head out.
Enjoy the freedom of a car and the hidden spots you can reach by rental.

Plan enough time so you can return the car by the scheduled time.
If traffic or weather means you’ll be late or just barely on time, be sure to call the rental company.
Handling may vary by situation. Follow staff guidance and try not to inconvenience them.
Overtime fees are usually settled at return.
See the table below for the checklist and flow before returning.

On top of the basic coverage, many companies offer optional plans for an extra fee that waive or greatly reduce your liability.
Separate from CDW, some also offer plans that waive NOC. Check the coverage details at pickup and choose what makes you feel secure.

Even with strong insurance, there are cases where it won’t apply, so be careful.
If you have an accident (including single-vehicle accidents), you must contact the police and the rental company, and get a Traffic Accident Certificate from the police.
Without this certificate, insurance won’t apply, so please don’t forget.
Accidents caused by violations such as drunk driving are not covered.
Also note: coverage applies only to drivers registered in advance.
If multiple people will drive, declare them beforehand so coverage applies.

Times Car Rental has a nationwide network, with many branches near airports and Shinkansen stations.
It’s convenient for travel, so you can start driving soon after arrival.
They offer clean, high-quality cars less than three years old, and their interiors are well kept.
They’re often cheaper than competitors, which is another advantage.

ORIX Rent-A-Car is one of the best-known rental car companies in Japan.
It has the industry’s second-largest fleet and offers a wide range of models, from standard to luxury, to suit different needs.
You can earn JAL or ANA miles, which is a nice bonus for visitors to Japan.
They also cater well to overseas travelers and have a dedicated foreign-language counter in Okinawa.
You can expect attentive service in other regions too, so if you’re unsure, consider them.

Toyota Rent a Car is the largest rental car service in Japan, with Approx 1,100 locations nationwide.
A big plus is you get to drive Toyota cars, the gold standard of Japanese vehicles. They’re known for reliability and durability. Safety and fuel economy are strong, too.
Cars come with the latest features and are maintained by experienced technicians, so they’re kept clean and ready to go.
Optional insurance is available for an extra fee, and it’s among the most comprehensive in the industry.
Note: kei cars aren’t available.

With over 50 years in business, Nippon Rent-A-Car offers a wide lineup across many makes.
They even have models other companies don’t, so it’s great if you’re particular about your car.
Locations near major stations and airports keep long hours (13+ hours), which is handy.
It’s especially useful if you arrive in Japan early in the morning or late at night.
Since November 2018, all cars are non-smoking, so those sensitive to smoke can drive stress-free.

Founded in Los Angeles, Budget Rent a Car began service in Japan in 1985. Today, it’s widely known in Japan as the only brand using the same name at home and overseas.
The company focuses on customer satisfaction and improves services through post-rental surveys.
Thanks to this, it offers a quality experience in safety, cleanliness, and convenience, and earns many high reviews.
Another big plus: one-way drop-off within the same prefecture is free.
Most other companies charge for this, so it’s a good choice if your trip stays within one prefecture.

You can’t rent a car without them, and you must carry them while driving.
If you drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit under the Geneva Convention, carrying both your passport and license is mandatory.
Your passport proves your identity in Japan. Your driver’s license proves you’re qualified to drive.
Police and others use them to verify your identity if something happens, so not carrying them can cause trouble.
It also helps protect you and your family. Don’t forget.

Accidents can happen, whether you cause one or get involved in one.
Here’s what to do.
The steps are similar in injury and property cases. Stay calm and complete the required procedures.
If the car breaks down, contact the rental car company and follow their guidance.
It’s also reassuring to check their accident/trouble procedures before you drive.

Here are five traffic signs you should know when driving around Japan.
You’ll see these often, even outside tourist areas, so learn what they mean.
There are many more useful signs, so it’s a good idea to study online before your trip.

In Japan, green (blue) = go, yellow = basically stop, red = stop.
Red means no going straight, no right turn, and no left turn.
Flashing red means stop. Flashing yellow means proceed with caution.
Some intersections use arrow lights along with the three colors to ease traffic and prevent accidents.
In that case, even if the main light is red, you may go in the direction of a lit green arrow.
If the main light is red and all arrows are lit, treat it like green.

If you rent a car, you should know how gas stations work.
Japan has two main types: full-service and self-service. Here’s how to refuel at each.
Prices are clearly posted, usually in yen per liter.
Prices vary by region and brand, so amounts differ by station.

By law, children under 6 must use a child seat in cars in Japan.
Police also recommend child seats for children 6 or older who are under 140 cm tall.
Seat belts are designed for adult bodies. Child seats protect children better.
There are exemptions for specific reasons, such as vehicle structure or a child’s physical condition.
Rental car companies offer child seats as paid options, so you usually don’t need to bring your own.

If you visit snowy regions in winter (Hokkaido, Tohoku, etc.), be careful on snow and icy roads.
You may face slipping and poor visibility unlike back home. Drive more cautiously than usual.
Key tips:

Enforcement against street parking is strict in Japan.
Some areas allow it, but in city centers it’s almost never allowed. Assume street parking is prohibited.
Important spots like intersections, crosswalks, and bus stops are checked often by police and private wardens.
Violations bring fines, so use coin-operated lots and other parking facilities.
“Parking” means stopping for 5 minutes or more, or when the driver leaves the vehicle and can’t drive away immediately.
Short stops under 5 minutes for loading/unloading or letting people get in/out are considered stopping, not parking violations.

Hokkaido, in northern Japan, is one of the country’s top destinations and is popular worldwide.
It offers beautiful scenery in every season, great food (seafood, jingisukan), activities (skiing, snowboarding), and hot springs.
You’ll find many historic spots like the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Otaru Canal. Across its vast area are regions with distinct charms such as Furano, Hakodate, and Niseko.
Some places are hard to reach by public transport, so it’s tough to cover everything in one trip.
With a rental car, you can cover wide areas efficiently and keep a flexible schedule, making it easier to visit more spots.
You can also enjoy lavender fields, snowy landscapes, and grand mountains from the road.
Hokkaido makes up roughly 20% of Japan’s land area, so distances between cities are longer than you might expect.
For example, the drive from Sapporo to Hakodate takes Approx 4 hours 30 minutes without breaks.
If you want to enjoy a road trip in Hokkaido, plan a relaxed schedule.
Also take extra care when driving in winter, as it snows a lot.

Okinawa Prefecture, in the south of Japan, is a one-of-a-kind region with rich nature, historic heritage, and a distinct culture.
Crystal-clear seas, beautiful beaches, and colorful coral reefs make it the perfect place to unwind.
There are plenty of unique local dishes, like sata andagi and goya champuru. It’s a feast for the senses.
Okinawans are cheerful and gentle. Life moves at an easy pace, with a strong sense of community.
They welcome visitors warmly, so you can connect with locals in a vibe that’s different from big cities.
When traveling in Okinawa, renting a car is pretty much essential.
There are no trains, and cars are the main way to get around.
Popular spots are spread out, so it’s hard to see everything without a car.
Most people rent a car, so book early.

Yamanashi Prefecture is Approx 1 hr 30 min from Tokyo by train, or Approx 2 hr by car.
It’s surrounded by Mount Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, and the Southern Alps. Approx 80% of the area is forest, so nature is everywhere.
There are many scenic spots with views of Mount Fuji. The five lakes at its foot, the Fuji Five Lakes, are especially famous.
You can also enjoy varied landscapes like gorges and lava caves.
Many of Yamanashi’s top sights are hard to reach by train, so renting a car is recommended.
There are plenty of plans you can do only with a rental car, like a one-day drive around the Fuji Five Lakes or a night drive to enjoy the Kofu Basin lit by city lights.
If you’re driving, the Fuji Subaru Line, which links the foot of the mountain to the 5th Station, is also a great option.
Depending on the season, it may be closed or have restrictions on private cars. Along the way, enjoy the foothills’ seasonal scenery from your window.
At the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, at Approx 2,300 m, take in panoramic views over the Fuji Five Lakes and try Fuji-themed eats like Mount Fuji-shaped curry.

Niigata Prefecture is in the Chubu region, roughly in the middle of Honshu’s Sea of Japan coast.
It’s blessed with snowy mountains and a beautiful coastline. The area is packed with diverse sights.
Don’t miss the food, led by Koshihikari rice and fresh seafood.
Local sake, sashimi, and onigiri are outstanding. One taste and you might be hooked.
Also in the spotlight are the Sado Island Gold Mines, added to the World Heritage list in July 2024.
Gold and silver were mined there for Approx 600 years, from the Edo period (1603–1868) through the Meiji period (1868–1912), contributing greatly to Japan’s modernization.
Join a guided tour of these historic mines and you might discover something new.
You can sightsee by public transport, but renting a car cuts travel time and helps you make the most of your trip.
Like Hokkaido, Niigata sees heavy snowfall in winter. Drive safely.

Nagano Prefecture sits in central Japan.
It’s encircled by the Hida, Kiso, and Akaishi ranges, with many 3,000 m-class peaks.
So there are many spots to enjoy grand mountain scenery.
You’ll also find hot spring towns, famed castles, and temples and shrines.
Northern Nagano gets lots of snow, so winter sports are popular.
Renting a car has big benefits here too.
Many sights are hard to reach by public transport, and some plans only work with a car.
Be sure to add mountain and highland drives to your itinerary.
On the Norikura Echo Line toward Mount Norikura, and the Venus Line across the highlands, you’ll catch views only a road trip can offer.