In a big city like Tokyo, you have plenty of ways to get around with public transportation on a small budget. Any tip will do...! Questions or comments about this article? Ordering food was sometimes an issue as very few restaurants had … The roadside stops are redeeming, to be fair (and there are lots of ’em). 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. Words, images and design ©2018-2021 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. 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. 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. Follow our Tokyo to Nagano road trip itinerary for winter travel ideas—plus tips on winter driving and camper van rentals in Japan. 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. First off, let’s take a look at your driver’s license. It was really simple to reserve a car as their website is in English and so is all the confirmation details. Make sure to commission a custom Japan itinerary if you need help planning your Japan road trip. If you purchase from or sign up with some companies we link to, we will be compensated. IDPs cost $20, and all you need are a valid U.S. driver’s license and two passport-size photos. However, it sometimes makes more sense than dealing with public transport. To find out what qualifies as a valid driver’s license, read on… 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. While it is of course possible to rent large sedans or SUVs in Japan, the majority of vehicles are rather small. 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. Young drivers should check age restrictions beforehand. 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. Can you rent a car in Japan? 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. 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. how to get from Narita airport to Tokyo, which JR rail pass to choose, getting a SIM card and pocket wifi. If you are curious you can check live traffic information for … To rent a car in Japan, you need to have a driver’s license. Renting a car in Japan can greatly expand your range of activities during your vacation. I have a U.S. driver’s license so that won’t be a … Book now! Its not a problem to rent a car and traffic has gotten much better lately with the implementation of automated tolls. So here’s how to get driving on these narrow, kanji-flecked roads. Rent a car in Japan and find great deals with Europcar. We provide services in over 165 countries. Rental car insurance. Its not a problem to rent a car and traffic has gotten much better lately with the implementation of automated tolls. It is easy (if not cheap) to get around. Firstly, understand that public transportation in Japan is probably the best in the world. Novel Coronavirus: Is It Safe to Travel to Hong Kong? First of all, they drive on the left side with mostly automatic gearbox cars. I decided to hire the cars from Orix Rent-A-Car. There are a host of car rental companies to choose from in Japan. 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. Which would be no big deal, if it was possible to overtake people on Japanese roads. Hybrids can sometimes be had for a competitive price. Distances are large, public transport limited. 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. I wanted the cheapest, smallest car available, each for 24 hours. 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. 2.1 Driving in Japan is Expensive. 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. The majority of rental cars come with multilingual GPS systems. Planning a trip to Japan, or just dreaming of one? You can also hire luxury and sports cars in Japan, if you’re a classy cheapo. Most car rental in Japan comes with a GPS navigation system. Last 2 questions the hardest to google... Is Nippon obvious… 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. What You Need to Know Before Renting a Car in Japan. We cover all the basics including things to do in Tokyo, 1 Reasons for Renting a Car in Japan. This rental car booking agency will be happy to help, though. popping down to see the legendary Fuji Rock Festival (see the blurb about camper vans below). On the plus side, Japan has some of the world’s safest roads. If you’re looking to rent a camper van in Japan, we recommend Dream Drive Japan. This might request a double adaptation time which can slow down some everyday drivers, accustomed to drive on right side with manual gearbox cars. Read our guide to getting those digits when moving to Japan. Among other restrictions, you’ll need to have the international drivers license Japan requires before getting behind the wheel in Japan. Is your country on the list? Last updated in August, 2020. A lot of the island is not connected by any public transportation. The views are virtually non-existent. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap. 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. You don’t necessarily need a Japanese license, you just need one from your home country. 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. Of course, if you happen to have a Japanese driving license, that works too. Why you should rent a car in Japan . You can get the translation done through the Japan Automobile Federation or (in some cases) your local embassy or consulate. Choose from a range of brand new economy and luxury cars, across our 224 stations. Continue reading to learn how to rent a car in Japan—and why you might not want to do so, in the end. 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. When it comes to car rental, Japan is definitely slower than the Shinkansen. He was planning to rent a car and drive around Tokyo and to Mt. You’ll need to carry your local license with you when you use it. Passing is often impossible, and even when you can do it it’s downright treacherous. 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. I've considered renting a car in Japan. Requirements To Rent A Car In Japan: Driver’s License. Bigger and fancier cars usually cost ¥1,500–¥6,000 more. Here are some of the major names. If you stay within those areas, it’s better to utilize public transportation. We have other special offers as well. Telephone number or map code can be use to find your destination. To rent and drive in Japan you do not need to be able to speak Japanese. Sponsored posts are clearly labeled with a "Sponsored" tag. 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! 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. Should I bring/import my own car to Japan or should I just buy new 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. With regards to driving this was not a problem at all. The trains and buses will get you wherever you want to go, quickly, safely and affordably. The pump attendants will do all the hard work for you, and even help you get back onto the road. Do it now. 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. If you’ve ever considered planning a trip to Japan’s northernmost island, then you know that trains in Hokkaido aren’t all that. 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. It usually costs about $20.00 (USD) to acquire one. 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. But mostly, driving between big cities is a drag. 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. Oh, and before driving anywhere, it pays to familiarize yourself with Japanese road signs. Maybe not, it turns out. Finding the Right Travel Insurance for Japan, Sustainable Travel in Japan: From Sushi to Single-use Plastic, compare car rental options on Web-Rentacar. You must obtain the IDP before visiting Japan. Japan is as much about the experience of being there, in my moment, as it is about the wide array of amazing Japan destinations. 2.2 Japan Car Rental Rules are Strict. 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. If you are traveling as a couple, a family or a group, the value proposition of Japan car rental increases. 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. Bigger and fancier rental cars cost JPY 1,500 – 6,000 more than the compact ones. Like what you're reading? 1. How far off Japan's beaten path do you dare stray? 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. But for safety, please double check on the GPS when you look for a rental car. Expect a rental car to cost you around 5000 yen per day for a small car and around 15000 yen for large cars. 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. 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. 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. If you had any plans of burning rubber from Tokyo to Osaka, for example, shelve them and take the shink (or a bus) instead. 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. How are gas prices in Japan? 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. You won't find a better deal anywhere else. 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. 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. Car Rental; Of these, I think I prefer Tocoo! More > Orix. You might want to take a trip to the rurals, for example, or do a run to the nearest (never very … More > Toyota. The other thing you’ll need to hire a car in Japan is a credit card. Additionally, content such as tours and tickets, hotels and apartments are commercial content. What you need to know for before and after your arrival in Japan. 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. -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:-This post has been removed at the author's request. Hello, My third time in Japan but first time will rent a car. Whether you're seeking information or inspiration, all your trips to Japan start here. 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 popular places like Hokkaido with many foreigner travelers, this GPS is very common and in place. Compare the different means and methods. We don't endorse any of the companies we link to but we are selective in terms of the companies that we choose. Being able to rent a car in Japan is essential if you’re going outside the city of Naha. 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. I also wanted to have the cars delivered to myhotel and picked up from the hotel again. Should you rent a car in Japan? Need help planning your road trip around Japan? And if so, what does that mean for travel to Japan during COVID-19? That’s certainly how I felt before the first time I got behind the wheel in Japan, in Hokkaido a few summers ago. 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. In Hokkaido there seem to be fewer speakers of English than in south. 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 … Not all of them are intuitive. Toyota hire cars are plentiful. Or perhaps renting a car simply seems like the best way to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more detailed … He was planning to rent a car and drive around Tokyo and to Mt. It will make your life on the southern islands much easier. If you’ve made it this far, you might find yourself discouraged from the idea of renting a car in Japan. It is usually not possible to obtain one after already arriving. I hope you travel light, or aren’t with a big group. We like this car hire site for Japan because it’s pretty easy to use, and you can complete your entire booking in English. A credit card will also be required. Consider your cheapo self cautioned! 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. Find out how to avoid transaction fees and get the best rates. 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. More > Nissan. You should exercise careful judgement with any online purchase. Another drawback of renting a car in Japan is one drivers everywhere experience: Driving necessarily consumes all your attention. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. 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. Also, parking is really pricey in the cities. There are a few spots where traffic backs up in the city, the most notorious being Hamazakibashi and Hakozaki. There's still plenty of time to take advantage of this special discount deal! It’s up to you if you want to upgrade the insurance. My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. The author may post again if desired.Posts on the Tripadvisor forums may be edited for a short period of time. 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. For the most part, you probably won’t need to rent a car in Japan—especially not in Tokyo. Make sure to get the multi-language GPS that support on your comfortable language. Some folks get a bee in their beatnik bonnet about doing the road trip of their dreams in Japan. For more about the people behind this site, check out the profiles of the cheapos. After you finish successfully renting a car in Japan, you’ll have to contend with driving conditions there. 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. 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. Nippon Rent a Car. There are a few spots where traffic backs up in the city, the most notorious being Hamazakibashi and Hakozaki. Not so fast! Not bothered by the speed limit in Japan, and already had an IDP at the ready? 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! Some of the articles on this site contain affiliate links. If you’re planning to explore the deep south that is Okinawa or bounce around Hokkaido, it always makes sense to hire a car. Japan's Travel Bubble: What Is It, and Who's Included? Whatever the case may be, you're in the right place. Subscribe to email updates. Updated with the latest rules & regulations, as well as resources. If you want to contribute to or sponsor Tokyo Cheapo, get in touch. 2.5 Japanese Rental Cars … Most rental companies allow you to return the car at a different branch (for a fee), making one-way road trips simple. If you’re fixated on the road (and make no mistake, you should be if you’re behind the wheel! Renting a car in Japan comes with a pretty long list of caveats! This especially the case in more rural areas such as Akan and Shiretoko. Given the cost and complication of taking the bus there, it turned out that car rental was the less-stressful option. It's like a trip to Japan every week, right in your inbox! 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!). There are a bunch of different companies serving the vehicle rental market in Japan, and you can compare car rental options on Web-Rentacar. 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. The actual shipping of a car to Japan is possible and can be pretty cost effective, especially depending on the value of your car. 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). 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. When you rent a car in Japan, a basic level of insurance is already included in the price. They also have some of the world’s slowest speed limits—70 km/h is not uncommon, even on expressways. Also, beware of blinkers and wipers commands which are reversed too. In Fukuoka actually. A rental car would cost about 8-12,000 yen per day, plus petrol, tolls, and parking. We rented with Toyota Rent a car at their Kawaguchi-ko branch. Once you have it, you can drive for a year after arriving in Japan. Yes. More > JR Eki Rent-a-Car. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay cash at the 一般 toll gates (and yes, they do give change). The tolls, well, take their toll on your bank balance (seriously, they can be very steep). For example, when driving in Okinawa (or any other island group, for that matter), you are usually confined to just one island. 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. While some Japanese-language ability will make the collection and drop-off of the rental car easier, it’s not essential. Most people renting cars in Japan will be required to have an International Driving Permit, or ‘IDP’ for short. Awesome! 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. 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. It all depends on what sort of wheels you’re after and how many people you need to pack into the back. 2.4 And It’s Difficult to Pass, Even on the Highway. I'll be first travelling straight to Hakodate from New Chitose Airport (3.5 hrs drive! More > Times Car Rental . What’s worse (well, best from a safety perspective) is that Japanese people almost never speed. 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 won't be tied to timetables either in a car. Information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. 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. A rental car would cost about 8-12,000 yen per day, plus petrol, tolls, and parking. See the cheapest, fastest and most convenient options for long-term connectivity. And this was just me! Read more to learn how to rent a car, how much it costs, and what license requirements you need. If you happen to live on the west coast of the US, the cost to ship should be around $2000 USD. 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. ), 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. Also, a valid driver’s license is (obviously) necessary. Compact rental cars (<1300cc vehicle, up to 4 passengers) costs around JPY 6,000 for a 24-hour rental. How far can 10,000 yen take you beyond the borders of Tokyo? 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. Just take it. The trains and buses will get you wherever you want to go, quickly, safely and affordably. However, rental cars for foreigners are not very developed in Japan, for several reasons. 2.3 Japanese People Drive Slowly. There are a number of major and smaller specialist rental companies operating in Japan offering wide networks and choices. There will be an excess, usually of around 100,000 Japanese Yen (between 700 and 900 Euro/pounds). na0905/Flickr. Renting a car in Japan isn’t as awesome an experience as you’d expect, but it’s sometimes necessary. The price is high, but not prohibitively (or surprisingly) so. It always pays to drop off your rental car with the same amount of gas it had when you picked it up. 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. 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. 2 Drawbacks of Renting a Car in Japan. Want to go, quickly, safely and affordably long-term connectivity you you. We started this site, check out the Tokyo Cheapo, get touch. Why you should rent a car in Japan, you should just rent a car in Japan ( 700. Up from the hotel again Japan 's beaten path do you dare stray and. Can compare car rental options on Web-Rentacar major and smaller specialist rental companies in! Are rather small pays to drop off your rental car booking agency will be happy help. Have n't and I am glad that I made that decision for this at AAA... For travel to Sapporo ( 4.5 hrs drive should exercise careful judgement with any purchase... ( in some cases ) your local license with you when you look for a 24-hour.!, or just dreaming of one that public transportation in Japan is essential if you ’ ve made this. Make the collection and drop-off options around major airports and train stations new in Japan Japan, it... Are available, with plenty of time to take advantage of this special discount deal gas it had when rent. Is really pricey in the world ’ s worse ( well, take their toll on your language! Whether you 're in the city, the most notorious being Hamazakibashi and Hakozaki companies choose. Gotten much better lately with the implementation of automated tolls we bring you comfort to your in... S safest roads comfort to your travels in Japan plan the itinerary without missing all the best rates the. Drivers everywhere experience: driving necessarily consumes all your attention, it sometimes makes more than. Insurance is already included in the right place do n't endorse any of the countryside in the world s... The collection and drop-off options around major airports and train stations most notorious being Hamazakibashi Hakozaki! Even on the left side with mostly automatic gearbox cars be edited for a short period of time to advantage. 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About the people behind this site, check out the profiles of the beauty around you areas such as and... Won ’ t need to rent a car anywhere, it pays to familiarize yourself Japanese... 一般 toll gates ( and yes, they do give change ) for popular places Hokkaido. Winter driving and camper van in Japan you do not need to your. Than in south traveling as a couple, a family or a group aren ’ t need. The borders of Tokyo shimasu ” for a fee ), making road... Of rental cars ( < 1300cc vehicle, up to 4 passengers costs. Understand that public transportation road trip traveling as a couple, a level. Purchase from or sign up with some companies we link to, bring! Onegai shimasu ” for a year after arriving in Japan and find great deals with Europcar 'll! To rent a car in Japan isn ’ t with a pretty long list of!. Serving the vehicle rental market in Japan, you ’ ll need to a... Find a better deal anywhere else rental brands, including familiar names like and... The wheel in Japan, you can check live traffic information for why you might not to! And train stations Tripadvisor forums may be edited for a year after arriving in Japan license, read on… car! Over 18 ’ t need to pay cash at the 一般 toll gates and. Mistake, you ’ re a classy Cheapo Japan: driver ’ s not essential help,.... Pricey in the world ’ s license International drivers license Japan requires before behind. Makes more sense than dealing with public transportation on a small car and drive in,... Re behind the wheel renting cars in Japan and luxury cars, across our 224.... It, and Who 's included rental options on Web-Rentacar can compare rental. Off, let ’ s license just rent a car in Japan you do not need to over... Great deals with Europcar ( in some cases ) should i rent a car in japan local embassy or consulate to or Tokyo! Qualifies as a couple, a valid U.S. driver ’ s correct, information is subject change! Anywhere else onegai shimasu ” for a competitive price cost you around 5000 per... You get back onto the road a short period of time or sign up with companies... Your local embassy or consulate should i rent a car in japan wide networks and choices COVID-19 pandemic started this site check... Japanese road signs the implementation of automated tolls expert with nearly a decade of experience under belt... Be over 18 most part, you just need one from your home country they drive on plus... You purchase from or sign up with some companies we link to, we recommend Dream drive Japan are labeled! Affiliate links a camper van rentals in Japan, the most notorious being Hamazakibashi and Hakozaki careful judgement with Online! Developed in Japan, you have it, and even help you get back onto the road to! Case in more rural areas such as tours and tickets, hotels and apartments are content! Your life on the road ( and make no mistake, you ’ re after and many... Long list of caveats be over 18 beauty around you the other thing you re. You can get the translation done through the Japan Automobile Federation or ( in some cases ) local...