Renting a CAR in Japan

There are several car rental companies in Japan, but I’ve personally always used just one — Toyota Rental (not sponsored).

I simply love how easy and streamlined the whole process is with them. They have a fully functional English website, reliable English-speaking phone support (yes, you can book by phone!), and plenty of locations all across Japan.

1. First of all, check if you need to prepare any documents in advance to drive in Japan.

Before anything else, make sure you know what documents you’ll need for driving in Japan. Check out the link below for an easy and straightforward explanation!

Can I drive in Japan?

2. You’ll need a credit card to rent a car.

Car rental companies in Japan require a credit card for payment and as a security deposit. Some places might accept debit cards, but it’s not guaranteed, and cash is never accepted. To be safe, make sure to bring a valid credit card when picking up your car.

3. I always choose the maximum level of insurance — and I recommend you do the same.

Even though the accident rate in Japan is very low, it’s still worth being extra cautious. Japan’s streets, especially in rural areas and small towns, can be surprisingly narrow, and parking can be tight too. Getting full insurance coverage will give you peace of mind while driving.

4. Rent an ETC card from your car rental company.

Japan’s highways use a toll road system with automated gates, but to use them smoothly, you’ll need an ETC card inserted into the car’s module. It costs only about 300 yen to rent one from Toyota, and it will save you a lot of time if you’re planning to use toll roads.

Without an ETC card, you’ll have to stop at each gate and pay by cash, which is much less convenient.

5. You can calculate the cost of toll roads in advance using the NEXCO Central Japan Expressway website.

Just search for your route, and it will show you the estimated toll fees along the way. It’s super helpful for planning your budget, especially if you’re driving long distances. TOLL CALCULATOR

6. If you’re driving to snowy areas in winter, double-check about winter tires.

If you’re renting a car in a non-snowy area (like Tokyo) but planning to drive to a snowy region like Nagano or Hakuba in winter, make sure to confirm with your rental location that your car will be equipped with winter tires. Cars rented in warm areas aren’t always fitted with them by default, and you definitely don’t want to risk driving in snow without proper tires!

Also, along highways leading to snowy areas, you’ll often come across tire check stations. If your car isn’t equipped with winter tires, they won’t let you continue for safety reasons. Another reason to make sure you’re properly prepared before you hit the road.

7. Driving rules in Japan are generally similar to other countries — but there are a couple of very important ones you need to know.

Overall, driving in Japan isn’t too different from other countries, but I still highly recommend checking out this website for helpful details: Driving in Japan

• Full stop at railroad crossings:
  In Japan, you must come to a complete stop at every railroad crossing, no matter the time of day or how quiet the road seems. Always stop fully, check that the road ahead is clear, and make sure there’s no train coming before you proceed.

• Full stop at the red triangle sign (止まれ — tomare):
  Whenever you see a red triangular sign with the word 止まれ (to-ma-re), you are required to come to a complete stop. Be sure to check your surroundings and proceed only when it’s safe. (Check the attached photo so you know exactly what it looks like!)

  There’s also an official video in English (just 3 minutes long) that covers both of these rules — Drive safe to enjoy your stay in Japan

• Last but definitely not least — remember, in Japan you drive on the left side of the road!

Disclaimer:

The driving tips and rules provided in this article are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the full set of driving regulations in Japan. It is important to read and understand the complete official rules before driving in Japan.

The author of this article assumes no responsibility for any accidents or incidents that may occur as a result of following the information provided here. It is the driver’s responsibility to drive safely and comply with all traffic laws.