Seven years ago, when I drove in Japan for the first time, I was less than excited about it. In all my travels up to that point, I’d gotten by completely using the country’s superlative public transportation, and hoped that could continue indefinitely.
Unfortunately, I was on the mammoth island of Hokkaido, whose size, lack of Shinkansen and small population makes a rental car seem like the best option, by far. And I realized it was, at least as soon as I got over the shock of driving on the “wrong” side (and, more importantly, of how slow Japanese speed limits were).
If you’re asking yourself “Should I rent a car in Japan?”, I hope you’ll continue reading. I’ll not only help you answer this question, but also de-mystify the entire subject of driving in Japan.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Japan?
Should you rent a car in Japan? Well, one factor in deciding this is to consider all the things you need to do in order to drive in Japan. It should go without saying that you need to be a licensed (and, ideally, an experienced) driver; you also need to be at least 18 (though some rental car companies require you to be 20 or 25). However, Japan also requires anyone without a Japanese driver’s license to get an International Driving Permit, or IDP.
If you aren’t a resident of Japan, then you’ll also need to bring your passport, so that staff can see the stamp that indicates you entered Japan fewer than 90 days ago. As far as insurance is concerned, I usually recommend you purchase coverage from the rental car company—your home country’s insurance policy almost certainly won’t apply in Japan. Finally, you virtually always need to reserve your car in advance.
- If you’re agnostic about which Japanese car rental agency you use, I recommend searching for your car via an international booking website like Klook. This will scan the entire internet for the best rates; it also makes booking a cinch.
- I personally prefer Toyota Rent-a-car when in Japan—they have locations everywhere, competitive rates, great cars and an English-language website where you can book a car in less than five minutes.
- Hotel booking websites such as Booking.com also offer car rentals, which you can sometimes make alongside hotel bookings (just check the “I’d like to rent a car” box!).
5 Things to Know About Rental Cars and Driving in Japan
Rental cars are the easiest way off Japan’s beaten path
Although Japan has amazing public transportation, its utility (and even its existence) decreases pretty exponentially the farther away you get from Shinkansen bullet train lines. Whether up north in Hokkaido, down south in Okinawa, or on obscure peninsulas or backwoods coastlines on Japan’s main island of Honshu, having your own set off wheels is the best way to truly get off Japan’s beaten path.
Driving in Japan is easy—but slow
Should I rent a car in Tokyo if I’m afraid of driving on the left side? It might surprise you, but your muscle memory quickly flips into mirror image as you drive on the “other” side of the road. Likewise, most everything else about driving in Japan is intuitive. The most important thing to be mindful of? Speed limits in Japan are extremely low—and people are extremely law abiding. It turns out the land of fast trains is also a land of slow cars.
It’s common to rent a car in the morning and return it in the evening
Parking in Japan can be a nightmare, especially if you’re staying in a major city like Tokyo or Osaka. One way to avoid having to deal with this? Start your rental right when the shop opens, and plan on returning it at closing time. This will allow you literally all day to go about your sightseeing, but save you from having to worry about the car when you sleep.
TIP: Another reason to return your car at night? It allows you to have a drink with dinner and not worry about it! Japan has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the world; you don’t want to take even a sip of alcohol if you plan to get behind the wheel.
Tolls are very expensive, but very worth it
Is rent a car in Japan worth it? Yes, and not just because it makes your life easier. On the other, while Japanese rental cars are generally pretty affordable, tolls can be expensive. I’ve had one-way tolls that cost ¥4,000 or even more, especially in the Kanto region near Tokyo. On the other hand, Japanese toll roads can have much higher speed limits (up to 120 km/hr) and less traffic, saving you a ton of time for the price you pay.
The language barrier is not an issue
Beyond driving on the “other side,” foreigners get intimidated about driving in Japan because they’re afraid they won’t be able to read road signs. But worry not. Virtually all signage everywhere in Japan has English translations underneath the main Japanese titles. Moreover, if you do have to interact with the police, chances are that they have at least basic English proficiency.
Is it Worth Renting a Car in Japan?
Renting a car in Japan isn’t always necessary, but when you choose to do it, it can transform your trip. This is first and foremost because of the destinations it unlocks. From tea farms near Mt. Fuji and Kyoto, to places like the Satsuma Peninsula and the islands of Okinawa, dozens of places in Japan are all but inaccessible if you don’t have your own set of wheels.
Now, is it a good idea to rent a car in Japan? That is a more complicated question. If you have a good reason to do so—going off the beaten path; transporting small kids, or adults with mobility issues—then renting a car in Japan is a fantastic idea. However, if you simply don’t want to walk, or want to rent a car because that’s your travel M.O., then I’d suggest reconsidering. It’s a nightmare to drive in crowded Tokyo or ancient Kyoto.
Other FAQ About Renting a Car in Japan
Is it expensive to rent a car in Japan?
Renting a car in Japan is surprisingly affordable. Prices for a compact car tend to be under ¥10,000 for 24 hours, and even cheaper for 12-hour rentals. Gas in Japan is pricey, but you won’t use a lot of it; tolls are expensive, but they can save you so much time that to me, they’re worth it.
Do you need a car in Japan?
You don’t need a car in most primary and even secondary destinations of Japan. However, in certain parts of the country (spread-out Hokkaido with its slow and infrequent trains; tropical Okinawa, which only has buses), having your own set of wheels will make your life immeasurably easier.
Can you rent a car in Japan with US license?
You can rent a car in Japan with a US license, but not with a US license alone. Specifically, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit, or IDP before you travel. Click here to get your IDP online in just 8 minutes.
The Bottom Line
Should I rent a car in Japan? The answer depends. If you’re planning on exploring Japan’s tourist trail (Tokyo, Kyoto/Osaka, Hiroshima), then you almost certainly do not need a car. On the other hand, if you plan to explore destinations with lackluster public transportation (like Okinawa), or you need to transport people with mobility issues, then having your own set of wheels can be indispensable. Once you decide to rent a car, keep in mind that speed limits in Japan are low—and don’t forget to obtain your International Driving Permit, or IDP. You should also consider hiring me to plan your trip!
