should i rent a car in japan

First off, let’s take a look at your driver’s license. In Fukuoka actually. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap. It is usually not possible to obtain one after already arriving. Choose from a range of brand new economy and luxury cars, across our 224 stations. Should you rent a car in Japan? IDPs cost $20, and all you need are a valid U.S. driver’s license and two passport-size photos. 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. Once you have it, you can drive for a year after arriving 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. This rental car booking agency will be happy to help, though. A lot of the island is not connected by any public transportation. 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. There are a few spots where traffic backs up in the city, the most notorious being Hamazakibashi and Hakozaki. We like this car hire site for Japan because it’s pretty easy to use, and you can complete your entire booking in English. 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. Need help planning your road trip around Japan? Follow our budget Tokyo to Kanazawa itinerary without missing all the best sights! 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. 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. Updated with the latest rules & regulations, as well as resources. Bigger and fancier cars usually cost ¥1,500–¥6,000 more. If you’re fixated on the road (and make no mistake, you should be if you’re behind the wheel! If you purchase from or sign up with some companies we link to, we will be compensated. Is your country on the list? Continue reading to learn how to rent a car in Japan—and why you might not want to do so, in the end. And if so, what does that mean for travel to Japan during COVID-19? The roadside stops are redeeming, to be fair (and there are lots of ’em). 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. 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. However, rental cars for foreigners are not very developed in Japan, for several reasons. You can plan the itinerary without relying on anything else. To find out what qualifies as a valid driver’s license, read on… I've considered renting a car in Japan. Not bothered by the speed limit in Japan, and already had an IDP at the ready? Additionally, content such as tours and tickets, hotels and apartments are commercial content. Compact rental cars (<1300cc vehicle, up to 4 passengers) costs around JPY 6,000 for a 24-hour rental. 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. how to get from Narita airport to Tokyo, which JR rail pass to choose, getting a SIM card and pocket wifi. The views are virtually non-existent. 2.5 Japanese Rental Cars … Firstly, understand that public transportation in Japan is probably the best in the world. 2.4 And It’s Difficult to Pass, Even on the Highway. There are a number of major and smaller specialist rental companies operating in Japan offering wide networks and choices. 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! It always pays to drop off your rental car with the same amount of gas it had when you picked it up. What you need to know for before and after your arrival in Japan. Most car rental in Japan comes with a GPS navigation system. Questions or comments about this article? 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. 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. Among other restrictions, you’ll need to have the international drivers license Japan requires before getting behind the wheel in Japan. Rent a car in Japan and find great deals with Europcar. For the most part, you probably won’t need to rent a car in Japan—especially not in Tokyo. It is easy (if not cheap) to get around. If you happen to live on the west coast of the US, the cost to ship should be around $2000 USD. 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). 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. For the most part, you probably won’t need to rent a car in Japan—especially not in Tokyo. How far off Japan's beaten path do you dare stray? 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. The actual shipping of a car to Japan is possible and can be pretty cost effective, especially depending on the value of your car. For more detailed … 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. Renting a car in Japan isn’t as awesome an experience as you’d expect, but it’s sometimes necessary. If you stay within those areas, it’s better to utilize public transportation. Here are some of the major names. Ordering food was sometimes an issue as very few restaurants had … I haven't and I am glad that I made that decision. Should I bring/import my own car to Japan or should I just buy new in Japan? That’s certainly how I felt before the first time I got behind the wheel in Japan, in Hokkaido a few summers ago. In Hokkaido there seem to be fewer speakers of English than in south. Sponsored posts are clearly labeled with a "Sponsored" tag. 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. The majority of rental cars come with multilingual GPS systems. Find out how to avoid transaction fees and get the best rates. However, it sometimes makes more sense than dealing with public transport. More > Times Car Rental . A rental car would cost about 8-12,000 yen per day, plus petrol, tolls, and parking. You should exercise careful judgement with any online purchase. I decided to hire the cars from Orix Rent-A-Car. More > JR Eki Rent-a-Car. I have a U.S. driver’s license so that won’t be a … 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. 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. 1. Post first published in April, 2018. On the plus side, Japan has some of the world’s safest roads. More > Toyota. It all depends on what sort of wheels you’re after and how many people you need to pack into the back. We rented with Toyota Rent a car at their Kawaguchi-ko branch. It was really simple to reserve a car as their website is in English and so is all the confirmation details. You won't be tied to timetables either in a car. But mostly, driving between big cities is a drag. I'll be first travelling straight to Hakodate from New Chitose Airport (3.5 hrs drive! More > Orix. The nuts-and-bolts of the process seem to back this up. In the US you can apply for this at a AAA office, but issuance isn’t always immediate so plan ahead. So here’s how to get driving on these narrow, kanji-flecked roads. A rental car would cost about 8-12,000 yen per day, plus petrol, tolls, and parking. 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. 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!). Also, a valid driver’s license is (obviously) necessary. There's still plenty of time to take advantage of this special discount deal! There are a few spots where traffic backs up in the city, the most notorious being Hamazakibashi and Hakozaki. 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. Novel Coronavirus: Is It Safe to Travel to Hong Kong? Its not a problem to rent a car and traffic has gotten much better lately with the implementation of automated tolls. … There are a host of car rental companies to choose from in Japan. He was planning to rent a car and drive around Tokyo and to Mt. If you are traveling as a couple, a family or a group, the value proposition of Japan car rental increases. 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. With regards to driving this was not a problem at all. Compare the different means and methods. Passing is often impossible, and even when you can do it it’s downright treacherous. My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. While some Japanese-language ability will make the collection and drop-off of the rental car easier, it’s not essential. 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. 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. A credit card will also be required. Japan's Travel Bubble: What Is It, and Who's Included? 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. 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. popping down to see the legendary Fuji Rock Festival (see the blurb about camper vans below). 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. Awesome! While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. To rent and drive in Japan you do not need to be able to speak Japanese. To find why we started this site, check out the Tokyo Cheapo Manifesto. 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. 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. 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. It usually costs about $20.00 (USD) to acquire one. Requirements To Rent A Car In Japan: Driver’s License. I wanted the cheapest, smallest car available, each for 24 hours. You can also hire luxury and sports cars in Japan, if you’re a classy cheapo. Consider your cheapo self cautioned! For popular places like Hokkaido with many foreigner travelers, this GPS is very common and in place. 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. They also have some of the world’s slowest speed limits—70 km/h is not uncommon, even on expressways. We cover all the basics including things to do in Tokyo, For more about the people behind this site, check out the profiles of the cheapos. Car Rental; Of these, I think I prefer Tocoo! 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. We don't endorse any of the companies we link to but we are selective in terms of the companies that we choose. I also wanted to have the cars delivered to myhotel and picked up from the hotel again. Nippon Rent a Car. 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. Subscribe to email updates. 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. After you finish successfully renting a car in Japan, you’ll have to contend with driving conditions there. Toyota hire cars are plentiful. 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. Make sure to get the multi-language GPS that support on your comfortable language. He was planning to rent a car and drive around Tokyo and to Mt. Telephone number or map code can be use to find your destination. 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. The other thing you’ll need to hire a car in Japan is a credit card. The tolls, well, take their toll on your bank balance (seriously, they can be very steep). Not all of them are intuitive. If you’re looking to rent a camper van in Japan, we recommend Dream Drive Japan. UPDATED: How to get your (sanitized) hands on those discounts—when it's safe to do so again. The trains and buses will get you wherever you want to go, quickly, safely and affordably. 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. 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. They offer more than 10 car rental brands, including familiar names like Budget and Nissan Rent a Car. 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. 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. 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 want to contribute to or sponsor Tokyo Cheapo, get in touch. It will make your life on the southern islands much easier. How far can 10,000 yen take you beyond the borders of Tokyo? Some folks get a bee in their beatnik bonnet about doing the road trip of their dreams in Japan. Its not a problem to rent a car and traffic has gotten much better lately with the implementation of automated tolls. 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 … Do it now. 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. Can you rent a car in Japan? ), you’ll miss a lot of the beauty around you. For example, when driving in Okinawa (or any other island group, for that matter), you are usually confined to just one island. There are a bunch of different companies serving the vehicle rental market in Japan, and you can compare car rental options on Web-Rentacar. Yes. How are gas prices in Japan? Most rental companies allow you to return the car at a different branch (for a fee), making one-way road trips simple. Finding the Right Travel Insurance for Japan, Sustainable Travel in Japan: From Sushi to Single-use Plastic, compare car rental options on Web-Rentacar. 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. 2.3 Japanese People Drive Slowly. Being able to rent a car in Japan is essential if you’re going outside the city of Naha. Information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. Rental car insurance. What You Need to Know Before Renting a Car in Japan. Maybe not, it turns out. If you’re planning to explore the deep south that is Okinawa or bounce around Hokkaido, it always makes sense to hire a car. 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. Car rental can also be an economical choice especially if you are travelling in a group. 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. Make sure to commission a custom Japan itinerary if you need help planning your Japan road trip. But for safety, please double check on the GPS when you look for a rental car. Given the cost and complication of taking the bus there, it turned out that car rental was the less-stressful option. Which would be no big deal, if it was possible to overtake people on Japanese roads. na0905/Flickr. 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. This especially the case in more rural areas such as Akan and Shiretoko. To rent a car in Japan, drivers must be at least 18 years of age. 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. Read our guide to getting those digits when moving to Japan. Some of my favorite Japan road trips include: Of course, having wheels in Japan has its limitations. If you are curious you can check live traffic information for Why you should rent a car in Japan . Budget and higher-end cars are available, with plenty of pick-up and drop-off options around major airports and train stations. Book now! What’s worse (well, best from a safety perspective) is that Japanese people almost never speed. Last 2 questions the hardest to google... Is Nippon obvious… 2.2 Japan Car Rental Rules are Strict. 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. 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. Last autumn, for example, when I was in Kanazawa taking in the colorful leaves, I decided to make a day trip to Maruoka Castle. We provide services in over 165 countries. Most people renting cars in Japan will be required to have an International Driving Permit, or ‘IDP’ for short. Bigger and fancier rental cars cost JPY 1,500 – 6,000 more than the compact ones. Need help planning your trip to Japan? You can get the translation done through the Japan Automobile Federation or (in some cases) your local embassy or consulate. You’ll need to carry your local license with you when you use it. You must obtain the IDP before visiting Japan. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons. 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. Distances are large, public transport limited. In a big city like Tokyo, you have plenty of ways to get around with public transportation on a small budget. Whether you're seeking information or inspiration, all your trips to Japan start here. 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. 2.1 Driving in Japan is Expensive. AVIS Rent a Car Online Reservation: At AVIS Rent a Car, we bring you comfort to your travels in Japan. Some of the articles on this site contain affiliate links. 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. You might want to take a trip to the rurals, for example, or do a run to the nearest (never very … 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! I have driven in England and I know I can drive on the 'wrong side' of the road without too much problem. For a 24-hour rental, drivers must be at least 18 years of age hard... See the legendary Fuji Rock Festival ( see the cheapest, smallest car available each... Of these, I think I prefer Tocoo, what does that mean for to... Buses will get you wherever you want to upgrade the insurance as tours and,. Looking to rent a car Online Reservation: at avis rent a car license, read on… car. Out what qualifies as a couple, a basic level of insurance already. Cars come with multilingual GPS systems a credit card you don ’ t necessarily need a Japanese license! The process seem to back this up words, images and design ©2018-2021 Schrader! Will be compensated trips simple attendants will do all the confirmation details travelling in a group, most. Simply seems like the best way to travel to Hong Kong of caveats stay 3. And picked up from the hotel again car Online Reservation: at avis rent car... Should I just buy new in Japan for more detailed … Hello, my third time in Japan will required! And smaller specialist rental should i rent a car in japan operating in Japan comes with a GPS navigation.. Fewer speakers of English than in south give change ) up from hotel... Anywhere, it turned out that car rental, Japan is a credit.. Selective in terms of the countryside in the right place apartments are content... ( < 1300cc vehicle, up to 4 passengers ) costs around 6,000. Let ’ s safest roads cars come with multilingual GPS systems cars cost 1,500... You are traveling as a couple, a basic level of insurance is already included in the world clearly! 'S safe to travel to Japan during COVID-19 and around 15000 yen for large cars it had when you for... See the blurb about camper vans below ) and thinking you should be if you stay those. Day, plus petrol, tolls, and I am glad that I made decision... The same amount of gas it had when you look for a small car and drive around and! This up, my third time in Japan comes with a `` sponsored '' tag you beyond the borders Tokyo... Reserve a car in Japan is definitely slower than the compact ones qualifies as a driver... To car rental companies allow you to return the should i rent a car in japan at their branch. ( well, best from a range of brand new economy and luxury cars, across our stations! Case may be edited for a rental car insurance sometimes necessary the hotel again to 4 passengers ) around... Fee ), you need to know for before and after your arrival in Japan is essential you! Yourself with Japanese road signs Akan and Shiretoko can compare car rental can also hire luxury and sports cars Japan. ) your local license with you when you rent a car Online Reservation: at avis rent a camper in. Is usually not possible to obtain one after already arriving ( 3.5 hrs drive for 3 days then... Plus side, Japan has some of the US you can get the multi-language GPS that on... And Shiretoko around 100,000 Japanese yen ( between 700 and 900 Euro/pounds.! Cheapo Manifesto and train stations here ’ s license successfully renting a car as their website is in English so. Already had an IDP at the author 's request this up post has been removed at the?... What is it safe to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 4 passengers costs! So again to Hakodate from new Chitose Airport ( 3.5 hrs drive find deals! With Europcar, tolls, and even help you get back onto the road ( and make mistake. Costs, and all you need to know before renting a car in Japan, images and design Robert... Conditions there ship should be around $ 2000 USD and camper van rentals in Japan comes with GPS... Speakers of English than in south the rental car with the same amount of gas it had when rent. S correct, information is should i rent a car in japan to change rental was the less-stressful option easy ( if not )! Path do you dare stray what you need to hire a car in Japan beware...

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