Car rental in Japan

Rental Requirements

Renting a vehicle in Japan is an attractive option for those wishing to explore the country with the freedom to move as they please. However, before getting behind the wheel and getting into the throbbing flow of Japan’s roads, there are some basic steps and legislative obligations to fulfil. Discerning these regulations is crucial for anyone who wants to have a positive and legally unencumbered driving experience on Japanese soil.

The first step in hiring a car in Japan is to make sure you have an international driving licence (Geneva Convention 1949). This document is required along with your national licence, allowing you to drive legally on Japanese roads. Please note: the international licence does not replace it, but serves as a translation and validation of it beyond the borders of your country. Their combination is therefore indispensable for any foreign driver in Japan. For more information on how to obtain an international driving licence, see the in-depth article at the end of this page

If you hold a driving licence issued in France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan instead of an international driving licence, you must request a translation of your licence into Japanese.

In addition to the bureaucratic aspect, it is vital for the international traveller to familiarise himself with the local driving regulations. In Japan, one drives on the left side of the road, a convention that may be unusual for those accustomed to the roads of right-hand-drive countries. Such a marked shift in habits requires extra care, especially in the early stages of driving, when instincts and reflexes must be recalibrated.

Another strict rule is the absolute prohibition of driving under the influence of alcohol. Japan has zero-tolerance policies towards drinking and driving, with severe penalties for offenders. Equally stringent are speed limits and traffic rules, which can often vary significantly from what one might be used to elsewhere. Japanese speed limits are generally lower than in the West and closely monitored.

It is also a good idea to find out about protocols to follow in case of accidents, parking policies – often chargeable and not always plentiful – and proper behaviour at intersections, pedestrians and cycle lanes.

Being well documented not only publishes a green light on your preparedness to hire and drive, but is also a sign of respect for your host country. Japan maintains high standards in terms of courtesy and compliance – two pillars that contribute to the safety and orderliness of its road environment.

Choosing the right car

Once the decision to opt for a car rental service is made, it is essential to choose the type of vehicle that best suits the peculiarities of your trip to Japan. Japanese roads are known for their excellent maintenance, however, they can vary significantly in width and condition, especially outside the urban fabric of large cities.

Selecting an appropriate car model is a key element that directly influences the driving experience. A compact vehicle that is agile and easy to park is often perfect for navigating the narrow, congested streets of urban centres. These cars reduce the stress of driving in dense metropolises such as Tokyo or Osaka, where traffic and limited space can be a challenge.

On the other hand, if your itinerary includes excursions through mountainous regions or high plateaus, where roads can be more irregular and routes more demanding, an SUV proves to be a wise choice. With their greater elevation and stability, SUVs offer greater safety and comfort when tackling rough trails or slippery surfaces, common in rural or mountainous areas.