Things to know when renting a car
The islands of Hokkaido and Okinawa are much more accessible by car and the roads are generally very easy to navigate.
If you plan to hire a car during your stay in Japan, make sure that you are aware of all local rules and have all the necessary documentation. This short video of traffic rules in Japan 
will give you the basics, but be sure to research further into renting a car in Japan
International Driving Permit
If you wish to drive a car while in Japan, you must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to departure. You will also need to have your national license on hand while driving in Japan. International Driving Permits are generally issued by the national automobile association in your country. Be aware that to be able to drive in Japan, your international driving permit needs to be issued from one of the countries/regions which participates in the Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949 (Geneva Convention) and be consistent with the regulations laid out therein.
The official UN web site lists the countries and regions that participate in the Geneva Convention. Note that a different procedure applies to visitors from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan. If you have a driving license issued in one of these countries/regions, you must carry both your original license and a Japanese translation. This will enable you to drive a car in Japan for one year from the date of your arrival in the country. Please check the following website if you have a driving license issued by Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, the Principality of Monaco, and Taiwan.
For more information on valid driving licenses in Japan, please click here.
To receive a Japanese translation of your license, you must visit one of JAF's offices . The offices are only located in Japan, and do not accept applications from overseas via the Internet.
If you live outside Japan and want the Japanese translation, the following agencies accept applications to JAF through internet by proxy. Please inquire at the following agencies.
Japan Experience
Proxy applications for a Japanese translation of driving licenses from the following countries/areas to JAF is available: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan Languages available：English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
Keikaku Japan
A proxy applications for a Japanese translation of driving licenses from the following countries/areas to JAF is available: France, Belgium, Switzerland
Languages available inquiry：French
Rental Companies
Companies offering vehicle rental at various locations throughout Japan include:
Nissan Rent a Car
Tel. 0120-00-4123
Times Car Rental (Former Mazda Car Rental)
Tel. 0120-39-8924
Nippon Rent-A-Car
Tel. 03-6859-6234
Toyota Rent-A-Car
Tel. 092-577-0091 or 0800-7000-815 (toll-free)
Niconico Rent A Car
Tel. 092-687-4556
Email. inquiry@niconicorentacar.jp
Budget
Tel. 0570-054-317
Hertz
Tel. 0800-999-1406 (toll-free)
JR (Japan Railways) Rent-A-Car
E-mail. reserve@mx.ekiren.co.jp
Japan Campingcar Rental Center
E-mail. info@japan-crc.com
Price
Rental prices may vary from company to company. Average rates for 24 hours rental with unlimited mileage are as follows:
| Size | JPY/Day |
| Sub-compact (1,000-1,300cc) | 5,000 – 11,100 |
| Compact (1,500-1,800cc) | 9,000 – 13,500 |
| Intermediate (2,000cc) | 14,000 – 30,000 |
| Standard (3,000cc) | 29,500 – 31,000 |
Rental car insurance
When renting a car, you are required to purchase insurance with a certain level of coverage. Insurance coverage and conditions may vary depending on rental car companies, but be sure to purchase it just in case an accident should occur.
Car rental etiquette
Check for any scratches or dents on the rental car with the staff before driving off from the rental company. Refueling the car, before returning it, is also one of the basic rules to be observed.
Fuel costs
The above rental charges do not include fuel costs. Fuel in Japan costs approximately 170 yen per liter (as of 2022).
How to refuel at gas stations
There are two types of gas stations in Japan: full-service stations, where staff will refuel your car, and self-service stations.
Please see the following link for how to refuel your car at gas stations.
Driving in Japan
Visitors who intend to drive in Japan should note the following: On main roads, most major destinations are sign-posted in English. In rural areas, this may not be the case. If you are planning to drive in more remote areas, it is advisable to purchase a reliable English-Japanese road atlas before you depart. Companies such as Shobunsha and Kodansha publish these atlases.
(*) Some rental companies have cars equipped with foreign-language navigation systems. Please inquire with the rental company at the time of reservation.
Traffic rules in Japan
Japan has strict road rules including:
・When driving, ensure the driver and all passengers have seatbelts fastened.
・Make sure to observe and comply with all speed limits.
・You must not drive under the influence of alcohol.
・Using mobile devices while driving is illegal.
・Before crossing railroad tracks, drivers must pause at the stop line and check both ways for oncoming trains.
・Newly licensed and elderly drivers must display appropriate signs on the outside of their cars.
Newly Licensed Driver/Elderly Driver Mark
・When traveling in snowy areas, be sure to install winter tires or tire chains.
・Parking can be difficult to find in some urban centers.
・You may get penalties if you don't park your car in a designated car parking space.
・Tolls are levied on expressways and other major routes. Toll charges will depend on how far you wish to travel and which roads you intend to take. Example: Tolls for one route from Tokyo to Kyoto cost approximately ¥10,070.
・JAF publishes an multi-language guide to driving in Japan called “Rules of the Road”. These are available at JAF offices throughout Japan. For further information go to the JAF web site .
For the traffic rules in Japan, please see the following websites:
All Japan Rent-a-Car Association Traffic Rules in Japan
JAF Traffic Rules in Japan
All Japan Rent-a-Car Association Car Rental Guide
Kyushu District Transport Bureau (MILT) Rent-A-Car Drive Manual English
Kyushu District Transport Bureau (MILT) Rent-A-Car Drive Manual Korean
Kyushu District Transport Bureau (MILT) Rent-A-Car Drive Manual Chinese
Kyushu District Transport Bureau (MILT) Rent-A-Car Drive Manual Thai
“Michi-no-Eki” (Roadside Stations)
Many towns and cities have roadside establishments called “Michi-no-Eki” parking areas where one can rest. They also provide an array of services such as information on local culture, history, places of interest, and specialties of the areas along the route, as well as give road trip suggestions. One can also buy a variety of regional products and souvenirs at the stores.
Scenic driving routes
There are many scenic routes to drive on that offer breathtaking views throughout Japan. Make your sightseeing and travel plans using expressways to make the most of the scenery on your road trip.
Recommended driving routes from the
All Japan Rent-a-Car Association:
English
Korean
Traditional Chinese
Thai
Tourism Driving Route
Expressways in Japan
In many cases, expressways in Japan require toll fees. Expressway tolls are collected at toll gates either by manual cash or credit card payment (gates with a green sign) or by automatic ETC card payment (gates with a purple sign). While ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) cards can be rented for free at most car rental companies, toll fees incurred will be charged once you return the car.
Along the expressways, there are service areas where one can use restrooms and enjoy a variety of restaurants and shops full of local products and souvenirs. Drive safely while taking regular breaks at service areas.
Unlimited Expressway Pass available only for foreign tourists
While the Japan Expressway Pass (JEP) is no longer for sale as of December 2023, many great regional expressway passes are available for purchase! These passes are only available to international travelers and provide unlimited use of major expressways in different regions throughout Japan. For more information, check out our Regional Expressway Passes guide here .
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