Japan – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Japan?

The legal minimum age for driving in Japan is 18 years, and you must hold either a Japanese driver’s licence or a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) to hire and operate a vehicle. In practice, although the law permits driving from age 18, most car hire companies set their own minimum at 20–22. Drivers younger than 25 may face a young-driver surcharge, or may find that certain companies decline to rent to them altogether. Always review the specific policies of your chosen provider before confirming a reservation.

You are required to carry both your original home-country licence and your International Driving Permit at all times while driving. The IDP serves as an officially recognised translation and verification of your domestic licence, and is issued by authorised motoring organisations or clubs in your home country. It cannot be obtained once you are already in Japan, so it must be arranged before you depart.

Japan only recognises permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Drivers from Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland, and Taiwan are an exception — these countries do not issue 1949 Convention permits, but a separate bilateral arrangement allows their nationals to drive in Japan using an official Japanese translation of their domestic licence, again for a period not exceeding one year.

Permits issued under the Paris Convention (1926), Washington Convention (1943), or Vienna Convention (1968) are not valid in Japan. This is an important and frequently misunderstood point: numerous countries now issue permits in the 1968 Vienna Convention format, which Japan does not accept. Before travelling, verify the specific format of your IDP with the issuing authority. For authoritative and current guidance, consult the Japan National Police Agency (NPA) or the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

If you incur a speeding fine, the penalty notice will be forwarded to your rental company, who will charge you accordingly. Drivers caught operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs will have their licence seized on the spot. Those convicted of reckless, intoxicated, or excessively fast driving that causes a fatality may face a custodial sentence of up to 15 years. Traffic law enforcement in Japan is rigorous, and consequences for violations are substantial.

Your passport is also a required document at the rental counter. Staff will check the entry stamp to establish when your IDP validity period commenced. If you entered Japan via an Automated Gate without receiving a manual stamp, request one from border control staff upon arrival, or bring a “specific registrant card” as an alternative confirmation of your entry date.

Which major car rental companies operate in Japan, and where can I find them?

The dominant car rental operators in Japan are Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, ORIX Rent a Car, Times Car Rental, Nissan Rent a Car, and Ekiren (JR Eki Rent-a-Car). Each maintains hundreds of locations across the country, offering vehicles ranging from compact city cars to large vans, buses, and recreational vehicles.

Below is an overview of the principal operators and their key characteristics:

Dedicated booking platforms aimed at international visitors — including rentalcars.com and ToCoo! Travel — allow reservations across multiple companies simultaneously, with multilingual interfaces. The main rental chains listed above also maintain websites in several languages, and counter staff at major transport hubs can generally communicate in basic English.

How does car rental pricing work in Japan, and what should I watch out for?

Daily rates for economy cars begin at roughly ¥5,000 as of 2025, with compact and mid-size vehicles typically priced higher. Quoted rates generally include unlimited mileage and taxes, plus a mandatory minimum insurance contribution of approximately ¥1,000 per day covering damage, injury, and liability — though this base cover does not extend to non-operation fees arising from vehicle damage. Study the rental contract carefully to be clear on what is and is not covered before signing.

Key additional costs to factor into your budget include:

• Non-Operation Charge (NOC): This is a distinctly prominent feature of the Japanese rental market. While many Western rental markets rely primarily on a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to address most costs following an incident, Japanese providers frequently impose a separate NOC — a flat charge applied when a vehicle is taken off-road for repairs and generates no rental income. This fee can be substantial even when standard insurance is in place, so purchasing dedicated NOC waiver cover at the counter is strongly recommended.
• ETC cards: An Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card enables you to pass through expressway toll gates without stopping. Most rental companies supply ETC cards for an additional fee of around ¥300, making them well worth the cost — cardholders also benefit from automatic toll reductions, typically around 30% for weekend or late-night travel.
• One-way (drop-off) fees: The majority of large rental operators permit one-way rentals, but a drop-off surcharge generally applies based on distance between collection and return points. For long routes — such as picking up in Tokyo and returning in Kyoto — this fee can reach several tens of thousands of yen. Most providers restrict vehicles rented in Hokkaido to returns within Hokkaido, and apply the same rule in reverse.
• Fuel policy: Vehicles must ordinarily be returned with a full tank. As of March 2025, a litre of regular petrol costs approximately ¥180. Retain your fuel receipt to present to staff when handing the car back.
• GPS navigation: The vast majority of rental vehicles include a built-in navigation system, and multilingual menu options are increasingly common. For best results, enter your destination using a telephone number or map code rather than a place name. Many units offer English-language menus.
• Parking: Urban parking in Japan is limited in supply and often costly. Some hotels provide parking facilities, but confirm whether this is included before booking accommodation or assuming availability.

Expressway tolls are collected either manually by cash or card at gates marked with a green sign, or automatically via ETC card at gates marked with a purple sign. If you plan to use expressways at all, arranging an ETC card through your rental company is highly advisable.

Travellers planning extended regional road trips should look into expressway passes, which offer unlimited highway use within a defined geographic area at a fixed price, accessed via an ETC card from the rental company. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) provides up-to-date details on available regional pass options. For consumer enquiries or disputes relating to rental agreements, the primary official resource is the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Japan?

For most foreign licence holders, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a legal requirement to drive in Japan. The permit acts as an officially recognised verification and translation of your domestic driving licence, and must be obtained through an authorised motoring body in your home country. It cannot be issued once you are in Japan, and it remains valid for one year from the date of entry into the country.

The IDP must be issued in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention. Japan does not recognise permits issued solely under the 1968 Vienna Convention — a critical distinction that catches many visitors off guard, particularly those travelling from European countries where Vienna Convention permits are standard.

Nationals of Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, and Monaco are exempt from the IDP requirement. Rather than a permit, drivers from these countries must present an official Japanese translation of their home licence. This translation must be produced either by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or by their country’s embassy in Japan.

As of 2025, JAF’s translation service can be accessed through an online application at a cost of approximately ¥4,000 (verify the current fee at jaf.or.jp).

Foreign visitors may drive in Japan using a recognised IDP for a maximum of one year from their date of arrival. This period does not automatically reset with brief trips abroad — to qualify for a fresh one-year allowance using a new IDP obtained overseas, you must have spent at least three consecutive months outside Japan. Always verify the most current requirements with the National Police Agency (NPA) or your rental company before travel, as regulations are subject to change.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Japan?

Traffic in Japan moves on the left-hand side of the road. Standard speed limits are 60 km/h on regular roads and 100 km/h on expressways. Drivers accustomed to right-hand traffic — as is common across much of continental Europe and North America — will need a careful settling-in period, particularly when navigating intersections and roundabouts.

Narrow roads are a frequent reality in rural areas and older residential neighbourhoods, where lanes can be extremely tight. If your mapping application routes you along a minor back lane, zoom in and assess whether a wider alternative exists. Mountain roads present additional challenges in the form of tight bends and limited overtaking opportunities. Keep headlights on inside tunnels and stay alert for wildlife crossing the road.

Japan’s expressway network is extensive and links all major cities. For itineraries involving regular motorway use, daily toll costs can range from ¥3,000 to ¥8,000, with individual journeys such as Tokyo to Mt Fuji (Kawaguchiko) costing approximately ¥2,000–¥3,000 one way as of 2025/2026 — verify current rates through the relevant expressway operator’s website.

In areas that receive snowfall, fitting winter tyres or carrying tyre chains is obligatory. Large rental companies typically equip their vehicles with winter tyres as standard in Hokkaido and other high-snowfall prefectures during the colder months, but always confirm this arrangement when making your booking. Some mountain passes close seasonally; consult local road authority information before heading into elevated terrain.

For trips confined to Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, trains and subways will almost always be quicker and less stressful than driving. In regions such as Okinawa, Kyushu, and Hokkaido, however, a hire car is near-essential given the relative infrequency of bus and rail services.

Road signage is predominantly in Japanese, though major expressways and popular tourist corridors typically add rōmaji (romanised) script. Take time to familiarise yourself with standard Japanese road symbols before setting out. The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) publishes a multilingual driving guide entitled “Rules of the Road,” available at JAF offices throughout the country.

On expressways, keep to the left lane when not overtaking, move right only when necessary to pass slower vehicles, then return promptly to the left. Observe variable speed signs carefully, particularly near construction zones or during adverse weather.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Japan?

All car hire agreements in Japan include a compulsory minimum level of insurance cover. The precise scope of coverage varies between rental providers, but you should ensure you fully understand what protection is in place before driving away. While some rental markets bundle insurance invisibly into the daily rate, Japanese providers present it as a clearly itemised cost — though the structure may be unfamiliar to drivers from other countries.

The standard layers of insurance that Japanese rental companies offer are as follows:

• Compulsory automobile liability insurance (Jibaiseki hoken): Japanese law mandates that every vehicle on public roads must carry this policy. It covers the rental company’s legal liability for bodily harm or death caused to third parties and is always included in your hire agreement.
• Voluntary third-party liability: Covers property damage inflicted on other vehicles or roadside objects beyond the limits of the compulsory policy. Typically included in the base rate or available as a low-cost addition.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): A mandatory minimum contribution of approximately ¥1,000 per day addresses damage, injury, and liability, but crucially does not cover the Non-Operation Charge (NOC) that arises if a damaged vehicle requires repair and cannot be hired out.
• Non-Operation Charge (NOC) cover: This is a Japan-specific charge applied when a damaged vehicle is taken out of service during the repair period, depriving the rental company of revenue. The fee can reach ¥20,000–¥50,000 or more. Taking out NOC waiver cover is strongly advisable for the vast majority of renters.
• Personal accident insurance: Provides coverage for the driver and passengers against medical costs following a collision. This is optional but worth considering for those not already covered by comprehensive travel health insurance.

Some major providers — including ORIX Rent-A-Car — incorporate insurance and compensation packages directly into the rental fee, delivering standardised roadside support and predictable coverage levels. Always read the full terms of what is included before declining any optional extra.

Regarding credit card travel insurance: a number of cards include a rental car excess waiver as a cardholder benefit, but the extent of this coverage differs significantly between issuers. In particular, Japan’s NOC charge may not be treated as a conventional “excess” by all card providers. Contact your card issuer before travel to obtain written confirmation of exactly what rental-related insurance benefits apply, and verify acceptance of that coverage directly with your rental company. Do not proceed on assumptions without documented confirmation from both parties.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Japan?

The regulations governing driving in Japan differ considerably between short-stay visitors and those who have taken up longer-term residence. Foreign nationals may use an international driving permit for a maximum of 12 months. Beyond that point, a Japanese driver’s licence becomes a legal requirement.

Some long-term foreign residents have historically attempted to sidestep the licence conversion process by repeatedly obtaining fresh international permits from abroad every 12 months. Japanese authorities have addressed this: a new international permit procured during an overseas trip of fewer than three consecutive months will not be recognised for use in Japan. A stay abroad of more than three months is required before a newly obtained permit becomes valid. It is worth noting that this restriction applies specifically to residents — tourists and short-stay visitors may continue to drive using an international permit obtained at any point prior to their arrival.

Foreign nationals residing in Japan for more than one year are legally obliged to obtain a Japanese driving licence through a process known as gaikoku menkyo kirikae, or licence conversion. This involves submitting your foreign licence to a Driver’s Licence Centre (Unten Menkyo Shiken-jo). The precise requirements — including whether a written examination, practical test, or both are necessary — depend on the country that issued your original licence. Some countries have bilateral agreements with Japan enabling a relatively streamlined conversion involving only a written test, while others require an additional practical assessment. Contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or your local Driver’s Licence Centre for conversion requirements specific to your licence-issuing country, as these can vary by prefecture.

A residence card combined with an international driving permit does not fully satisfy the identification requirements at certain major rental companies. Because a residence card alone cannot confirm your date of entry into Japan, a passport is also required at the counter for this purpose. Residents who have already completed their licence conversion will need to present their Japanese licence alongside their residence card when renting a vehicle.

Always confirm the most current requirements for licence conversion and long-term driving eligibility with the National Police Agency (NPA) or your prefecture’s Driver’s Licence Centre, as the relevant rules and processing procedures are revised periodically.

How do I rent a car in Japan? A step-by-step guide

1. Obtain your IDP (or JAF translation) before departure. IDPs cannot be issued within Japan and must be arranged at home through your national motoring association for a modest fee. If your licence was issued in France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, apply for an official JAF translation via their online portal instead of an IDP.
2. Book your rental in advance. Reserve early, particularly around Golden Week and public holidays when vehicles sell out quickly. Use official company websites or aggregator platforms such as ToCoo! or Tabirai to compare prices. Select a vehicle category suited to your planned route — compact cars work well for trips in and around urban areas.
3. Arrive at the rental counter with all documents. You will need your original home-country driving licence, your IDP or JAF translation, your passport with a legible entry stamp, and your booking confirmation. Photocopies and digital scans of your licence or IDP will not be accepted in place of originals.
4. Review and sign the rental agreement. Establish clearly which insurance elements are covered in the base rate and decide whether to add NOC waiver cover. Clarify the fuel policy, the cost of renting an ETC card, and any one-way drop-off fees if your itinerary requires returning the car at a different location.
5. Inspect the vehicle before driving off. Walk around the car with a staff member and examine it for any pre-existing scratches or dents. Ensure all damage — however minor — is recorded in writing on the rental agreement before you accept the vehicle.
6. Rent an ETC card if using expressways. Collect an ETC card from your rental company before departure if you plan to use motorways. These are available at most branches. Any toll charges accumulated on the card will be settled when you return the vehicle.
7. Drive on the left and observe posted speed limits. Default limits are 60 km/h on ordinary roads and 100 km/h on expressways unless signs indicate otherwise. Remain alert to narrow lanes in rural and older urban neighbourhoods.
8. Return the car on time with a full tank. Refuel to the required level before arriving at the return location, retain your toll receipts and fuel slip for reference, and hand back all rented accessories including the ETC card and navigation unit.

Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Japan

Can I rent a car in Japan if I am under 25?

The legal minimum age to drive in Japan is 18, but individual rental companies set their own thresholds. If you are younger than 25, you may be charged a young-driver surcharge, or a particular company may decline to rent to you entirely. Check the age policy of your chosen provider before making a booking.

What happens if I am involved in an accident in Japan?

If you are involved in an accident, bring the vehicle to a stop, call the police on 110 and an ambulance on 119 if anyone is injured, and contact your rental company immediately using the emergency number in your hire documents. For roadside assistance, the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) can be reached in Tokyo at 03-5730-0111, in Osaka at 072-645-0111, and in Sapporo at 011-857-8139. Do not move the vehicles until the police instruct you to do so, and exchange contact and insurance details with all other parties involved.

Can I drive a Japanese rental car into another country?

No. Rental agreements in Japan universally prohibit taking vehicles outside Japanese territory, including on ferries bound for overseas destinations. As Japan has no land border with any other country, this is an unlikely scenario for most drivers, but it is a firm contractual restriction regardless.

What if I return the car with less fuel than when I collected it?

Vehicles are generally required to be returned with a full tank of petrol, though some rental outlets offer an in-house refuelling service at stated rates. Returning the car with insufficient fuel will result in the rental company charging a refuelling fee, which typically exceeds standard pump prices. To avoid this, stop at a petrol station shortly before returning the vehicle.

Are road signs in Japan in English?

Most road signs are written in Japanese characters. However, major expressways and many tourist-frequented routes supplement this with rōmaji (romanised) text. Rental GPS units frequently offer English-language menus, and navigation apps such as Google Maps function reliably across Japan. Reviewing common Japanese road symbols before your journey is a worthwhile precaution.

Is it worth renting a car in Tokyo or other major cities?

For itineraries focused on Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, public transport will generally prove faster, cheaper, and far less stressful than driving. Traffic congestion can be significant, parking is scarce and expensive, and Japan’s city rail networks are among the most efficient in the world. Hiring a car delivers the greatest benefit in less densely served areas such as rural Kyushu, Hokkaido, or Okinawa, where buses and trains run infrequently.

Do I need to convert my foreign licence to a Japanese one if I move to Japan?

Yes. Foreign nationals residing in Japan for more than one year are required to obtain a Japanese driving licence through the gaikoku menkyo kirikae (licence conversion) process. The precise steps depend on the country that issued your original licence. Contact your nearest Driver’s Licence Centre or the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) to establish the specific requirements that apply to your situation.

Can I use a digital or photocopied version of my IDP at the rental counter?

No. Only the original physical IDP booklet is accepted — photocopies, PDF files, and digital copies are not valid substitutes. There is currently no recognised digital format for an IDP. You must carry the physical document alongside your original driving licence and passport whenever you are driving in Japan.