Renting a Car in Japan

When to Rent a Car

For major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) trains are far more convenient. But for rural Japan — Hokkaido, Japanese Alps, Izu Peninsula, rural Kyushu, Okinawa — a rental car unlocks destinations inaccessible by public transport.

License Requirements

You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your original driver’s license. Must be the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Japan does NOT accept the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP — check which your country issues before travel.

Costs

Basic compact: ¥5,000–8,000/day. Insurance (CDW + liability): ¥1,500–2,500/day. ETC card for expressway tolls: ¥330/day rental + tolls. Fuel: ~¥175/liter.

Driving Rules

• Drive on the LEFT
• Speed limits: 60km/h regular roads, 100km/h expressways
• Zero tolerance for drunk driving
• Request English navigation when booking

Best Car Trip Routes

Hokkaido: Sapporo → Furano (lavender) → Biei → Asahikawa
Japanese Alps: Matsumoto → Kamikochi → Takayama → Shirakawa-go
Kyushu: Fukuoka → Mt Aso → Beppu (onsen) → Nagasaki