Renting a car in Japan unlocks access to rural areas, mountain roads, and remote destinations that public transport cannot reach — the Hokkaido interior, the Okinawa island chains, rural Tohoku, and the Japanese Alps back roads are all transformed by having wheels. Japanese roads are exceptionally well-maintained, drivers are courteous, and the vending machines at rest stops (PA/SA) are a pleasure in themselves. The challenges — driving on the left, navigating in Japanese, and urban parking costs — are all manageable with preparation.
International Driving Permit
Japan accepts the International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. Most nationalities can drive on an IDP for up to one year. Obtain the IDP in your home country before departure (typically from your national automobile association — AAA in the US, AA in the UK, etc.). Cost approximately ¥3,000–¥3,500 equivalent; processing usually same-day. Important: Japan does NOT accept IDPs based on the 1968 Vienna Convention — drivers from Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Estonia, Slovenia, Monaco, and a few others need to obtain a translation of their license from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) instead. Check your country’s convention compliance before relying on an IDP.
Renting a Car
Rental Companies
- Toyota Rent a Car: Japan’s largest network; most rental stations at Shinkansen stations and airports. English-language booking at rent.toyota.co.jp.
- Nissan Rent a Car: Wide network, competitive pricing.
- Times Car (formerly Orix): Good airport and urban coverage.
- JapanRentACar.com: English-language aggregator comparing multiple companies.
Cost
A compact car (kei-car or small sedan) typically costs ¥6,000–¥10,000/day; mid-size sedans ¥10,000–¥15,000/day. Non-smoking and ETC (electronic toll) cards are standard options. Book in advance during Golden Week, Obon, and New Year — and in Hokkaido during summer when rental fleets are often fully committed.
Driving Rules in Japan
- Drive on the left: Japan drives on the left side of the road (same as UK, Australia). The steering wheel is on the right.
- Speed limits: Expressways 100 km/h (some 120 km/h); national roads 60 km/h; urban roads 40–50 km/h; school zones 30 km/h. Speed cameras are common.
- Zero tolerance for alcohol: Any detectable blood alcohol (0.03% BAC) is illegal to drive; 0.15%+ carries criminal charges. No drinking and driving, period.
- Right of way at intersections: Larger roads have priority; at unmarked intersections, vehicles from the right have priority (unusual when coming from left-traffic countries).
- Pedestrian crossings: Stopping for pedestrians at crossings is legally required and strictly observed — stop even if no traffic light is present.
- Expressway ETCs: Most expressways require ETC electronic payment or cash at toll booths. Rental cars are equipped with an ETC card device (small additional daily charge); highly recommended as some expressway lanes are ETC-only.
Navigation
Japanese roads use address navigation systems based on building block numbers rather than street names — this is confusing for foreign drivers. Practical solutions:
- Google Maps: Works excellently in Japan with Japanese road data. Download offline maps for areas with limited connectivity. Voice guidance can be set to English.
- Car navigation system (カーナビ): All rental cars include a Japanese car navigation unit. Enter the destination by phone number (denwa bango) — the most reliable input method even in Japanese. Mapcode numbers (a Japanese coordinate system) are also widely used on signs and in guidebooks.
- Toll expressways: Japan’s expressway network is toll-based and extensive — costs add up quickly. Budget ¥3,000–¥8,000 per day for urban/expressway driving; rural driving is much less.
Best Driving Destinations
- Hokkaido: The island’s open roads, dairy farmland, and caldera lakes are best explored by car. The Hokkaido Expressway connects Sapporo to the major destinations; rental from New Chitose Airport.
- Okinawa islands: Okinawa main island is practical by bus, but the smaller islands (Miyakojima, Ishigaki, Iriomote) are much better by rental car or scooter.
- Shirakawa-go area: The historic village and surrounding mountain roads are more accessible by car than by infrequent buses.
- Tohoku backroads: Rural Akita and Iwate are poorly served by rail; driving through the autumn-colored back roads and remote onsen villages is the best Tohoku experience.