Renting a car in Japan as a tourist 2026: Everything you need to know

You must have already heard so much about Japan’s bullet trains & excellent public transport. Then why go for renting a car in Japan? While trains will take you to big cities like Tokyo & Osaka, hiring a self drive vehicle will make your road trips around Mount Fuji or remote coastlines possible.

This blog covers everything tourists need to know about renting and driving in Japan 2026 along with helpful tips, fun facts & a few things that might surprise you!

Why should you even consider renting a car?

Japan’s train network is world-class, especially the famous Shinkansen bullet trains (a must-have experience). Tbh, if you know how local transport operates in the country, you won’t really need a vehicle during your stay in big cities. But if your itinerary includes rural Japan, a car gives you total freedom & renting is the best option for certain plans, such as:

• Visiting the countryside around the Japanese Alps
• Road trips in Hokkaido
• Island drives in Okinawa
• Exploring lakes near Mount Fuji

Where can you pick up your rental car in Japan?

Renting a car in Japan is a simple process. While making an online reservation, you get multiple choices for pickup spots that work well for your itinerary. Most tourists pick up their vehicles from:

Airports

The easiest option if you are flying in & want to start your road trip right away. Popular airports include: Narita International Airport, Hiroshima Airport, Kansai International Airport & several others.

Airport pickup is also convenient because you can drive immediately outside busy city centers.

Major train stations

You’ll also find various rental counters near big stations like the Tokyo Station & Kyoto Station.

Many tourists even consider taking the train to smaller stations like Tsubojiri Station (Tokushima) and then renting a car from there. Example: Train to a smaller city → pick up rental → start road trip.

Requirements for renting a car in Japan

There are some legal requirements that all tourists need to follow in order to hire a vehicle in the country:

• You and all additional drivers (if you have added any) must present a valid original Driving Licence and the booking voucher when picking up the vehicle. In case your DL has multiple parts, you must present all of them.
• A passport or any government-issued ID is required for verification.
• It is mandatory to carry an International Driving Permit, which must be based on the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. No other formats are accepted.
• Residents of Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland and Taiwan must present their National Driving Licence along with an authorised translation into the Japanese language to be able to drive in the country.
• Although the legal driving age in Japan is 18 years old, many suppliers require drivers to be 20. You can check the eligible age in the rental terms of your preferred provider as this rule varies.
• A credit card in the name of the main driver is required to keep a refundable security deposit.

Understanding Japanese roads

Driving in Japan is very easy because roads are well-maintained & in fact, it is one of the most organized places in the world to drive. But here are a few things that you must know:

Driving side

Here, you have to drive on the left side of the road. The steering wheel is also on the right side of the car. Most rental cars even come with a GPS & you can easily set it to English or your preferred language for navigation.

Speed limits

The country has very strict rules, so always drive within the speed limit.

It might amuse you! Certain highways in Japan are called melody roads. When you drive over them at the correct speed, the road grooves play music through your tires.

Unique road signs

Japanese stop signs look like a red triangle with the word: 止まれ (Tomare) which means to make a complete stop and not a rolling stop. Police observe this carefully. Another important point, if someone even looks like they might cross the street, you should stop. Japanese drivers are extremely respectful to pedestrians.

Tolls and expressways

Expressways are not free, so do expect toll charges. For example, a drive from Tokyo to Kyoto might come with a toll fee of around ~$80 & $20–30 for Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. Therefore, this cost depends entirely on your selected route. Most suppliers have an ETC card system in their vehicle, which automatically charges tolls at the end of your rental duration.

Parking in Japan

You will get an excellent parking area in the country but the charges totally depend on your location. In big cities like Tokyo, it can be expensive like $3–5 for every 30 minutes is quite normal. However, in rural towns, you might find free or very cheap parking spots.

Tips for tourists renting a car

Here are some helpful suggestions to avoid common mistakes.

• Book your Japan car rental early especially if you want to witness the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season, vehicles sell out really quickly during that time.
• Japanese streets and parking spaces are small, so if space is not an issue for you, opt for economy or compact models.
• Use GPS for easy navigation. Most rental cars include GPS, but always confirm that it supports English.
• Although the basic insurance is included in your rental price, it is advised to get an online cover for more protection.
• Always carry some cash with you because rural toll booths or parking machines might require cash.

Travellers want to know

• Can I rent a car in Japan without knowing Japanese?

  Yes! Most major rental companies offer English support and many cars come with English GPS. Road signs in Japan also include English, especially on highways and in tourist areas.

• What type of car should tourists rent in Japan?

  A compact car is usually the best choice. Roads and parking spaces can be narrow, especially in cities and older towns. Smaller cars are easier to handle and more fuel-efficient.

• Can I return the rental car in a different city in Japan?

  Yes, many suppliers allow one-way rentals, but you need to mention your preferred pick-up and drop-off locations while making an online reservation.

• Are there automatic car rentals available in Japan?

  Yes, most rental cars in Japan are automatic, so you don’t need to worry about driving a manual unless you specifically request it.

• Is renting a car in Japan worth it for a short trip?

  It depends on your itinerary. If you're only visiting major cities, you can travel by train. However, if you plan to explore countryside areas, mountains or places like Hokkaido or Okinawa, renting a car is absolutely worth it.