Renting a Car in Japan: What Visitors Should Know

Published October 15, 2026 at 9:59 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

When a rental car makes sense

Japan's trains are famous, so many visitors never think about renting a car. Yet there are places where a car opens up a different side of the country: rural coastlines, mountain villages, national parks and small towns that trains reach only infrequently. The Japan National Tourism Organization notes that regions such as Hokkaido and Okinawa are especially easy to explore by car, with generally straightforward roads. This guide explains the practical points you need to know before you pick up the keys, from licenses to tolls to friendly driving habits.

Driving is not the best choice for everyone. In big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, public transport is faster, cheaper and far less stressful than driving, and parking can be difficult to find. A smart approach is to use trains for city-to-city travel, then rent a car for a few days in a region where you want flexibility. That way you enjoy the best of both worlds.

If you are comfortable driving on unfamiliar roads, a road trip can be a joyful way to see the country. You can stop at viewpoints, local markets and roadside rest areas at your own pace, and linger where something catches your eye.

Licenses and paperwork

The first step is making sure you can legally drive. Most visitors need an International Driving Permit, which must be obtained in your home country before you travel. It has to be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on International Road Traffic, and only the booklet-style paper permit is valid in Japan, not card or smartphone versions. The permit is valid for up to one year from its issue date, and its validity in Japan is limited to one year from your arrival date, which is confirmed by the entry stamp in your passport. If you pass through automated gates, ask about getting a stamp so your arrival is properly recorded.

Drivers with licenses from some countries and regions follow a different system. Visitors with licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan carry their original license together with an official Japanese translation. The Japan Automobile Federation, usually shortened to JAF, handles these translations, and there are proxy services that help visitors apply. Start this process well before you travel, since it requires planning.

Always check the latest rules on the JAF website or with your rental company, because requirements can change. Carry your passport, license, permit or translation, and rental papers whenever you drive.

Choosing and renting a car

Many rental companies operate across Japan, including well-known national brands, railway-affiliated services and international names. Most have English booking pages, and reserving in advance is a good idea, especially during holiday seasons. Cars come in many sizes, from small economy models to larger vans. For narrow rural roads and tight parking spaces, a compact car or a kei car is often a comfortable choice. Kei cars are a distinctively Japanese class of ultra-compact vehicle with engines under 660 cc, and they have strict size limits, so they fit small streets easily.

Insurance with a minimum level of coverage is required, and the details vary by company, so read the terms before you pay. When you pick up the car, walk around it with the staff and note any scratches or dents on the form. Ask how to set the navigation to English, since some rental cars have foreign-language options, and ask for an ETC card if you plan to use expressways. Return the car with a full tank, as the usual rule is that you refuel before returning.

At gas stations, full-service stands fill the car for you, while self-service stations require you to do it yourself. Ask the rental staff which fuel type your car needs before you leave the lot.

Roads, tolls and signs

Cars drive on the left side of the road in Japan, and the steering wheel is on the right. If you come from a country where traffic keeps right, take it slowly for the first hour and be especially careful at intersections and when turning. Main roads usually have English signs, but rural areas may have fewer, so a navigation system or phone map is essential. Many travelers also carry a bilingual road atlas for remote regions.

Most expressways charge tolls based on distance. The Electronic Toll Collection system, known as ETC, pays automatically at the gate if your car has an ETC card, and most rental companies can supply one. At toll gates, the lane color shows the payment method: green signs are for manual cash or credit card payments, while purple signs are for ETC. You usually settle the toll with the rental company when you return the car. Regional expressway passes for international visitors have also been offered in several parts of the country, so ask your rental company or check the official site for current options.

Service areas along expressways are a pleasant surprise. They typically have clean restrooms, restaurants, gas stations and shops selling local specialties. Michi-no-eki, or roadside stations, are another highlight, offering rest areas, regional information and fresh local products. Stopping at them is a delightful way to taste the region as you drive.

Rules, safety and scenic drives

Follow the rules carefully. Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt, speed limits must be obeyed, and using a mobile device while driving is illegal. Drinking and driving is taken very seriously in Japan, so never drive after drinking any alcohol. At railroad crossings, stop at the line and check both ways, and be especially careful at turns, since many accidents happen when cars turn left or right.

Driving courtesy is generally calm. Drivers tend to be patient, signal clearly and give way politely. Staying calm and leaving a comfortable distance from the car ahead keeps everyone relaxed. Park only in designated spaces, because parking outside them may lead to penalties, and note that in cities, parking often costs money by the hour. Many hotels offer parking, so confirm when you book.

In snowy areas, winter tires or tire chains are required for safe driving, and the rental company can advise you on conditions. If you plan a winter trip to a mountain region, ask about equipment when you reserve, and allow extra time for travel. The JAF also publishes a multi-language guide to the rules of the road, which is a useful read before you set out.

Hokkaido is a favorite for road trips, with wide landscapes, farmland, coastal views and plenty of space. Okinawa's islands offer sea views and easy navigation, while parts of Kyushu, Shikoku and the Tohoku region have beautiful mountain and coastal routes. The All Japan Rent-a-Car Association publishes recommended scenic routes in several languages, which can inspire an itinerary.

Plan realistic distances. Mountain roads are slower than they look on a map, and stops for food, views and rest take time. Aim for a few hours of driving per day, fill the tank before reaching remote areas, and arrive at your lodging before dark when possible. Keep some cash for small shops and parking lots in rural places.

Finally, remember that you do not have to choose between trains and cars. Combining the two is often the best plan, with a Shinkansen to a regional hub and a rental car from there.

Quick takeaways

Renting a car in Japan can be a wonderful way to reach countryside beauty. Prepare your International Driving Permit or translation in advance, choose a compact car, ask for an ETC card, and remember that traffic drives on the left. Follow the rules, keep a relaxed pace and enjoy service areas and roadside stations along the way.

With careful preparation, a few days behind the wheel can be a highlight of your trip. The roads are well maintained, drivers are courteous, and the reward is a more personal experience of Japan's landscapes.