How do I fill up at a gas station in Japan?

Learn the difference between full-service and self-service stations, what the red, yellow and green nozzles mean, and how to refuel a rental car step by step.

Published October 20, 2026 at 7:13 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Japan has full-service stations, where an attendant fills the tank, and self-service stations, where you pump yourself. Nozzle colors are standard: red for regular gasoline, yellow for high-octane and green for diesel. Check your rental car's fuel type before filling, and expect to return the car with a full tank unless the rental company says otherwise.

Two kinds of gas station

Gas stations in Japan come in two main types. At a full-service station, an attendant guides you to a pump and fills the tank for you, and Japan's national tourism organization says that you can simply say "mantan" (full tank) to request that. At a self-service station you fill the car yourself. The Sapporo city tourism site notes that both kinds exist in Hokkaido, and that regular gasoline is the usual choice at self-service pumps.

Self-service stations have a sign at the entrance that uses the word "self" in Japanese characters, which the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) points out in its English guide. Some stations have pumps that are not meant for self-service, and drivers should not use those. If a station looks unfamiliar, choose a full-service lane or ask an attendant, who is usually nearby.

Which fuel is which

Japanese pumps use color coding. JAF and the Sapporo tourism site both say the nozzle for regular gasoline is red, the nozzle for high-octane (premium) gasoline is yellow, and the nozzle for diesel is green. Japan's tourism organization repeats the same scheme, and the Sapporo page stresses that you should be sure to use the right one.

Many rental cars run on regular gasoline, but hybrids, vans and some larger vehicles may differ, and diesel models exist. Ask the rental staff at pickup which fuel the car needs, and look for a label near the fuel cap or on the inside of the fuel door. JAF advises confirming whether your car takes gasoline or diesel and taking extra care with a rental car or on a first visit to a self-service station.

Self-service step by step

Following JAF's guidance, park beside the pump, put the car in park, turn off the engine and unlock the fuel door with the switch inside the car. Close the windows and doors when you step out. Touch the anti-static mat, or a metal part of the car if there is no mat, before opening the fuel cap. This discharges static electricity.

Next, wait for the attendant in the control booth to confirm that it is safe to start, then choose the correct nozzle. Insert it fully, squeeze the trigger until it clicks, and let it run. The flow stops automatically when the tank is full. Return the nozzle when you finish. If the pump shuts off right away, ask the attendant how to fill the tank. Do not smoke or use any lighter near fuel, including the car's own cigarette lighter, and keep children away from the fuel port.

Paying, prices and returning a rental car

Payment methods differ by station, and the official pages read for this guide do not lay out one system for every pump. Many self-service stations take payment at the pump or at a machine, and some stations allow payment with an attendant. Follow the on-screen instructions or the attendant's directions, and keep cash and a card handy. If a machine looks confusing, press the call button or ask the control booth for help.

Fuel prices vary by station, region and over time, so there is no single price to quote. The tourism organization lists petrol as one of the main costs of renting a car, along with tolls, taxes and insurance. Check the price displayed on the sign at the station entrance before you pull in, and keep receipts if the rental company asks for proof of refueling.

Japan's tourism organization notes that rental companies usually expect a full tank on return, so note stations near your return point. Rental companies may have their own rules, such as refueling within a certain distance of the return office, so read your contract and ask staff. Some companies may charge a refueling fee if the car is not full. Keep your last receipt from the station nearest to the return point, and leave time to find one, since areas around airports and train stations may have few stations. Use a navigation system or a map to find the nearest station, and avoid arriving right before closing time.

Who needs extra care and where fuel is scarce

Fuel can be harder to find in rural areas. The Sapporo tourism site says some Sapporo stations are open around the clock, but in rural areas with less traffic, most stations close around 18:00 and some close on weekends. Japan's tourism organization likewise warns that rural stations often close at night. Fill up early, especially in Hokkaido, in mountain areas and on long road trips.

On expressways, JAF notes that some stretches have no service stations, so refuel in advance. Travelers who are nervous about self-service can use full-service stations in cities, where they are common. Families should keep children inside the car or at a safe distance, and everyone should avoid using phones near the pump.

Common mistakes

The most serious mistake is using the wrong fuel. Putting diesel in a gasoline car, or the reverse, can damage the engine and is costly to fix. Always check the fuel type and the nozzle color before you pull the trigger. If you realize that you put the wrong fuel in, stop and call the rental company's emergency line before driving.

Other mistakes include leaving the engine running, forgetting to touch the anti-static mat, and arriving late at night in a rural area. Some visitors also forget that the rental company expects a full tank. Read the instructions on the pump, and if you are unsure, wait for the attendant.

Planning tips and next steps

Before your trip, note the fuel type of your rental car, the nearest station to the return point, and the expected closing times in rural areas. Keep a small amount of cash for stations that do not take cards, and make a note of the rental company's emergency number. Plan to refuel when the tank is a quarter full, rather than waiting for the warning light.

Practices at individual stations can vary, so follow the signs and staff instructions, and when in doubt, ask an attendant before you fill. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does mantan mean at a gas station?

Mantan is the Japanese word for a full tank. At a full-service station, saying "mantan" tells the attendant to fill the tank, according to Japan's national tourism organization. You can also say the fuel type, such as regular, if you know it. The attendant will usually handle the rest and tell you the amount.

Is it legal to pump gas into a container yourself?

JAF's guidance says not to pour gasoline into containers yourself. If you need fuel for a portable container or for equipment, ask the station staff how they handle such requests rather than filling it on your own. Rules at individual stations differ, and safety comes first.

Are gas stations open 24 hours in Japan?

Some are, but many are not. The Sapporo tourism site says some stations in the city are open around the clock, while in rural areas most close around 18:00 and some are closed on weekends. Fill up early in the day and check the hours of stations along your route.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book 99 Things Japan Does Better Than Anyone Else is available on Amazon.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Is it worth renting a car in Japan to see the countryside?, How do toll roads and ETC cards work in Japan? and Setting Up Electricity, Gas and Water in a Japanese Home.