Is it worth renting a car in Japan to see the countryside?

Weigh the freedom of a rental car against its costs and rules, and learn which licence papers visitors need before driving in rural Japan.

Published October 21, 2026 at 6:48 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Often yes, if you want to reach rural areas where trains and buses are infrequent, such as Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and parts of Okinawa. Drivers need valid papers, usually an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention, and must drive on the left. For cities and routes along the Shinkansen, trains are usually easier and cheaper.

When a rental car is worth it

A rental car makes the most sense where public transport is thin. The Japan National Tourism Organization notes that outside major cities a rental car can sometimes be the most convenient and economical form of transport, especially for groups, and it describes Hokkaido and Okinawa as much more accessible by car, with generally easy roads. Rural Kyushu and Shikoku are similar, with scenic coasts, small towns and mountain roads that trains and buses cover only partly.

Cars also help when the plan includes onsen villages, trailheads, farm stays, scenic drives or sights spread across a large area. A car lets a group set its own schedule, stop at viewpoints and carry luggage without worrying about connections.

For Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other large cities, a car is rarely helpful. Trains are fast and frequent, parking is hard to find and expensive, and the Shinkansen links the main cities efficiently. Many travelers combine the two, taking trains between regions and renting a car only for the rural leg.

What licence papers are needed

Visitors need a licence that Japan recognizes. According to the tourism organization, most travelers use an International Driving Permit, issued in the home country by its authorized body, usually a national automobile association, under the 1949 Geneva Convention. The permit must be the paper booklet type, since card-style and smartphone versions are not accepted, and it is valid for one year from issue and one year from arrival in Japan.

Drivers from a small number of places, namely Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan, can instead carry their original licence together with an official Japanese translation. The Japan Automobile Federation, known as JAF, explains that translation applications are made online from within Japan and take a few business days to about two weeks depending on the country.

Rules differ by nationality and can change, so check the requirements with the Japan Automobile Federation, the National Police Agency or the rental company before traveling. Bring the passport, home licence and permit when collecting the car.

Rules of the road in Japan

Traffic in Japan drives on the left, and drivers and cyclists keep to the left while pedestrians keep to the right side of the road, under Japan's general traffic rules. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt. Without posted signs, speed limits are 60 kilometers per hour on ordinary roads and 100 kilometers per hour on expressways. Driving after drinking alcohol is prohibited, as is using a mobile device while driving.

At railway crossings drivers stop at the line and check for trains. Where snow falls, winter tires or chains are required, and carrying snow chains and driving gently on ice and snow is sensible. Parking outside designated spaces can lead to penalties, so use paid lots or hotel parking.

Fuel stations commonly use self-service pumps, and the nozzle color indicates the fuel: red for regular gasoline, yellow for high octane and green for diesel. Confirm the correct fuel with the rental staff, since filling the wrong type can damage the engine.

Costs and tolls

Rental rates vary by car size, season and location. The tourism organization's rental page lists example daily rates that rise with car size, excluding fuel, but prices change, so check current rates with the rental company. Insurance with a minimum level of coverage is required, and many travelers add extra protection offered by the rental counter.

Expressways charge tolls, paid in cash or by card at staffed gates, or automatically with an ETC card that rental offices can supply for a fee. Regional expressway passes, sold only to international visitors, cover areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku and Kyushu, though availability and conditions change.

A long drive can cost more than expected once fuel, tolls, parking and any one-way drop-off fee are added. Travelers should compare the total with train or bus fares and the value of saved time.

Who it suits, and who should skip it

Families with young children, groups of three or four, and travelers carrying camping or photo gear often find a car practical, as costs are shared and luggage is easy to carry. Older travelers who dislike waiting for infrequent buses can also benefit, provided they are comfortable driving on the left on unfamiliar roads.

Solo travelers on a budget and those who plan to stay in big cities may do better without one. Anyone uneasy about driving abroad, or traveling in winter conditions, can look at trains, local buses and taxis, or guided tours that reach rural areas.

Driving can be tiring after long flights, so many visitors rest first and pick up the car a day or two later. Drivers must also be able to handle narrow roads, mountain curves, tunnels and snow in season.

Common mistakes

A frequent mistake is arriving without the correct permit. Without a valid IDP or an accepted translation, rental companies will usually refuse the booking, and the trip plan can collapse. Another is assuming that a digital permit or an expired one is enough, or forgetting that the validity runs from the date of entry into Japan.

Travelers also overestimate how quickly roads are traveled. Mountain roads, speed limits and rural traffic can make a drive take longer than a map app suggests. Main roads usually have English signs, but rural areas often do not, so a navigation system that can be set to English, which some rental cars offer when asked, is useful.

Others forget about winter. Snow and ice make rural roads difficult from late autumn into spring in many regions, so ask about winter tires and chains when booking, and avoid mountain passes during storms or when local warnings are in force.

Planning tips and wrap-up

Book the car and ETC card in advance for busy seasons, and confirm the pick-up and drop-off locations. Check that the rental includes a navigation system with English, a child seat if needed, and coverage for the roads planned. Roadside stations, called Michi-no-Eki, offer rest stops, local products and route information along many highways.

Mix modes when sensible. Use trains for long distances, then rent for the final stretch. Download offline maps and keep a phone mount. Fill the tank before returning the car if the rental terms require it.

Rental cars can turn the Japanese countryside into an easy and flexible trip, provided the paperwork and rules are handled first. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do visitors from the United States need an International Driving Permit in Japan?

The tourism organization says the permit must come from a country that participates in the 1949 Geneva Convention, and the United States is generally listed among the countries that issue permits under that convention. Visitors should confirm current requirements with the permit issuer, JAF or the rental company before traveling.

Is it hard to drive on the left?

It takes some adjustment, especially at left and right turns, where the tourism organization notes many accidents happen. Many rental cars are automatic, which helps, and rural roads are less busy than city streets. A quiet first hour, careful turns and a navigation system make the start easier.

Can visitors take a rental car on a ferry or to other islands?

Some ferries carry cars, and rental companies set their own rules about where cars may go. Travelers should ask the rental company before booking, because drop-off rules, fees and insurance may differ. Many visitors simply rent a separate car on each island.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Building a Life in Japan is available on Amazon.

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