Car rental in Japan

Japan Car Hire

Check live prices from 158+ pickup points — airports, cities and train stations. Free cancellation on most bookings.

Drive onLeft
MotorwayUp to 100 km/h
Alcohol limit0,0 ‰
Min. ageUsually 18+
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Driving in Japan — Rules & Tips

🚦 Traffic Rules

  • Drive on: Left
  • City speed: 40 km/h
  • Rural roads: 80 km/h
  • Motorway: up to 100 km/h
  • Alcohol limit: 0,0 ‰
  • Emergency: 112

🪪 Pickup & Requirements

  • ID + license: always required
  • Deposit: usually required
  • Credit card: commonly needed
  • Fuel policy: full-to-full is standard
  • Tolls/fees: may apply
  • Winter: plan for weather conditions

💸 Save Money

  • Book 2–4 weeks ahead for the best rates.
  • Compare the total price — not just the headline number.
  • Choose full-to-full fuel to avoid hidden charges.
  • Film the car at pickup. Seriously — it takes 30 seconds.

About Renting a Car in Japan

Three things that make the biggest difference for price, peace of mind and zero hassle.

Total Price & Terms

Compare excess amounts, fuel policies and what's actually included. A cheap headline rate can turn expensive at the counter if you're not careful.

Insurance

Check what's covered and how high the excess is. The right level of protection often costs less than an unpleasant surprise at drop-off.

Right Pickup Point

Airport, city center or station — pick the location that saves you time. Time is money, especially on holiday.

Find Your Pickup Point

Airports in Japan (48)

Tokyo Airport Narita (NRT) 11 rental companies
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) 10 rental companies
Chitose Airport (CTS) 9 rental companies
Fukuoka Airport (FUK) 9 rental companies
Naha Airport (OKA) 9 rental companies
Osaka Airport Kansai (KIX) 9 rental companies
Nagasaki Airport (NGS) 8 rental companies
Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) 7 rental companies
Miyazaki Prefecture Airport (KMI) 7 rental companies
Oita Airport (OIT) 7 rental companies
Asahikawa Station Airport (AKJ) 6 rental companies
Hakodate Airport (HKD) 6 rental companies
Kumamoto Airport (KMJ) 6 rental companies
Kushiro Airport (KUH) 6 rental companies
Matsuyama Airport (MYJ) 6 rental companies
Obihiro Airport (OBO) 6 rental companies
Osaka International Airport (ITM) 6 rental companies
Ozora Memanbetsu Airport (MMB) 6 rental companies
Saga Airport (HSG) (HSG) 6 rental companies
Sendai virus Airport (SDJ) 6 rental companies
Chubu Airport (NGO) 6 rental companies
Akita Airport (AXT) 5 rental companies
Aomori Airport (AOJ) 5 rental companies
Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) 5 rental companies
Ishigaki Airport (ISG) 5 rental companies
Komatsu Limited Airport (KMQ) 5 rental companies
Okayama Airport (OKJ) 5 rental companies
Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) (FSZ) 5 rental companies
Takamatsu Airport (TAK) 5 rental companies
Iwakuni Airport (IWK) (IWK) 4 rental companies
Misawa Airport (MSJ) (MSJ) 4 rental companies
Miyako Airport (MMY) (MMY) 4 rental companies
Nanki-Shirahama Airport (SHM) 4 rental companies
Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB) 3 rental companies
Tokushima Airport (TKS) 3 rental companies
Yakushima Airport (KUM) 3 rental companies
Kitakyūshū-shi Airport (KKJ) 2 rental companies
Kochi Airport (KCZ) 2 rental companies
Niigata Airport (KIJ) 2 rental companies
Tottori Airport (TTJ) 2 rental companies
Toyama Airport (TOY) 2 rental companies
Ube Airport (UBJ) 2 rental companies
Wakkanai Airport (WKJ) 2 rental companies
Izumo Airport (IZO) 1 rental companies
Kobe Airport (UKB) 1 rental companies
Miyako Shimojishima Airport (SHI) (SHI) 1 rental companies
Sakata Shonai Airport (SYO) 1 rental companies
Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD) 1 rental companies

City & Station Locations (110)

Asahikawa Station Train Station City Center · 6 companies
Fukuoka Hakata Train Station City Center · 6 companies
Hakodate Train Station City Center · 6 companies
Naha Center City Center · 6 companies
Odawara Train Station City Center · 6 companies
Sapporo Train Station City Center · 6 companies
Fujikawaguchiko Kawaguchiko Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Gotemba Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Shin-Hakodate-hokuto Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Kagoshima East City Center · 5 companies
Kanazawa Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Kumamoto Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Kyoto, Japan Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Nagano Center City Center · 5 companies
Osaka Shin Osaka Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Sapporo Atsubetsu Ward City Center · 5 companies
Takamatsu Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Takasaki Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Tokyo Ueno Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Tokyo Yaesu Train Station City Center · 5 companies
Aomori Center City Center · 4 companies
Aomori Ishie City Center · 4 companies
Atami Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Fukuoka Hakata Ward City Center · 4 companies
Karuizawa distillery Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Matsumoto Center City Center · 4 companies
Morioka Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Nagasaki Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Nagoya Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Niigata Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Nikkō-shi Tobu Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Osaka Center City Center · 4 companies
Osaka Umeda Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Omiya Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Sendai virus Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Shinagawa Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Tokyo Akihabara Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Tokyo Asakusa Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Tokyo Shibuya Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Tokyo Shinjuku City City Center · 4 companies
Tokyo Toshima City City Center · 4 companies
Utsunomiya Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Yokohama Sakuragicho Train Station City Center · 4 companies
Akita West City Center · 3 companies
Hiroshima Train Station City Center · 3 companies
Kushiro Train Station City Center · 3 companies
Kyoto, Japan Center City Center · 3 companies
Naha Omoromachi City Center · 3 companies
Obihiro Train Station City Center · 3 companies
Okayama Ekimotomachi City Center · 3 companies
Sapporo Center City Center · 3 companies
Sapporo Suskino Train Station City Center · 3 companies
Tokyo Chuo City City Center · 3 companies
Tokyo Ebisu City Center · 3 companies
Tokyo Ginza City Center · 3 companies
Tokyo Nishishinjuku City Center · 3 companies
Tokyo Tashikawa City Center · 3 companies
Toyama Train Station North City Center · 3 companies
Yokohama Train Station City Center · 3 companies
Yokosuka, Japan Center City Center · 3 companies
+ 50 more locations

Frequently Asked Questions — About Renting a Car in Japan

What do I need to rent a car in Japan?+
A valid driver's license and photo ID are always required. Most providers also ask for a credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. Check age requirements and payment terms before you book.
Can I rent without a credit card?+
Some providers accept debit cards, but it's not guaranteed. Many require a credit card for the deposit. Filter by payment options when comparing, and always double-check the fine print.
What does 'full-to-full' fuel policy mean?+
You collect the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and most cost-effective option — and it avoids fuel surcharges at drop-off.
How does insurance and excess work?+
Basic insurance (CDW) is usually included, but the excess — the amount you'd pay in case of damage — can be high. Compare what's covered, especially for glass, tires and underbody damage.
Can I pick up in one city and return in another?+
Yes — one-way rentals are widely available. An extra fee often applies, so always check the total cost before booking.
What's the cancellation policy?+
It depends on the provider and booking type. Many offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. Always confirm the terms in your booking confirmation.

More to Consider When Renting in Japan

✈️ Airport vs City Pickup

Airport desks often have more providers and longer hours. City locations can be more convenient if you're staying centrally — but parking costs add up. Compare both options before deciding.

❄️ Winter Driving

Weather in Japan can change fast. Make sure the car has appropriate tires for the season and check what roadside assistance is included. On longer trips, pay extra attention to insurance cover.

↔️ One-Way Rentals

Picking up in one city and dropping off in another can work brilliantly — but it may cost extra. Check the "one-way fee" before confirming so there are no surprises on the bill.

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158+ locations across Japan. Enter your dates and see what's on offer.

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