This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Driving in Japan gives you freedom to explore beyond the cities, from quiet countryside towns to scenic coastal roads. Here’s what we learned as a family renting and driving cars across Japan.

A white HYBRID minivan, highlighted in this Japan driving guide, is parked indoors near a garage or service area, with reflections visible on its windows and body.

Who Can Drive in Japan

Before planning a road trip, make sure you’re eligible to drive. Most visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you must obtain in your home country before arriving in Japan. If you’re from a country that signed the 1949 Geneva Convention, an IDP is valid for one year from its issue date or from your entry into Japan.

Drivers from Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, or Estonia can use their home license with an official Japanese translation. These translations are available through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

In the US, we’ve applied for ours at our local AAA office. The process is quick and only takes about 20 minutes, including taking photos.

Renting a Car in Japan

A brightly lit Toyota Rent a Car and Hertz rental office at night in Japan, with green and white signage and large windows showing the interior counter—an ideal stop for travelers following a japan driving guide.

Car Rental Companies

We’ve rented from several companies in Japan, and the cars are almost always well-maintained and very clean. We usually book through Toyota Rent a Car since its branches are conveniently close to all the large train stations.

Recently, we’ve also been using Rakuten Car Rental, which works like an aggregator and lets us compare different companies for better pricing and car types. One thing to note is that rental cars in Japan are often a bit older, so many don’t have CarPlay. To make things easier, we always pack a car phone holder and a USB charger just in case.

The Rental Process

A U.S. International Driving Permit booklet, perfect as a Japan driving guide, issued in Foster City, California on October 27, 2017, with a $20 fee stamp and an official signature, resting on a textured white surface.

Bring both your passport and IDP. The staff will make copies of both before giving you the car. Most rental offices in touristy areas have English support, and you don’t need to speak Japanese to complete the process.

We always inspect the car for scratches or dents before leaving. We walk around the car and record any damage with our phones so we won’t be held responsible later.

When you refill the tank before returning the car, make sure to keep the receipt. The rental staff will usually ask to see it as proof.

Rental Costs

Compact cars start around ¥7,500 per day, while wagons can be ¥12,000 or more. Prices stay fairly consistent, so booking last-minute doesn’t usually cost extra. If you plan to rent a car around holiday time, do it early, as vehicles often run out.

Optional Add-Ons

  • Insurance (Exclusion of Liability & Non-Operation Exemption): Around ¥1,620 per 24 hours. We always add this for peace of mind.
  • ETC Card: About ¥330 to rent. Essential for highway tolls, saving both time and hassle.
  • JAF Membership: Around ¥500. Offers roadside support and small discounts at attractions. AAA members in the US can use their card in Japan for the same benefits.

When to Rent A Car in Japan

For major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, we don’t recommend it—public transportation is far more convenient and affordable. But in rural areas, a car is invaluable.

Here’s when it’s worth having one:

  • Traveling in hot, rainy, or snowy weather
  • Exploring areas with limited train or bus access
  • Carrying luggage, strollers, or sports gear
  • Saving money compared to multiple taxi rides
  • Enjoying road trip snacks from convenience stores

Tips for Driving in Japan

Adjusting to the Roads

Driving on the left is easier than expected, though the turn signal and wiper controls are reversed compared to US cars. Streets are narrow, so drive slowly and watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and children.

Navigation

A car GPS navigation screen displays a map with a blue route line, local landmarks, Japanese text, and estimated arrival time of 10:31. Several control buttons are visible below the map, making it ideal for any japan driving guide.

Most rental cars include built-in navigation that can switch to English. Searching by phone number works best. Google Maps is reliable, but it can lag in dense urban areas. We keep both open, but trust the in-car system first.

Unlike the US, about half of the cars we rent do not have CarPlay, so I always bring my own phone mount, just in case.

Road Rules to Remember

A street scene in Japan with cars driving, buildings and apartments on both sides, Japanese signs, utility poles, and pedestrians on the sidewalk under a partly cloudy sky—a perfect setting for a japan driving guide.
  • No turn on red.
  • Never drink and drive—penalties are extremely strict.
  • Use arrows at intersections, not just light colors.
  • Honking is rare.
  • Highways usually limit speeds to 80 kph (50 mph), though many cars flow at 90–105 kph (56–65 mph).

Fuel and Gas Stations

A white car is refueling at a Shell gas station, assisted by two attendants. There are buildings and a blue car in the background, with a Bridgestone sign visible—a typical scene you might find in any japan driving guide.

Full-service stations are still common. Attendants will guide you in and handle fueling. Regular gas is marked in orange, while blue pumps are for diesel. When you refill, they’ll ask what type of gas you like. Just say regular. Remember to keep the receipt as the rental car company will ask for it as proof of fueling up nearby.

Parking

A white hybrid car is parked in a space with a green and yellow parking lock raised under the front passenger side, a common sight featured in many Japan driving guide tips for secure urban parking.

Parking lots often use a locking bar that rises under the car. Pay at the central machine before leaving. Fees vary widely, from ¥500 for short stays to ¥2,500 for full-day parking in busy areas.

Is Driving in Japan Worth It?

Cars wait at a traffic light on a city street bordered by buildings, shrubs, and trees. A blue and red no parking sign is visible, the sky partly cloudy—a typical scene from any japan driving guide, complete with Japanese license plates.

If you’re exploring beyond the cities, we would recommend renting a car. For countryside trips, hidden hot spring towns, or coastal drives, a rental car gives you unmatched flexibility and comfort.

It’s not the cheapest option, but being able to stop for scenery, stock up on snacks, and travel at your own pace makes it a memorable part of any Japan trip.

Places to Explore with A Car

If you’re planning a driving adventure in Japan, these destinations are especially enjoyable with a rental car:

  • Hakone – Scenic drives around Lake Ashi and easy access to hot springs, museums, and Mount Fuji views.
  • Izu Peninsula – Coastal roads, beaches, and fresh seafood make this a fantastic road trip destination from Tokyo.
  • Hokkaido Countryside – Wide open roads, national parks, and dairy farms are best explored by car, especially in summer.
  • Kyushu – From Mount Aso’s volcanic landscapes to hot spring towns like Beppu and Yufuin, Kyushu is ideal for road trips.

More to Explore Nearby

Driving allows you to explore the vast, remote, and naturally rugged areas of Japan that are inaccessible by train. Use your rental car to access distant national parks and scenic coastal regions far from the Shinkansen lines.

  • Hokkaido – Explore this vast northern island, where driving is often the most efficient and enjoyable way to travel between major cities and national parks.
  • Okinawa Ocean Expo Park – Reach the Churaumi Aquarium and other scenic spots on the Motobu Peninsula, a region of Okinawa best navigated by car.
  • Fukuoka City – Use this southern city as a logistical base to pick up your rental car before starting a long scenic road trip through the Kyushu region.
  • Essential Japan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors – Review critical logistical information on general planning, transportation alternatives, and cash usage before hitting the road.

Related Posts: