Have you ever traveled in Japan with two families or a group of friends, only to find that a 5-seater or even a 7-seater car simply isn’t enough for all the passengers and luggage? In such cases, renting a microbus or minibus can be the perfect solution. However, renting a bus in Japan comes with important considerations, such as license requirements, reservation conditions, and limited vehicle availability.
This article provides a clear guide for foreigners on how to rent a microbus or minibus in Japan. It covers the types of licenses you need, information on rental companies, and practical alternative options to consider.
How Foreigners Can Rent a Microbus or Minibus in Japan
It is possible for foreigners to rent a microbus or minibus in Japan, but there are several conditions and restrictions. First, you need to understand both the type of International Driving Permit (IDP) you hold and how it matches Japan’s license categories. In addition, only a limited number of rental car companies offer these vehicles, and availability is low. This makes securing a reservation—especially during peak travel seasons—quite difficult.
What Is a Microbus or Minibus?
Microbus
- Capacity: about 18–21 passengers (including driver)
- Examples: Toyota Coaster, Nissan Civilian
- Main uses: sightseeing tours, group transportation, event shuttles
Minibus
(often used internationally; in Japan this term usually refers to smaller van-type vehicles)
- Capacity: about 10–14 passengers
- Example: Toyota Hiace Commuter edition
What Type of International License Do You Need? (IDP Explained)
- Class B (Standard License)
: Allows driving vehicles with up to 10 seats. A 10-seater Toyota Hiace falls within this category. - Class D (Bus License)
: Required for vehicles with more than 9 passengers. A microbus with 18–21 seats requires a Class D license.
In Japan, vehicles with up to 10 seats are legally classified as standard passenger cars, meaning they can be driven with a Class B license.
Rental Companies Offering Microbus and Minibus Rentals (English Support and Rates)
| Company | English Support | Vehicle Example | Approx. Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Rent a Car | △ (only some branches) |
Toyota Coaster | ¥35,000–45,000 |
| Nippon Rent a Car | △ (only some branches) |
Toyota Coaster | ¥33,000–50,000 |
| Orix Rent a Car | 〇 (major city branches) |
Toyota Coaster | ¥30,000–45,000 |
| Local Tourist Bus Companies | △～〇 | Toyota Coaster | Inquiry required |
During peak travel seasons, reservations are often fully booked months in advance. In addition, even with a valid Class D International Driving Permit (IDP), some companies may refuse to rent microbuses to foreign drivers.
Limited Availability and Rental Restrictions
- Nationwide, the number of microbuses available for rent is very limited.
- Reservations are especially difficult during the busy spring, summer, and autumn travel seasons.
- Due to the large vehicle size and higher driving risks, some companies do not allow foreign visitors to rent these vehicles.
10-Seater Toyota Hiace Drivable with a Class B IDP
Under Japanese law, vehicles with up to 10 seats are classified as standard passenger cars. This means they can be driven with a Class B International Driving Permit. A 10-seater Toyota Hiace is therefore a practical choice: it can comfortably accommodate larger groups, is easier to handle compared to a microbus, and is much simpler to park.
Hiace Rentals from ASAHI MOTORS
ASAHI MOTORS offers 10-seater Toyota Hiace rentals specifically for international visitors.
- Drivable with a Class B International Driving Permit
- Rates: ¥22,000 per day / ¥110,000 per week / ¥190,000 per month (all insurance and taxes included)
- English support available, with 24-hour multilingual emergency assistance
- Flexible vehicle pick-up and drop-off at hotels, airports, train stations, and other requested locations
Comparison with a Bus
| Vehicle Type | Seating Capacity | Required License | Approx. Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microbus | 18–21 passengers | Class D IDP | ¥30,000–50,000 + insurance |
| Toyota Hiace | 10 passengers | Class B IDP | ¥22,000 (including insurance and tax) |
Contact Us！
Even if microbus or minibus rentals are not available, a Toyota Hiace can be arranged quickly and easily. Inquiries in English are always welcome. Please reach out via the ASAHI MOTORS Contact Page.
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