While Japan’s urban areas have well-developed public transportation networks, traveling by car is convenient when moving around the suburbs or countryside. However, many may find it challenging for foreigners to use a car in Japan.
This article provides a straightforward explanation of what foreigners need to know to use a rental car. This guide is helpful for foreigners who want to enjoy their stay in Japan comfortably and for Japanese hosts inviting foreign guests.
Documents Required for Renting a Car
Foreigners need only three documents to rent a car in Japan:
- A valid driver’s license in Japan
- A residence card or passport
- A credit card
If you hold a driver’s license from Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, or Monaco, you must carry your home country’s driver’s license, a Japanese translation of the license, and your passport. Ensure that the Japanese translation of your driver’s license is issued by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) or an embassy, not a self-translation.
Moreover, since payments for rental cars in Japan are generally made by credit card, it is advisable for those without a credit card to obtain one.
Procedure from Application to Use
First, prepare a valid driver’s license in Japan.
- Japanese driver’s license
- International driving permit (Geneva Convention)
- Foreign driver’s license + Japanese translation (issued by JAF or the embassy)
*Note: This is limited to licenses issued in Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, or Monaco.
Once you have obtained a valid driver’s license in Japan, prepare your passport and credit card as well. You will need to submit copies of these documents when renting a car. Many companies accept credit cards issued overseas.
Next, reserve a rental car through a rental car reservation site. Rental car sites that support foreign languages will be introduced in the later section.
If you have prepared your identification, a valid driver’s license in Japan, and a credit card, you can rent a car on the same day.
When returning the rental car, fill the gas tank and return the car to the designated location by the scheduled return time. You may be charged an overtime fee if you exceed the scheduled time.
Japanese Traffic Rules to Keep in Mind
When using a rental car in Japan, be sure to understand Japanese traffic rules and etiquette.
- Cars in Japan have right-hand drive, and traffic runs on the left side of the road.
- Pay particular attention to potential accidents when making left turns.
- On Japanese roads, pedestrians have the right of way, even where there are no traffic signals or pedestrian crossings.
- Aggressive lane changes and overtaking are prohibited.
- Honking the horn for purposes other than avoiding danger is also prohibited by law.
- Highways in Japan are toll roads; familiarize yourself with ETC rules .
- The speed limit on highways is generally 100 km/h unless otherwise specified. Exceeding this speed may result in penalties.
- Most signs and billboards in Japan are in Japanese only. It is necessary to learn the meanings of these signs and billboards.
Rental Car Reservation Sites That Support English
Nissan Rent-A-Car
At Nissan Rent-A-Car, you can make reservations from the English support page. Reservations can also be made online from the Traditional Chinese page. Additionally, for an extra fee, you can use an English navigation system, which is a great feature.
This rental car service is perfect for those who love Nissan cars.
Toyota Rent-A-Lease
Toyota Rent-A-Lease offers an online reservation and payment site called “Rent A Car Japan” for foreign visitors to Japan, which is very popular and has many repeat customers.
The “omotenashi” hospitality unique to Japanese companies is highly appreciated.
Nippon Rent-A-Car
This service is operated by one of Japan’s leading rental car companies. The strength of Nippon Rent-A-Car lies in the large number of offices it operates. Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Kansai International Airport have 24-hour offices, making it convenient to use without worrying about the time (New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido and Fukuoka Airport are open until 11 PM).
In 2016, the reservation site was renewed to a multilingual global site, so overseas customers can make reservations with confidence.
Times Car Rental
This service is operated by the highly reliable major rental car company, Times. It supports not only English but also Chinese. The wide variety of car models available, from compact cars to sports cars and luxury cars, is also attractive.
They provide 24-hour emergency support services in English and other languages, so you can use the service without worry in case of a breakdown or accident.
ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car
ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car is a long-term rental car company characterized by its extensive English support. They partner with an insurance company that provides 24-hour English support for accident handling, allowing foreigners to use rental cars with peace of mind.
Each customer is assigned a dedicated English-speaking staff member, making it an ideal choice for foreign residents who need support with their unfamiliar life in Japan. The range of car models includes everything from compact cars to luxury SUVs.
Support System of ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car
ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car offers the following support system:
- English support from reception staff and insurance company representatives
- Each customer is assigned a dedicated staff member, ensuring smooth communication
- Partnerships with rental car companies nationwide, allowing for car arrangements not just in Tokyo but across Japan
- Invoice payments available for corporate customers *As a general rule, other rental car companies require payment by the driver’s credit card before the ride.
Additionally, ASAHI MOTOR GROUP offers on-site driving lessons, allowing you to receive driving instruction near your home before driving in unfamiliar Japan. They can teach you about Japanese road rules, how to read signs, and how to use gas stations in English.
Summary
All you need to rent a car as a foreigner in Japan is an international driving permit and a credit card. In some cases, you might also need an ID and a foreign driver’s license with a translation. There is no screening process, and you can apply on the same day by completing the procedure at the store.
When purchasing a car or arranging a lease in Japan, preparing the necessary documents can be very complicated and may take several months. In such cases, consider using a long-term rental car.
However, be aware that even if the reservation site supports English, the store or the staff might not. In Japan, it is common for staff in various stores, not just rental car companies, to not provide service in English.
If you want to choose a rental car company where the staff can also speak English, ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car is recommended. Each customer is assigned a dedicated representative, who supports them with their unfamiliar life in Japan, making it an ideal choice for foreigners.
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