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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Japan
Japan
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Japan
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Japan
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Japan
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Japan?
Japan, with its captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, offers an unparalleled travel experience. While Japan's public transport is renowned for its efficiency, renting a car unlocks a different level of exploration, granting you the freedom to delve into the country's hidden gems and scenic landscapes at your own pace.
Unparalleled Flexibility. Escape the constraints of train schedules and bus routes. A rental car empowers you to craft your itinerary, stopping at charming roadside attractions and picturesque viewpoints as you please.
Access to Remote Regions. Venture beyond the major cities and uncover the untouched beauty of Japan's countryside. Explore the serene mountains of Hokkaido, the dramatic coastlines of Shikoku, or the tranquil villages nestled in the Japanese Alps – all easily accessible with your own vehicle.
Comfort and Convenience. Travel in comfort and style, carrying your luggage with ease. Ideal for families or groups, a rental car provides a relaxing and convenient way to navigate Japan's diverse landscapes.
Scenic Road Trips. Immerse yourself in Japan's breathtaking scenery, driving along winding coastal roads, through lush forests, and past iconic landmarks. Create unforgettable memories as you embark on a personalised road trip adventure.
Driving in Japan: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Left hand side
Speed limit within city centre
40-50 km/h or 25-31 mph
Languages
Japanese
Average petrol price
¥160 per litre or ¥606 per gallon (approximately)
Speed limit outside the city
80-100 km/h or 50-62 mph
Currency
Japanese Yen
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.03%
Score
8.5/10
Dialling Code
+81
Driving in Japan offers a unique perspective on this fascinating country. However, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here's what you need to know before hitting the road.
1. General Driving Rules Drive on the left side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
- Headlights
- Seatbelts
2. Speed Limits Speed limits are strictly enforced. Pay attention to posted signs. Generally, the speed limit is 40-50 km/h in urban areas and 80-100 km/h on highways.
- Urban Areas
- Highways
3. Parking Parking can be challenging in major cities. Look for designated parking areas or parking garages. Avoid parking on the street where it is prohibited.
- Designated Areas
- Parking Garages
4. Toll Roads Many expressways in Japan are toll roads. You can pay tolls with cash or an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card.
- Cash Payments
- ETC Cards
5. International Driving Permit If you are not a resident of Japan, you will likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your driver's licence from your home country. Check the specific requirements based on your nationality.
- IDP Requirements
- Licence Validity
Top drives in Japan:
Japan offers some of the most beautiful scenic routes in the world, giving you a great way to see all sides of this great country.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your vacation is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice.
Car Rental Prices in Japan – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £30 / $38 / €34
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Japan
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (March-May & September-November): Prices start at approximately £55 / $69 / €63 per day. These months coincide with cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, drawing many tourists.
Low season (December to February): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €34 per day. This is the winter season in Japan, with colder temperatures and less tourist traffic.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Japan
Renting a car in Japan can be an affordable way to see the country. Here are some ways to help you save some money on your car rental.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season, can significantly lower your costs.
2. Compare Prices & Look for Discounts.: Utilise online comparison tools to scout for the best rates across various rental companies. Look for discounts for memberships, loyalty programmes, or specific affiliations.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Select a vehicle size that fits your travel needs. A smaller, more fuel-efficient car will save you money on fuel costs.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Assess your existing insurance coverage to avoid unnecessary additional insurance fees from the rental company.
5. Stick to a Single Driver.: Minimise additional driver fees by designating a single driver whenever possible.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Fill up the gas tank before returning the vehicle to avoid inflated refuelling charges from the rental company.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Japan?
Renting a car in Japan is a straightforward process, but you will need to have a couple of things in order. Here is what you will need to rent a car in Japan:
Valid Driver’s Licence – A valid driver's licence from your home country is required. Additionally, most nationalities will need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Minimum Age Requirement – The minimum age to rent a car in Japan is typically 18 years old, although some rental companies may have higher age requirements or charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
Credit Card – A valid credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
Passport – A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Japan as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Japan was amazing! Relaxing by the coast was perfect, though the food portions were sometimes smaller than expected.
Evelyn Carter
Reviewed: 24.04.2025
Fantastic weekend trip! Exploring the countryside with a car was incredibly convenient. So much beauty and history packed into such a short time.
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 19.03.2025
Japan was a dream! So easy to explore with a car.
David Miller
Reviewed: 21.09.2024
Such a memorable spontaneous trip! Driving around Japan was surprisingly easy and made exploring so much fun. The scenery was breathtaking.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 18.01.2025
Pretty good, actually
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 14.11.2024
I heard so much about Japan, and it exceeded expectations! Driving around was wonderfully freeing and efficient.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 21.07.2025
Summer in Japan was incredible! Having a car made exploring the countryside so easy. The only downside? Public transport was way more frequent in the cities than I expected.
Benjamin Garcia
Reviewed: 11.11.2024
Pretty chill, yeah
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 12.02.2025