Japan Car Rental FAQ: 40 answers covering costs, licenses, tolls, traffic rules & navigation for a safe and relaxed Japanese road trip.
Driving in Japan? Why? Japan’s rail network is pretty good, but if you want to go further afield, into rural areas, or reach places that are a bit more off the beaten track, you’re probably going to run into problems. The bus network out in the countryside isn’t that extensive, so renting a car in Japan is definitely the best option.
Driving on the left with a right-hand-drive car in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka can feel like a bit of a nerve-wracking challenge for Europeans at first, but the slower pace in rural areas, the considerate driving culture, the well-maintained roads, and the generally good to very good signage – often in English – make driving outside major cities quite relaxed. I’ve never come across speeding, reckless overtaking, honking or tailgating. Renting a car in Japan might sound like a strange idea, but it’s actually not as crazy as it seems.
General Information & Costs
How much does a car rental in Japan cost per day?
From €40 / $45 / £35 per day. This price includes unlimited kilometers, comprehensive insurance without deductible, theft protection, and an additional driver.
What kind of car do you get for €40 / $45 / £35 per day?
For example, a Honda Fit Hybrid (known as Honda Jazz in Europe), which only consumes 4 liters per 100 kilometers. All vehicles come with automatic transmission, navigation, and air conditioning.
Which car rental companies are available in Japan?
Major providers include Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan Rent-a-car, and Orix (Sixt partner).
What is the condition of the rental vehicles?
Spotlessly clean and perfectly maintained. All scratches and dents are meticulously documented during pickup and return.
Required Driver’s Licenses and Documents
Do I need an international driver’s license?
– U.S. drivers:
👉 Geneva Convention IDP (1949) + valid U.S. license + passport
– German, Belgian, French, Taiwanese, Estonian, and Swiss drivers:
👉 National driver’s license plus certified translation
– UK citizens:
👉Geneva Convention IDP (1949)+ UK license
– Irish drivers:
👉Geneva Convention IDP (1949)+ Irish license
– Singaporean drivers:
👉 Geneva Convention IDP (1949) + Singapore license and passport
– Australian drivers:
👉 Geneva Convention IDP (1949) + valid license and passport
– Austrians:
👉 International driver’s license plus national driver’s license
The 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is valid for one year. It’s recognized in over 150 countries including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and most Asian and African nations. The 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is valid for three years. It’s primarily recognized in European countries and some South American nations.
Where can I get the certified translation of my driver’s license?
From Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) Offices
Road Tolls and Expressways Passes: What You Need to Know
Are there toll fees in Japan?
Yes, on the expressways. It’s best to use an ETC card with an Expressway Pass.
How much does an Expressway Pass cost?
– Kyushu Expressway Pass (7 days): ¥17,200 – approximately €16 / $16 / £13 per day
– Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP, 7 days): ¥16,000 – approximately €15 / $15 / £12 per day
– Central Nippon Expressway Pass (CEP, 7 days): ¥20,000 – approximately €19 / $19 / £15 per day. Covers the regions around Nagoya, Takayama, and the Japan Alps
– Tohoku Expressway Pass (TEP, 7 days): ¥14,000 – approximately €13 / $13 / £10 per day. Valid for the northeastern region of Honshu
Is the Expressway Pass worth it?
Yes. Example: 300 km from Fukuoka to Kagoshima costs ¥6,500 (€37 / $43 / £34) one-way without a pass. With a pass, you travel much cheaper.
Driving in Japan: How does the ETC system work?
At toll stations, there are special lanes with large purple ETC markings. You enter at 20 km/h and the barrier opens automatically.
Where can I get an ETC card and Expressway Pass?
Available without reservation when picking up the rental car.
Can I pay cash everywhere?
No. More and more exits are „ETC only“ and don’t accept cash.
Driving in Japan: How to Find Your Way
Does the car navigation system work well?
Often problematic, as important menu sections remain in Japanese even with English settings.
What’s the best alternative to the car navigation system?
Install an eSIM with a large data package (e.g., Airalo: 10 GB for €15 / $17 / £13) and navigate with Google Maps on your own phone.
How are destinations often entered in Japan?
Via phone number, as exact addresses can sometimes be difficult.
Driving in Japan: Traffic Rules
What are driving in japan and traffic like in Japan?
Leisurely pace in the countryside, considerate driving, well-maintained roads, and usually good English signage. Speeding, tailgating, and honking are uncommon.
Who has right of way at intersections?
Left-turning vehicles have priority! (Attention: different from many Western countries)
Is there a „right before left“ rule?
No, wider roads have priority.
What speed limits apply?
Urban areas: 50 km/h
Country roads: usually 50 or 60 km/h, sometimes less
Expressways: 100 km/h (unless otherwise posted)
What do speeding violations cost?
30-35 km/h over the limit: €150 / $170 / £135 fine.
What do other traffic violations cost?
Not stopping at a stop sign: €42 / $48 / £38
Illegal parking: €60 / $68 / £54
What does a stop sign look like in Japan?
Red inverted triangle with the Japanese characters 止まれ.
Do pedestrians have priority?
Yes, always.
Must you stop at crosswalks?
Yes, stopping is mandatory.
How do you park in Japan?
Reverse parking is not mandatory but customary.
Drinking and Driving in Japan
How strictly is the law against drink-driving enforced?
Very strict. Drivers can face severe fines and even prison sentences.
What is the alcohol limit when you are driving in Japan?
0.15 mg/l breath alcohol, which corresponds to approximately 0.3‰ blood alcohol.
Can passengers also be punished?
Yes, even bartenders or innkeepers who served alcohol to the driver.
How quickly does alcohol metabolize?
Approximately 0.1‰ per hour.
What happens after an evening of heavy drinking?
Example: If you go to bed at midnight with nearly 1‰, you’ll still have approximately 0.3‰ at 6 am – which will be problematic if stopped by police.
Parking in Japan
How do small parking lots (koin pākingu) work?
You park the car, a barrier automatically rises under your vehicle. You pay at the machine when leaving.
What should you watch out for when parking?
Park the car carefully, as the barrier rises underneath the vehicle.
Important Terms
What does IC mean?
Interchange – expressway on-ramps and off-ramps.
What does JCT mean?
Junction – expressway interchanges.
What are PA?
Parking Areas – smaller rest stops with toilets and vending machines.
What are SA?
Service Areas – large rest stops with shops, gas stations, and restaurants.
Driving in Japan: Safety & Practical Tips
Is driving in Japan dangerous?
No. In the countryside, it’s relaxed. In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka, left-hand traffic in a right-hand drive vehicle requires initial adjustment.
Are there single-lane roads?
Yes, in the countryside and mountains, you’ll often find single-lane roads with passing bays.
Who should rent a car in Japan?
For longer, remote routes in the countryside and hidden destinations where trains and buses reach their limits.
Many tourists feel they are holding up traffic when they meticulously stick to the speed limits. Is there a general tolerance limit?
Although there is no official tolerance limit and any excess is technically a violation, enforcement by the police is often handled more flexibly in practice.
– Urban/Rural Roads: An excess of up to 14 km/h (approximately 8.7 mph) over the limit is often tolerated
– Expressways: The tolerance ends at 15 – 19 km/h (approximately 12 mph) over the limit
