FOR FOREIGNERS
Rental cars are highly valued for their convenience, allowing you to easily visit multiple destinations without incurring any costs by combining them with public transportation and using "the car you need when you need it".
Furthermore, using a car navigation system allows you to enjoy the scenery without getting lost, even when you are in a new place, so travelers are increasingly appreciating the use of rental cars.
Against this background, as the number of foreigners visiting Japan continues to increase, the number of foreigners using rental cars is also rapidly increasing.
This section will focus on the cautions for foreigners when renting a car.
Documents required when using a rental car
You can rent a car on the same day if you have your ID, a valid driver's license in Japan, and a credit card ready.
⚫︎Valid Driver's License in Japan
・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 embassy)
*License issued in Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco only
⚫︎Residence card or passport
⚫︎Credit card
Since payment for rental cars in Japan is generally done by credit card, we recommend obtaining one if you do not have one.
Notes on using rental cars
●Advance reservations for rental cars are recommended.
●Drive according to Japanese traffic rules and manners.
Some representative traffic rules include:
・Japanese cars are right-hand drive and drive on the left side of the road.
・Be especially careful about getting caught in an accident when turning left.
・On Japanese roads, pedestrians have priority even in places where there are no traffic lights or crosswalks.
・Forcibly changing lanes or overtaking is prohibited
・It is also prohibited by law to honk the horn for any purpose other than to avoid danger.
・Japan's highways are toll roads, so it's important to know the rules for ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) systems, including which gate to use and precautions when passing through gates.
・The maximum speed on expressways is 100km/h unless otherwise specified. If you drive at a speed exceeding 100km/h, you may be subject to a Speeding enforcement.
・The majority of signs and signboards in Japan are only in Japanese. It is necessary to learn the meanings of signs and signboards (stop, one-way, no entry, etc.).
●When returning your rental car, fill up the tank with gas and take it to the designated location.
●If you exceed the scheduled return time, you may be charged an overage fee, so please make sure to arrive at the return location with plenty of time to spare.