Authentic Japan · Car Rental in Japan
Renting a car in Japan — what to know before you book
Japan's trains cover the cities extremely well, but a rental car is the honest answer for a handful of places rail and bus barely reach. Here is what actually matters before you book one.
You need an International Driving Permit
Japan recognizes the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, issued in your home country before you travel — you cannot get one after arriving. A small number of countries (including Germany, France, Switzerland and Belgium) use bilateral agreements with an official Japanese translation of your license instead. Check which applies to you before you fly; a rental counter will turn you away without the right paperwork.
Japan drives on the left
The steering wheel is on the right side of the car. If you're used to right-hand traffic, budget an extra day before a long drive, and take it slow leaving the rental lot — the first roundabout is the hard part.
Toll expressways are fast but not free
The expressway network is efficient and well-signed in English, but tolls add up on a long drive. Most rental cars come with an ETC card for automatic toll payment — ask for one at pickup rather than stopping at cash-only lanes.
Where a car genuinely beats the train
Rail and bus cover Japan's cities well, but they thin out fast once you leave them. A rental car is the practical choice for:
- Shirakawa-go and the wider Hida region, where bus seats sell out in peak season
- The Fuji Five Lakes area, best explored at your own pace rather than on a fixed bus schedule
- Rural Hokkaido, where train lines are sparse and distances are long
- Okinawa's main island, which has no passenger rail network at all
Routes where we recommend considering a car
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Frequently asked
- Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Japan?
- Yes, unless your country has a bilateral agreement with Japan (Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan use an official translation instead). The IDP must be issued before you leave home — it cannot be obtained in Japan.
- Which side of the road does Japan drive on?
- The left, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car — the opposite of the US and most of continental Europe.
- Is there a minimum age to rent a car in Japan?
- Most agencies require drivers to be at least 18 with a valid license held for at least one year; some require 21 or higher for certain vehicle classes. Confirm with the specific rental agency.
General guidance only — confirm current IDP and licensing requirements with Japan's National Police Agency or your embassy before you travel.