Renting a car in Japan is a free and convenient way to get to know this beautiful country in depth. Whether you want to visit bustling cities, wander through quiet countryside, or seek out hidden local gems far from the tourist areas, a rental car gives you enormous flexibility. In this article we share a detailed Japan car rental guide, covering the documents you need, what to watch out for when renting, plus the traffic rules and FAQs to keep in mind on the road, so you can explore the beauty of Japan with ease. Once you’ve read it, let’s set off together on a great Japanese adventure and experience a whole new kind of trip!
The most common questions before renting a car in Japan:
A: Japan’s car rental rules don’t necessarily require you to have held your license for a full year, but before booking please check that you meet the rental company’s minimum age requirements.
A: No! Travelers from Taiwan need the Japanese translation of their driver’s license to rent legally in Japan, and without it you can’t get on the road.
A: Car rentals in Japan have three types of coverage: basic compulsory insurance, CDW (collision damage waiver), and NOC (non-operation charge) compensation.
You’ll find a detailed explanation of each in this article, so keep reading for the complete guide to renting a car in Japan!
A: Flights are often delayed by weather, so travel accident insurance gives you a safety net just in case. We recommend buying Fubon Insurance travel accident + inconvenience coverage before you go, and right now buying here also enters you in a draw for a NT$500 gogoout car rental coupon!
Why we recommend renting a car in Japan
First, let’s look at why renting a car is so popular for independent travel in Japan. The advantages include:
- Freedom: You decide your own itinerary, without being tied to public transit routes or timetables.
- Discovering hidden treasures: A rental car takes you deep into Japan’s remote areas, where you can find hidden scenery and cultural gems.
- Convenience: Especially in rural areas, a rental car is usually more convenient than other options.
- Budget-friendly: For groups, renting a car is often more economical than buying multiple transit tickets.
There’s no need to feel overly nervous or panicked about driving in a foreign country, because local drivers will give you some extra courtesy thanks to the following:
- Foreign driver magnet sticker
「外国の方が運転しています」 (a foreign visitor is driving): With so many overseas self-drive travelers in Okinawa and Hokkaido, these stickers were introduced to remind other road users in Japan to pay attention and give a bit of extra courtesy. They also let drivers from Taiwan get used to traffic habits different from home with more peace of mind, instead of rushing and causing an accident.
- Rental car license plate information
Japanese license plates always have a hiragana character before the numbers; if it is わ or れ, the car is a rental.
Both of these signals let locals know that the person behind the wheel is a visitor or a renter, so they’ll give you some extra room. Doesn’t knowing this put your mind at ease?
(Still, keep in mind that being a foreign visitor doesn’t mean you can ignore the rules, so stay alert and make your Japan self-drive trip even safer.)
Documents you need to rent a car in Japan
Before you set off, make sure you have the following documents so you can rent a car in Japan without a hitch:
1. Passport
This is a key document. Make sure your passport is valid for the whole rental period and that the details match the information in your rental booking.
2. A valid driver’s license & Japanese translation
As long as the renter’s license from their country of residence has not expired, they can legally rent a car or motorcycle in Japan.
Tip | We recommend bringing the original license issued in your home country so you can present it if needed.
For travelers from Taiwan, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, Monaco, Estonia and Slovakia, Japan only accepts a Japanese translation of the driver’s license.
Please bring your passport, your home-country driver’s license and the Japanese translation of your license so you can legally rent a car or motorcycle.
(In Taiwan you can apply at any Motor Vehicles Office; the fee is 100 NT dollars, or 200 NT dollars for a reissued or renewed license.)
Tip | The Japanese translation must match the details on your license, so if your license is renewed or replaced, be sure the information is consistent.
3. International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you hold an International Driving Permit issued by a country party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (valid for one year), you can legally drive a car or motorcycle in Japan with your passport and IDP.
Tip | Japan does not recognize International Driving Permits issued by countries party to the 1926 Paris Convention, the 1943 Washington Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention.
Under Japanese rules, as long as you hold the valid documents above, you may drive a car or rent a car or motorcycle within one year of entering Japan.
4. Credit card
When renting a car in Japan, some shops require a pre-authorized credit card deposit, and some check the credit card details of either the person who made the booking or the registered driver at pickup. So remember to bring the relevant credit card with you when you collect the car!
Japan car rental cost comparison
There are many online car rental companies in Japan, and each offers different locations, vehicles and insurance amounts.
Below is a basic comparison table of fees and services using a rental in Okinawa as an example, for your reference.
(Actual prices depend on the quote you see at the time of your search.)
Comparison based on a compact five-seater:
| gogoout | Tabirai | OTS RENT-A-CAR | ORIX RENT-A-CAR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport shuttle | (depends on each shop’s service) | ○ | ○ | |
| Chinese-language support | ○ (Chinese-language online customer service) | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Price (per day) | From NT$1,500 (insurance not included) | About NT$2,450 (CDW only) | About NT$3,250 (full coverage included) | About NT$2,530 (full coverage included) |
| GPS | (depends on each shop) | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| ETC | (depends on each shop) | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Child seat | (depends on each shop) | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Business hours | (depends on each shop’s hours) 8:00~20:00 |
8:00~20:00 | 8:00~19:00 | 8:00~20:00 |
| Compensation system | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
Japan car rental: insurance explained
Japan’s rental compensation system is essentially how car rental insurance claims work in Japan.
Any vehicle on the road in Japan carries basic compulsory insurance plus a certain level of coverage (for bodily injury, property damage and damage to the vehicle), and the basic cost is already included in the rental price. Most claims are paid by the insurance company, but there is still a portion the customer has to cover, and that amount is the “deductible.”
For this deductible there are two kinds of waiver systems:
1. Collision damage waiver (CDW)
On top of the basic compulsory insurance, this waives the deductible you would otherwise pay for the incident.
2. NOC (Non-Operation Charge)
Also called a business loss fee, this is the same idea as the loss-of-use charge commonly seen in Taiwan. Some rental companies offer this option, which waives the shop’s loss-of-business fee for the period the car is being repaired after the incident.
Note | These two coverages are separate: having the deductible waived does not necessarily mean the loss-of-business fee is waived too!
We sincerely recommend adding both of these coverages whenever you rent a car in Japan. It is better to be safe than sorry: a little extra cost can save you from a big loss if something goes wrong!
Japan car rental: the rental process
1. Renting with gogoout in three steps
2. Pickup process
Before you pick up your car in Japan, make sure you have booked in advance and brought the necessary documents (such as your passport and driver’s license).
The pickup process usually goes like this:
- Book the car: Reserve your vehicle with a reputable rental company so you have the car you need on the dates, times and location of your trip.
- Arrive at the pickup location: Get to the pickup point by your booked time. Options usually include picking up at the shop or at the airport, or an airport shuttle to the shop, so confirm the pickup service details with customer service when you book.
- Inspect the car: Before signing the rental agreement, carefully check the exterior and interior of the car and note any existing damage or defects. This helps you avoid unnecessary charges when you return it.
- Sign the agreement: Once you are satisfied with the car’s condition, sign the rental contract with the company. It covers the rental period, mileage limits, a breakdown of charges and insurance options, so go over everything carefully.
- Payment and deposit: You will need to pay the rental fee and possibly a deposit. Whether you pay by cash or credit card depends on the services the shop offers.
* With gogoout, payment is completed when you book, so at the shop you only need to confirm and collect the car. Fast, easy and convenient! - Get the keys: Once all the required paperwork is done, you receive the keys and you are ready to hit the road.
3. Return process
When your rental period in Japan ends, a smooth return is just as important. Here is the return process in detail:
- Know your return time: Make sure you understand the return date and time in your rental agreement. Plan ahead so you are not late.
- Arrive at the return location: Head to the designated return point, which is usually the same as the pickup point. If you chose a different return location or an airport drop-off service, confirm it with the shop or customer service when you book!
- Clean up and refuel: Before returning the car, tidy up the interior and make sure you have not left anything behind. Also make sure there is enough fuel so you avoid extra refueling charges. Fuel policies vary by shop: some ask for the same level as at pickup, others for a full tank, so always check when you sign the contract!
- Return inspection: When you return the car, the rental company’s staff will check its condition. They will compare it against the damage or defects you noted at pickup and make sure there is no new damage.
- Sign the return documents: Once the condition check is complete, you will be asked to sign the return paperwork confirming that the rental has been completed.
- Deposit refund: If you paid a deposit, it will be refunded according to the terms of the contract. This can take some time to process, so ask about the details when you return the car.
Understanding the pickup and return process helps you avoid unnecessary hassle and keeps the whole rental experience running smoothly. Follow the rental company’s instructions and keep a record of all the relevant information so any issue can be resolved quickly.
Japan car rental: things to know
1. Traffic rules and fines
Right-hand drive:
Japan uses right-hand-drive cars, the opposite of Taiwan and most Western countries, so the steering wheel position and the road rules are reversed too. It is perfectly normal to hit the wipers instead of the turn signal at first, so there is no need to panic: just slow down, watch the road and follow the rules.
A driving mantra for Japan:
Remember this: wide turns to the right, tight turns to the left, and at junctions or exits check the right first and then the left so you do not pull into oncoming traffic.
Safe driving:
Drive steadily and do not speed; never drink and drive, and keep your seat belt fastened the whole time.
Needless to say, anything you cannot do in Taiwan is not allowed in Japan either.
Speeding fines in Japan:
Japan has no tolerance margin on speed limits: even 1 km/h over is speeding!
That said, how speed limits work in Japan can be very confusing for foreigners, because most Japanese drivers treat the limit as a guideline and actual speeds are often well above it. So if you are self-driving in Japan, go with the flow of traffic; if you are worried about speeding, stay in the outer lane rather than the inner lane, where you would make it hard for cars behind you to pass.
Ordinary roads / expressways, up to 15 km/h over the limit: fine of ¥9,000
Expressways, 30 km/h or more but under 35 km/h over: fine of ¥25,000
Expressways, 35 km/h or more but under 40 km/h over: fine of ¥35,000
Expressways, 40 km/h or more over: fine of ¥100,000 or more
(These are the fines for ordinary small cars; fines differ by vehicle class.)
Breath alcohol reading (0.15 mg/l or below): fine of ¥500,000 or more / passengers are also fined ¥300,000 or more
Too intoxicated to drive safely: fine of ¥1,000,000 or more / passengers are also fined ¥500,000 or more
Seat belts:
There is no fine for not wearing a seat belt, but if you are not wearing one at the time of an accident, some insurance coverage may not apply.
Using your phone while driving:
Whether you are talking on the phone or scrolling on it, this is expressly banned in Japan as dangerous behavior. Using your phone while driving carries a fine of ¥6,000
Yellow lane lines:
✕ When it divides opposing lanes, you may not cross the line to overtake!
✓ But as long as there is no other prohibitory sign, you may cross a yellow line to turn left, turn right or make a U-turn.
White lane lines:
Solid line: you may not change lanes across it at will, but it is fine to touch the line in order to go around a car parked at the roadside; just return to your lane as soon as possible.
Dashed line: you may change lanes and overtake.
Solid yellow line next to a dashed white line: cars on the white-line side may change lanes across it, but cars on the yellow-line side may not change lanes.
Stop signs:
Unlike in Taiwan, stopping at the stop line in Japan doesn’t always give you a clear view of the traffic ahead. So whenever you see the signs 止まれ (stop) or 踏切 (railroad crossing), you must come to a complete stop before moving off, or you’ll face one of the following fines.
Failing to stop before proceeding: ¥7,000 / Failing to stop at a railroad crossing: ¥9,000
No casual curbside parking:
Japan cracks down hard on temporary and illegal parking, so don’t count on getting away with it. Habits that slide in Taiwan are strictly enforced and punished in Japan! If you need to park, the safest bet is to find a nearby parking lot. If you do pull over at the roadside, check the curb markings along the sidewalk:
Dashed yellow line: brief stops allowed, but no parking
Solid yellow line: stopping and parking completely prohibited
Parking violations start at ¥10,000.
Clear right of way:
Right of way in Japan is very clearly defined, and traffic penalties leave no room for argument!
Cars going straight always have absolute priority, followed by left-turning cars, and right-turning cars come last.
Main roads have priority:
While driving, you’ll often meet cars from side roads merging onto the main road, or run into that awkward moment when neither driver is sure who should yield.
In Japan the rule is crystal clear: the main road has the right of way, so keep driving and don’t slam on the brakes, which could cause the car behind to rear-end you.
If you’re the one merging in from a side road, slow down to a complete stop and only pull out once you’re sure the way is clear!
Pedestrians first:
Japan puts people first on the road, so always yield when you see a pedestrian, or you’ll be the one getting the ticket!
Reminder | If you do get a traffic ticket, remember to pay it at the local police station (koban). If you wait and pay through the rental company instead, the amount will go up!
2. Traffic signals
Traffic lights:
The top row is the familiar red-yellow-green light, while the bottom row shows arrows for going straight and turning left or right.
E.g., red light + straight arrow → you may continue straight;
red light + left arrow → you may continue to turn left;
green light + right arrow → you may proceed in any direction.
Common road signs
Image source: レンタカードットコム (Rentacar.com)
3. Setting up the navigation system
Japanese car navigation systems use a unique Mapcode system. When your phone’s data connection isn’t cooperating, look up your destination’s mapcode on Mapion and simply enter that number into the navigation unit to reach your destination easily and accurately.
Click for more: a detailed Mapcode guide
4. Driver sticker labels
These stickers appear on the front or back of a car. They’re not just information for locals—visitors from overseas should know them too. The stickers let local drivers quickly recognize the situation and give way accordingly. You can ask your rental shop whether they provide them for customers, or check stores around Japan to see if you can buy one.
Here are the most common ones:
| 初心運転者標識 (new driver mark) | 高齢運転者標識 (elderly driver mark) |
 Indicates a novice driver with less than one year of driving experience |  Indicates that the driver is an older person |
| 聴覚障害者標識 (hearing-impaired driver mark) | 身体障害者標識 (physically disabled driver mark) |
 Indicates that the driver has a hearing impairment |  Indicates that the driver has a physical disability |
Under Japanese law, you’re required to give way to vehicles displaying these marks. So whether you’re a visitor renting a car in Japan or a local resident, pay attention to them—otherwise you could be fined!
Japan car rental FAQ
Q: How old do you have to be to rent a car in Japan?
A: Many rental companies won’t rent to drivers under 20, or to those who have held a license for less than one year.
So before you book, double-check that you meet the rental company’s requirements!
Q: How are tolls calculated?
A: Japanese expressway toll gates are split into cash lanes marked “一般 (general)” and “ETC“-only lanes. When traffic is heavy, the general lanes can back up a little, so ETC is the more convenient choice.
(Just remember to keep below 20 km/h in the ETC lane, or the gate may not read your card!)
Q: What should I do if I have an accident in Japan?
A: If an accident does happen, contact the rental company first so they can help you handle it, and call the police at the same time. You’ll need the accident report to file an insurance claim.
Q: How do I pay a traffic ticket in Japan?
A: If you’re unlucky enough to get a traffic ticket, remember to pay it yourself at the local police station (koban). If you wait and pay through the rental company, or after you’ve already returned home, the amount will go up!
Q: I booked a car with gogoout, but my flight or ferry to Japan was delayed or canceled. What now?
A: If the pickup location is affected by circumstances beyond anyone’s control (such as a natural disaster or a strike), gogoout will decide whether to cancel and refund your booking, or whether you can reschedule it. (This applies only to partner shops outside Taiwan.)
If you are a cruise passenger, Article 1 of the rental terms does not apply to you. To cancel a car rental order, please request a refund according to the partner shop’s cancellation policy.
Q: Which fuel should I choose for a rental car in Japan?
A: Okinawa also has both full-service and self-service pump islands, and of course the labels are mainly in Japanese.
See the table below for a detailed Japanese-English comparison.
| Fuel type | Nozzle color | Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline (95) | Red | レギコラー | Regular |
| Premium gasoline (98) | Yellow | ハイオク | Premium |
| Diesel | Green | 軽油 | Diesel |
Self-service refueling steps for your rental car in Japan:
1. Choose the fuel type, amount and payment method:
After selecting the fuel type, follow the on-screen instructions to set the amount (by liters or by price),
or simply choose 「満」 (full tank) to fill it up. You can pay by credit card, at the self-service payment machine next to the pump, or at the staffed cashier.
2. Refuel:
Open the fuel filler, insert the nozzle and squeeze the handle to start pumping. When you’re done, put the nozzle back, close the fuel cap tightly, and collect your receipt and change.
With this guide to renting a car in Japan, you’re ready to set off on an unforgettable road trip. Whether you’re exploring the beauty of the cities or looking for quiet countryside, a rental car gives you endless freedom to explore. Remember: book your car in advance, check your documents, and follow the rules—these are the keys to a smooth trip. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, the unique culture and the food along the way, and bring home memories that last a lifetime. Here’s wishing your self-drive trip in Japan is full of surprises and fun!
Read more articles about renting a car in Japan:
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👉[Okinawa Self-Drive Must-Read Guide] Documents to prepare, traffic rules and insurance essentials in one go!
👉[Tokyo Car Rental] Recommended rentals, rental company comparison and tips—everything about driving yourself in Tokyo!
👉[Osaka Car Rental] Recommended rentals, self-drive essentials and an insurance overview—easy to understand in one read!
👉[Kyoto Car Rental] Self-drive tips and recommended rentals so you can explore worry-free!
👉[Hokkaido Car Rental] The latest guide with 9 must-know tips before you hit the road!
👉[Nagoya Car Rental] The latest rental company price comparison and insurance tips—a full guide to driving yourself around central Japan!
This article was translated by AI from the original Chinese version.
