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Japan car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Japan

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Mazda Mazda2 car
Mazda Mazda2
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
$74/day
View Deal
Toyota Prius c car
Toyota Prius c
or similar SMALL
4
2
4-5
$113/day
View Deal
Toyota Prius car
Toyota Prius
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
4-5
$350/day
View Deal
Toyota Noah car
Toyota Noah
or similar VAN
5
5
4-5
$245/day
View Deal
Suzuki Wagon R car
Suzuki Wagon R
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
$76/day
View Deal
Mazda Biante car
Mazda Biante
or similar VAN
5
2
4-5
$190/day
View Deal
Class Compact SUV car
Class Compact SUV
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
$109/day
View Deal
Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Top tips for hiring a car in Japan

  • While public transportation inside and between cities is usually efficient, there are some areas of the country where it is greatly beneficial to have a rental car—Hokkaido, for example, or the beaches of Okinawa (not to mention the Mt. Asu volcano) are all best accessed by road.
  • Japan has an extensive system of toll roads, which can be paid for in many different ways. Besides the regular cash and credit card payment booths, drivers who rent a car in Japan can add an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) device on to their rental; some companies like Toyota Rent a Car even include them as standard. This allows you to pass through the toll system without paying on the spot. All tolls are added together and paid to the rental company when the car is returned.
  • The law in Japan states that children under 6 must be restrained in an age-appropriate car seat in the rear seats of the vehicle. Car hire agencies generally have baby and child seats for different age categories, which can be booked in advance for an additional fee. Nippon Rent-A-Car, for example, charges approximately ¥540 ($5) per seat per day.
  • While cross-border car rentals are not permitted in Japan, rental agencies have no problem with drivers visiting the different Japanese islands by car ferry. These ferries are a popular way of traveling from island to island but can be quite expensive. In the case of a very long sea journey (e.g., to Rebun or Sado), it may in fact be cheaper to drop off your car at the ferry port and pick up a new one on the other side.
  • Book your rental car in Japan at least 3 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact rental cars in Japan are around 23% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Japan

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in Japan?

    On average a car hire in Japan costs $154 per day.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Japan?

    Compact (Class Compact SUV or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Japan.

  • What is the cheapest car hire company in Japan?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Europcar ($74/day), Budget ($109/day) and Nippon Rent-A-Car ($113/day).

  • How can I find car hires near me in Japan?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • Where should I hire a car in Japan?

    Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Japan are Nagoya (75% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Japan) and Asahikawa (25%).

  • What is driving like in Japan?

    Driving conditions in Japan are generally very good, with roads well maintained and a large network of highways that crisscross the country. Roads are usually efficient and smooth. In Japan, traffic drives on the left, and it is important to note that there is a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving, with hefty fines or even deportation used to counter offenses.

  • How old do you have to be to hire a car in Japan?

    To rent a car in Japan, drivers must be at least 18 years of age. With the exception of a few European countries like Germany and Belgium, whose citizens may submit their domestic driving license with an official Japanese translation, it is essential to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Japan. A credit card will also be required.

  • How much does petrol cost in Japan?

    Petrol prices in Japan are comparable to those in Europe but considerably higher than in the USA: expect to pay around ¥150 ($1.40) for a liter of gas, equivalent to around $5.29 for a gallon. Most petrol stations offer the option of self-service (menus in Japanese only) or full-service, in which case it may be helpful to know a few Japanese words. Payment is usually accepted in cash or credit card.

  • What are the speed limits in Japan?

    Several different speed limits are enforced in Japan, all of which are clearly posted. As a general rule, the limit in urban areas is 40 km/h (25 mph), while side streets are limited to 30 km/h (18 mph). Open roads are usually limited to 50 or 60 km/h (31 or 37 mph), while expressways and highways carry speed limits of 80 to 100 km/h (49 to 62 mph).

Car rental directory

  • toyota

    Toyota Rent a Car car hire locations in Japan

    1491 Locations

  • orix

    ORIX Rent a Car car hire locations in Japan

    886 Locations

  • nippon

    Nippon Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

    805 Locations

  • nissan

    Nissan Rent-A-Car car hire locations in Japan

    532 Locations

  • times

    Times car hire locations in Japan

    505 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Japan

    336 Locations

  • europcar

    Europcar car hire locations in Japan

    321 Locations

  • shouqi

    Shouqi car hire locations in Japan

    228 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car hire locations in Japan

    225 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car hire locations in Japan

    145 Locations

  • national

    National car hire locations in Japan

    123 Locations

  • alamo

    Alamo car hire locations in Japan

    111 Locations

Good to know

Most popular car type

Compact

When to book a rental car in Japan

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Car hire locations in Japan

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Japan

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.

Search for cheap car hire in Japan with KAYAK and hire a car that suits you best. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find and book the best car hire deal at car hire locations across Japan.

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