Japan car rentals

On average a rental car in Japan costs $79 per day.

Compact (Mitsubishi Mirage G4 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Japan.

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Times ($43/day), Nissan Rent-A-Car ($48/day) and Alamo ($51/day).

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

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in Japan are Nagoya (58% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in Japan), Asahikawa (13%) and Sendai (8%).

On average a rental car in Japan costs $403 per week ($58 per day).

On average a rental car in Japan costs $1,726 per month ($58 per day).

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.

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.

Gas 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 gas 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.

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).