How to find a cheap car hire deal in Japan
Pick up a cheap rental car in Japan from P817 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, so you can easily compare prices and book.
P5,713 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental if you're planning a longer adventure.
Explore the range of car rentals in Osaka. This is where you'll find the cheapest rides in Japan.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Hakone.
If you're unsure which provider to go with, check out IX Rental. It stands as the number one choice in Japan.
Step off the plane and into the driver's seat by picking up a ride at the airport. Tokyo Haneda Airport, Tokyo Narita Airport and Kansai International (Osaka) Airport all provide access to car rentals.
You can easily rent a set of wheels in top cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Okinawa.
A one-way rental might work out in your favor. Providers often lower prices when they need to move cars between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Japan, select 'Return car to a different location' to unlock those deals.
Planning a multi-week rental? It might be cheaper to book a full month, so test a few date combinations to find out what works best.
Choose a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy' and avoid refueling costs. It comes with a full tank and goes back full, so there are no unexpected add-ons.
Unlimited mileage lets you focus on the journey instead of tracking the odometer. Check for this feature under the 'Policies' filter and cover more ground without added fees.
Best time to book a car hire in Japan
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. One week in advance gives you the best chance at finding the best price on a car hire in Japan.
July is the most affordable month to rent a car. Expect average daily rates of P2,693 then.
January is the most expensive time of year.
Compare car hire types in Japan
Economy: True to its name, this option is designed with value in mind. It combines some of the cheapest rates available with strong fuel efficiency to help keep the total spend down. When you'd rather save than splurge, this is the clear winner.
Small: Including mini and economy classes, small cars are ideal for everyday travel. If you're searching for a cheap rental car in Japan, this is where you'll bag some of the best deals. They're perfect for city driving and quick getaways, with easy handling, low fuel use, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: If you want more space without going all out, this is the answer. Medium rentals offer more room for passengers and bags, as well as a good mix of efficiency and performance. You'll find compact and intermediate models here.
Large: More people, more bags, more possibilities. Large cars bring generous passenger space and increased luggage capacity, making them a great match for families and longer drives. Go for one of these full-size rides when room is non-negotiable.
SUV: Road trips through Japan are a dream in one of these. The higher seating position offers a clearer view of the road ahead and helps you stay aware of your surroundings. Designed for versatility, they can take you from major highways to more remote routes with ease.
Van: When there's plenty to pack in, a van delivers. This type of car for rent in Japan handles people and cargo with ease. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a reliable solution for group transport, moving or business use.
Luxury: Travel in total style. Combining head-turning design, advanced technology, and performance tuned for precision and power, these vehicles redefine what a rental experience can be.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your rental car is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. They can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Japan.
Driving in Japan: What you need to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your rental in Japan. Rules can vary, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat rules vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Check if you need to add one to your car rental reservation in Japan.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) and a second photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
Get familiar with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in Japan.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 55kph in built-up areas and 85kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) for all your purchases and expenses throughout your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to make sure you're always covered.
Japanese is the language spoken by most people in Japan.
