Thinking about renting a car in Tokyo? Here’s the lowdown 👇
Renting a car in Tokyo gives you the freedom to go where trains and buses can’t – Mt. Fuji at sunrise, a lakeside ryokan in the Japanese countryside, or a weekend road trip down to Osaka at your own pace. But Tokyo car rental isn’t as simple as renting a car elsewhere. Parking is expensive, traffic in the city is heavy, and the experience is most rewarding once you’re outside the city limits.
Whether you’re picking up from Narita Airport, Haneda, Shinjuku, or Tokyo Station, this guide covers everything you need: the best providers, honest prices, pickup locations, day-trip routes, and special options like JDM and luxury rentals.
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⚡ TL;DR: Car Rental Tokyo at a Glance
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Cheapest daily rate | From ~3,500–7,000 JPY/day (~S$30-S$61) for compact or economy |
| Average daily rate | ~7,000–10,000 JPY/day (~S$61-S$87) |
| Luxury / JDM rentals | From 20,000–80,000+ JPY/day (~S$174-S$696+) |
| Main pickup points | Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station |
| License required | Valid IDP (Geneva Convention 1949) + home country licence |
| Minimum age | 18 years (most companies prefer 21+) |
| Drives on | Left side of the road |
| Best for | Day trips outside Tokyo (Mt Fuji, Nikko, Hakone, Osaka) |
| Not recommended for | Exploring central Tokyo (trains are faster and cheaper) |
| Top budget providers | NIPPON RENT-A-CAR, NISSAN Rent a Car, TOYOTA Rent a Car, Times CAR RENTAL |
| Top JDM/Luxury providers | OnlyJDM, JDM Rental Japan, Tokyo Supercars, Ichioku Tours |
| Best Card for JPY Spending | YouTrip – competitive wholesale exchange rates + zero FX fees |
📚 Table of Contents:
- Should You Rent a Car in Tokyo?
- Best Day Trips and Road Trips from Tokyo by Car
- Pros and Cons of Renting a Car in Tokyo
- Car Rental Tokyo Prices
- What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
- Airport Car Rentals in Tokyo
- City Pickup Locations
- Best Car Rental Companies in Tokyo
- Popular Routes from Tokyo by Rental Car
- Specialist Car Rentals in Tokyo
- Tips for Getting the Cheapest Car Rental in Tokyo
- FAQs
Should You Rent a Car in Tokyo?
Image Credits: Klook
A rental car is not the best way to see Tokyo itself. Traffic in large cities tends to be heavy, orientation is difficult, and parking is inconvenient and expensive – public transport is generally the better choice within metropolitan areas.
Where a rental car genuinely shines is for getting out of the city. If you’re heading straight into the countryside, picking up from the airport is practical.
🧠The bottom line: rent a car to leave Tokyo, not to get around it.
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Best Day Trips and Road Trips from Tokyo by Car
Here are some destinations where a car gives you access that trains simply can’t match:
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) | ~100km | 1.5–2 hrs | Drive to Subaru Line 5th Station or circle scenic Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako lakes |
| Hakone | ~90km | 1.5 hrs | Black sand beaches, a historic port town, and one of Japan’s most scenic coastal drives |
| Nikko | ~140km | 2 hrs | UNESCO-listed shrines and temples, Kegon Falls, and the scenic Irohazaka mountain road |
| Shonan Coast (Enoshima & Kamakura) | ~50–60km | 1–1.5 hrs | The Great Buddha, coastal temples, and beachside cafes along the Pacific |
| Izu Peninsula | ~150km | 2–2.5 hrs | Ocean cliffs, onsen towns, fresh seafood, and some of Japan’s best coastal drives |
| Chichibu | ~80km | 1.5 hrs | River valleys, sake breweries, and lesser-visited temples away from the tourist crowds |
| Narita & Chiba Countryside | ~60–80km | 1–1.5 hrs | Relaxed first drive option, especially convenient if picking up from Narita Airport |
| Minakami (Gunma) | ~170km | 2.5 hrs | White-water rafting, ski resorts, and mountain onsen — great for an active weekend |
| Tochigi & Mashiko | ~120km | 2 hrs | Famous pottery town and scenic rural Kanto countryside |
| Shimoda (South Izu) | ~200km | 3 hrs | Black sand beaches, historic port town, and one of Japan’s most scenic coastal drives |
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Pros & Cons of Renting a Car in Tokyo
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Freedom to explore rural Japan at your own pace | Parking in central Tokyo is expensive and scarce |
| Cost-effective for groups of 3–5 | Expressway tolls add up quickly |
| Ideal for day trips to Mt Fuji, Nikko, Hakone | Left-side driving can be challenging for first-timers |
| Cars come with GPS navigation as standard | City traffic is dense, and road signs can be confusing |
| Wide variety of vehicles, including hybrids and EVs | Most staff speak limited English (though major chains offer multilingual support) |
| Convenient for travelling with luggage | Drink-driving laws are strict — Japan has zero tolerance |
Note on tolls: Expressway rates are around 110 JPY/km (~S$0.88), so a Tokyo–Kyoto drive costs 12,000–14,000 JPY (~S$96-S$112) in tolls alone. Budget for this on any long-distance trip.
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Car Rental Tokyo Prices
Typical rental fees are around 7,500 JPY (~S$60) per 24-hour period for compact cars, 10,000 JPY (~S$80) for mid-sized cars, 15,000 JPY (~S$120) for full-sized cars, and 20,000 JPY (~S$161) for vans.
❗Note: Rates can rise during peak seasons such as Golden Week, Obon, and the year-end holidays.
| Car Type | Est. Daily Rate (JPY) | Est. Daily Rate (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / Kei car | 3,500–7,000 JPY | ~S$30–S$61 |
| Compact (e.g. Toyota Vitz, Honda Fit) | 7,000–10,000 JPY | ~S$61–S$87 |
| Mid-size sedan | 10,000–15,000 JPY | ~S$87–S$131 |
| SUV | 15,000–25,000 JPY | ~S$131–S$218 |
| Minivan | 18,000–30,000 JPY | ~S$157–S$261 |
| Luxury / Sports | 20,000–80,000+ JPY | ~S$174–S$696+ |
Additional costs to factor in:
- ETC card rental: ~330 JPY/day (~S$2.90)
- Child seat: ~550 JPY/day (~S$4.80)
- Fuel: ~180 JPY/litre (~S$1.57/litre)
- Parking in central Tokyo: from 3,000 JPY/day (~S$26)
💡 Tip: Day-to-day running costs — fuel, parking, convenience store stops, roadside meals — add up fast. Paying with YouTrip means you spend at competitive JPY rates with zero foreign transaction fees, so none of your savings gets eaten up by conversion charges.
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What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
- International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, plus your home country driver’s licence
- Passport (required for non-Japanese licence holders)
- Credit card (required by most major rental companies)
- Minimum age: 18 years old; most companies prefer 21+
Drivers from Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland and Taiwan do not use the 1949 Geneva Convention, but can instead drive with an official Japanese translation of their licence for up to one year. Translations can be obtained from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
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Airport Car Rentals in Tokyo:
Car Rental at Narita Airport
Image Credits: Klook
Narita International Airport is around 60km from central Tokyo, making it a practical pickup point if you’re heading straight to the countryside. The rental car counters are conveniently located in both Terminal 1 and 2, and free shuttle buses connect you to nearby lots. Major companies like TOYOTA Rent a Car and Times Car Rental operate here.
Best if: You’re flying in and driving directly to Mt Fuji, Nikko, or heading north — bypassing Tokyo traffic entirely.
💡 Tip: If you’re spending a few nights in central Tokyo first, don’t pick up your car at Narita. Take the Narita Express and collect the car from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station when you’re ready to head out.
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Car Rental at Haneda Airport
Haneda is much closer to Central Tokyo (around 15km from the city centre) and is often the more convenient airport for car rental.
At Haneda International Airport:
- Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have rental car company counters in the Terminal Lobby on level 1.
- A rental car centre is also in the International Terminal (Terminal 3) on level 2 of the Arrivals Lobby.
ORIX Rent a Car is located in Haneda Innovation City Zone F, directly connected to Tenkubashi Station. Shuttle services transport customers to the Haneda Airport rental site after check-in, running between 8:00 and 20:00.
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City Pickup Locations:
Car Rental at Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station is one of the most convenient in-city pickup points if you’re staying in central Tokyo and want to avoid the airport altogether.
ORIX Rent a Car’s Tokyo Station branch is :
- A 3-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station (Yaesu Central Exit)
- and 5 minutes from Nihombashi Station, located inside Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Shopping Mall.
TOYOTA Rent a Car, NIPPON RENT-A-CAR, and NISSAN Rent a Car all have locations near Tokyo Station, making it easy to grab a car and head straight to the expressway.
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Car Rental in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of the best inner-city pickup zones thanks to its direct access to Tokyo’s western expressways. It’s well-positioned for heading to Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and destinations in Kanagawa or Yamanashi prefectures.
- ORIX Rent a Car’s Shinjuku branch is located on B1F of the Shinjuku Centre Building, 5 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station’s West Exit via the underground passageway.
- NIPPON RENT-A-CAR and NISSAN Rent a Car also operate in Nishi-Shinjuku, with English-friendly booking systems available online.
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Best Car Rental Companies in Tokyo
1. TOYOTA Rent a Car
Image Credits: Tokyo Cheapo
TOYOTA Rent a Car is one of the top car rental companies in Japan by number of cars and locations, with instant reservations available both online and by phone. Hybrids are widely available and competitively priced. Strong English online booking system. Great choice for reliability and fleet variety.
Book at: rent.toyota.co.jp/eng
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2. NIPPON RENT-A-CAR
Image Credits: 品川インターシティ
NIPPON RENT-A-CAR offers a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to SUVs, wagons, and trucks, with multilingual support in English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai at locations nationwide. A 24-hour telephone interpretation service is also available. With over 600 locations and 40,000 vehicles, it’s one of Japan’s most accessible options for foreign travellers.
Book at: nipponrentacar.co.jp/en
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3. NISSAN Rent a Car
Image Credits: japankuru
NISSAN Rent a Car has 81 locations in the Tokyo area, making it one of the most accessible chains in the city. Competitive pricing, solid hybrid selection, and reliable English reservation systems. A strong choice for familiar, no-fuss travel.
Book at: https://nissan-rentacar.com/en
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4. ORIX Rent a Car
Image Credits:
ORIX Rent a Car is one of Japan’s largest car rental companies with around 900 locations nationwide. Well-represented at Haneda, Tokyo Station, and Shinjuku. Accepts all major credit cards, including UnionPay.
Book at: car.orix.co.jp/eng
5. Times CAR RENTAL
Image Credits: www.timescar-rental.com
Times CAR RENTAL provides 24-hour customer service in 10 languages and covers all major airports and Shinkansen stations across Japan. Particularly popular with travellers who book via comparison platforms like Klook and Kayak.
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Popular Routes from Tokyo by Rental Car:
Car Rental Tokyo to Mt. Fuji
Image Credits: Klook
A rental car is one of the best ways to reach Mt Fuji on your own schedule — especially if you want to reach the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) area or the Subaru Line 5th Station.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Shinjuku → Chuo Expressway → Kawaguchiko / Fuji Subaru Line |
| Distance | ~100km from central Tokyo |
| Drive time | ~1.5–2 hours (traffic dependent) |
| Tolls | Approx. 2,000–3,500 JPY one way (~S$17–S$30) via Chuo Expressway |
Tips:
- Fuji Subaru Line (access to 5th Station) is toll-free for rental cars during most of the year, but may be restricted during peak season — check current conditions before you go
- Combine with Hakone for a scenic 2-day loop
- Start early to avoid traffic and increase your chances of a clear view
- Budget for fuel, parking, and food along the route — pay with YouTrip for zero FX fees on every JPY transaction
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Car Rental Tokyo to Osaka
Image Credits: Klook
Driving from Tokyo to Osaka is possible but generally not recommended. If you had plans to drive from Tokyo to Osaka, it’s usually better to take the Shinkansen or a highway bus instead.
If you do drive:
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Tokyo (Shinjuku) → Tomei Expressway → Nagoya → Meishin Expressway → Osaka |
| Distance | ~500km from central Tokyo |
| Drive time | ~6–8 hours (traffic dependent) |
| Tolls | Approx. 12,000–14,000 JPY one way (~S$104–S$122) |
| Drop-off fee | Often 10,000–30,000+ JPY (~S$87–S$261) for one-way rentals |
| Verdict | Shinkansen (~2.5 hrs) is faster, cheaper, and easier overall |
Best alternative: Take the Shinkansen Tokyo–Osaka (~2.5 hours) and pick up a separate rental car in Osaka for local exploration.
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Specialist Car Rentals in Tokyo:
JDM Car Rental Tokyo
For car enthusiasts, Tokyo is one of the few places in the world where you can legally drive an iconic JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) sports car — a Nissan GT-R Skyline, Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra, or Honda NSX.
Several specialist companies offer JDM rentals, often including guided tours to Daikoku Parking Area (Japan’s most famous car meet), runs on the C1 Expressway, and mountain road experiences in Hakone.
| Provider | Notable Fleet | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OnlyJDM (only-jdm.com) | GT-R, Supra, GR Yaris, Civic Type R | IDP accepted, multilingual support |
| JDM Rental Japan (jdmrentaljapan.com) | RX-7, Skyline, STI, Honda S2000 | Self-drive + tour options |
| Ichioku Tours (rent.ichioku.net) | R34/R33/R32 GT-R, Toyota Supra, FD RX-7, NSX | CDW included, 17-language accident support |
| JDM TOUR (jdmtour.com) | Skyline GT-R, guided Tokyo nights | Great for first-timers to JDM culture |
| NRT Rent-A-Car (nrt-rentacar.jp) | GT-R, S2000, Civic Type R, WRX STI | 5 minutes from Narita Airport |
Important: JDM rentals require an IDP and a home country licence. Some providers conduct a screening process before approving bookings.
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Luxury Car Rental Tokyo
For those wanting to explore Tokyo in style, luxury and exotic car rentals are available from several operators.
- Tokyo Supercars (tokyosupercars.com): Lamborghini, McLaren, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce. Experiences include Daikoku PA drives, Hakone mountain runs, and circuit drifting lessons.
- Omoshiro Rent a Car (omoren.com): Sports convertibles, Porsche, Audi, and Mazda Roadster. Multiple Tokyo locations, including Higashi Ikebukuro and Yutenji.
Luxury rentals typically start from 20,000–30,000 JPY/day (~S$174–S$261) and rise sharply for exotic marques. Always confirm CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) coverage and understand the Non-Operation Charge (NOC) policy before signing.
At these price points, every bit of savings counts — paying for fuel and incidentals with YouTrip means 0% FX fees on your JPY spending throughout.
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Tips for Getting the Cheapest Car Rental in Tokyo
- Book early — booking at least a few days in advance can secure better rates, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom in March–April, autumn foliage in November, Golden Week in May)
- Use comparison platforms like Kayak, Rentalcars.com, or ToCoo! Travel to compare multiple Japanese providers in English
- Pick up off-airport — airport counter fees are often baked into the rate; picking up from a city location like Shinjuku or Tokyo Station can be cheaper
- Rent mid-week — weekday rates are often lower than weekends
- Choose a compact or hybrid — fuel-efficient vehicles save on running costs, especially for longer trips
- Rent an ETC card — it allows cashless expressway toll payment and may offer discounted rates on some expressways vs paying cash
- Pay with YouTrip — use your YouTrip card for fuel, parking, convenience stores, and all JPY spending on the road. With 0% foreign transaction fees and competitive exchange rates, it’s the easiest way to keep your road trip costs down
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FAQs
Yes. Most visitors need a valid IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, plus their home country licence. Drivers from Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Switzerland, and Taiwan require an official Japanese translation of their licence instead.
Singaporean and Australian licences are covered under the Geneva Convention.
18 years old, though most companies prefer 21+. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Yes, but expect a learning curve. Japan drives on the left, most road signs outside major highways are in Japanese only, and GPS is standard in rental cars.
Japan has strict zero-tolerance drink driving laws (legal limit: 0.03%), mandatory seatbelts for all passengers, and car seats are required for children under 6.
Yes. Rent an ETC card (~330 JPY/day, ~S$2.90) from your rental company for cashless toll payment. Without one, you’re limited to cash-only lanes marked “一般/(Others).”
Haneda (~15km from central Tokyo) is better for heading south or west. Narita (~60km from Tokyo) suits travellers heading north or east, or those driving straight to the countryside on arrival.
We couldn’t verify this company through any official source. Always book through verified platforms such as official brand websites, Kayak, Rentalcars.com, or Klook.
NIPPON RENT-A-CAR supports English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai at all locations, with a 24-hour telephone interpretation service.
TOYOTA Rent a Car and Times CAR RENTAL are also strong options with English booking systems and nationwide coverage.
Most rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit (30,000–50,000 JPY, ~S$261–S$435). For fuel, parking, and all other JPY spending on the road, YouTrip lets you pay with 0% foreign transaction fees wherever Mastercard is accepted in Japan.
Ready for a road trip?
Whether you’re cruising to Mt Fuji in a compact hybrid, tearing through Hakone in a JDM icon, or doing a leisurely loop around the Izu Peninsula, planning ahead makes all the difference. Book your car early, pick up from a city location where possible, rent an ETC card for hassle-free toll payments, and factor in fuel and parking costs from the start.
Speaking of which — before you hit the road, lock in the best JPY rates with YouTrip to make your SGD go even further!
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Bon voyage!
Disclaimer: Prices and policies are subject to change. Always confirm the latest information directly with the rental company before booking!
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