Japan Car Hire

Reasons to book a car hire in Japan

Renting a car in Japan provides the freedom to explore the country's diverse attractions at your own pace, making it an appealing option for tourists. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and maintain a flexible travel plan, which is especially beneficial for families or groups. You can visit key attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland®, the scenic Lake Kawaguchi, and the vibrant American Village without the constraints of public transportation schedules.

Additionally, having a car allows you to venture into popular metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. In Tokyo, you can explore iconic sites including the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo DisneySea®. In Osaka, attractions like Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Castle await your visit. Meanwhile, Kyoto offers cultural landmarks such as Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple. This flexibility enhances your outdoor and adventure experiences, allowing you to appreciate Japan’s beautiful scenery and vibrant culture fully. Overall, renting a car in Japan is a practical choice for those seeking a well-rounded travel experience.

Most popular car hires in Japan

• Compact: The compact car is a popular choice for those travelling in Japan, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 medium suitcases. This car type is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, making it an excellent option for navigating urban areas and scenic routes alike. Its size makes it easy to park and manoeuvre, allowing you to visit various attractions without hassle.
• Mini: Perfect for smaller groups, the mini car accommodates up to 4 travellers and can hold 2 small suitcases. This option is particularly suited for solo adventurers or couples looking to explore Japan with ease. Its compact size allows for efficient navigation through crowded streets and tight parking spots, making it a popular choice for those wanting a more intimate travel experience.
• Midsize: The midsize car is an excellent option for couples or families, providing ample space for up to 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. This type of vehicle combines comfort with practicality, making it suitable for longer journeys and accommodating additional luggage. If you prefer a bit more room for comfort during your travels in Japan, the midsize car is a reliable choice.

Where to stay in Japan

• Tokyo: A vibrant metropolis renowned for its family-friendly attractions and entertainment options. Key highlights include the enchanting `Tokyo Disneyland®` and `Tokyo DisneySea®`, both theme parks perfect for a memorable family holiday. For stunning views, visit the iconic `Tokyo Skytree`, a modern tower offering panoramic city vistas. Tokyo's shopping areas and malls provide ample opportunities for retail therapy, while nearby restaurants and alcohol distilleries cater to diverse culinary tastes. This bustling city is best experienced in spring when cherry blossoms bloom.
• Osaka: Known for its lively atmosphere, Osaka offers a delightful mix of family and business experiences. A must-visit is `Universal Studios Japan`, a captivating theme park that appeals to all ages. Explore the historical `Osaka Castle` for a glimpse into Japan's past, or head to `Tsutenkaku Tower` for impressive city views. The shopping centres here are plentiful, and the local dining scene boasts a variety of restaurants and distilleries. Autumn is a particularly lovely time to visit, with mild weather and beautiful foliage.
• Kyoto: A city steeped in history and culture, Kyoto is ideal for families and those interested in traditional experiences. Notable attractions include the serene `Fushimi Inari Shrine`, renowned for its stunning torii gates, and the historic `Kiyomizu Temple`, both excellent for cultural exploration. The `Kinkaku-ji Temple`, with its beautiful golden facade, is also worth a visit. Kyoto's public markets and shopping areas provide local flavours and unique souvenirs. Spring and autumn are the best times to experience the city's picturesque scenery and cultural festivals.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Japan

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and features you desire. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it is advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling arrangements, which are acceptable as well; just ensure that you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car from airports often incurs a surcharge, although the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in Japan

The best value period to rent a car in Japan is September, when demand is moderate and prices tend to be lower. June also offers slightly low prices with average demand, making it a decent option. However, March tends to be the most expensive month, often accompanied by higher demand. April is especially busy, with both prices and demand seeing a noticeable uptick. Following this, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.