How to find a cheap car hire deal in Japan
Pick up a cheap rental car in Japan from Rs3,781 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.
Rs26,463 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 Miyako Jima.
If you're unsure which provider to go with, check out Nissan Rent a Car. 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.
May is the most affordable month to rent a car. Expect average daily rates of Rs17,344 then.
December 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
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you might run into extra costs or rules. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your rental in Japan.
Kids coming with you? Car seat requirements vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Check if you need to add one to your car hire reservation in Japan.
You'll need to show some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
If you've never driven in Japan, be aware that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
In Japan, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.03%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, leave the driving to someone else or find an alternative way to get around.
The Japanese yen (JPY) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay by card where you can, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't an option.
Japanese is the language you'll hear most often in Japan.
