How to Rent Cars in Tokyo
Japanese cities are not car friendly. Not only are the streets narrow, parking is hard to come by. When traveling outside the big cities, however, a car is very useful for getting around.
Japan has an excellent network of toll roads, and in the countryside roads between cities and villages tend to be wide and driver friendly. Hotels and traditional inns also tend to have ample parking spaces.
There are several companies who offer car rentals, both branches of the large international rental companies and local car rental companies. Most documentation is available in English.
- Japanese driver's license, international driver's license or international driver's permit
- Passport or other form of identification (for foreigners)
- Cash or credit cards
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Instructions
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1
Select the car. This can be done on the website of the rental car company.
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2
Reserve the car ahead. This is usually advisable at major holiday times. Reservations can be done over the phone (only a few companies have English speaking agents) or through the website of the rental car companies (often in English).
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3
Show identification and driver's license to the rental car agent.
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4
Select options. Rental car companies in Japan offer the same type of options as rental car companies in other countries, such as insurance and gasoline service.
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5
Sign the documents and pay.
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6
Pick up the car. Adjust for the driver.
