Going to travel in Japan soon? Then, you might want to rent a car here! If you are planning to drive while traveling in Japan, you will be able to enjoy different kinds of travel with a high degree of freedom. In Japan, you can rent a car easily. So, get your international license ready before flying to Japan!
*There is a discount coupon for FUN! JAPAN readers at the end of this article, so check out the article to the end! *
Why Rent a Car in Japan?
These are the reasons:
- More fun: There are many attractive tourist destinations that can only be reached by car.
- More freedom: You can take a break when you want to
- Less stress: If you are traveling by train or bus, you must always be aware of the time of the train or bus, even when sightseeing. It is stressful to go sightseeing while worrying about time during your trip, right? But with a car rental you can enjoy sightseeing freely without worrying about time!
- Cost savings: When traveling in a group, the rental car cost per person might be lower than using public transportation!
- You can drive as usual: Cars drive on the left side of the road in Japan, so it is easy to drive with the same feeling as in Malaysia!
However, you need an international license to drive in Japan, so prepare yourself in advance.
Tourist Attractions Suitable for Visiting by Car
Public transportations in Japan are good, but there are still places that are more convenient to visit by car.
Places like Gotemba Premium Outlets, Fuji-Q Highland, Oshino Hakkai, Hitachi Seaside Park, etc. are good examples.
How Hard is it to Find a Rent a Car Company in Japan?
Unlike in Malaysia, to find a rent a car company in Japan is not so difficult. The rental car company with one of the biggest networks in Japan is “TOYOTA Rent a Car”. Established in 1966, TOYOTA Rent a Car has many stores around the country. There are branches at both Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport, and main stations such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Nippori, and so on.
How Difficult is the Process to Rent a Car in Japan?
The procedure for renting a car is very easy. TOYOTA Rent a Car’s website supports English and Traditional Chinese too, so it is easy to gather information in advance before your trip to Japan.
During the process of the rental, I faced no troubles at all. The procedures are not rocket science.
What is the Car Insurance Coverage?
For travelers driving in Japan, I personally recommend the “Double Protection Package” insurance plan. It includes at least the following compensation that cannot be covered by the basic rental car price.
- Property damage
- Car damage
- NOC (Non Operation Charge)
- Flat tires
“Own” Your Dream Car for Days?
Dreaming about driving the latest LEXUS, ALPHARD, PRADO Land Cruiser, Harrier or even TOYOTA 86 once in your life?
Then, come here. Let TOYOTA Rent a Car makes your dream comes true.
Route for Mt. Fuji
This would be my recommended route to drive in Japan, if you rent drive in Japan for the first time.
Itinerary
Narita International Airport
> (2-hour drive) > Oshino Hakkai
> (15-minute drive) > Lake YamanakaKo
> (45-minute drive) > Gotenba Outlet Plaza
> (1-hour drive) > Odawara Castle
By using the “one way system” option, you can drop the car at a different store instead of returning it back to the store you picked up the car.
For example, you might want to pick up your car at Narita International Airport, and return your car at Odawara Station.
Visit TOYOTA Rent a Car at Narita Airport Branch
As I already booked my car online, I headed to the counter directly after my flight landed at the airport.
Reaching the Rental Car Counter at the Airport
Arriving at Narita International Airport Terminal 2 South Wing
Walk towards the Visitor Service Center
Shuttle Bus Service.
If you rent a car at the Narita International Airport, you will be guided to use the shuttle bus to reach a place to pick up your car. The shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes from each terminal operating from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For terminal 1, the shuttle bus runs from Bus Stop No.20
Procedures in the store
Answer a Few Questions about Your Trip
Name 3 main travel destinations, contact number, and the hotels you are going to stay during the trip.
Explanation of Important Items.
You need to take note about which number to call when you face troubles, right?
Friendly reminder: Whenever a car accident happens, call the police and the insurance company first.
Regarding the petrol, please double check with the staff to know “which colour” to use.
This is the document used during explanation in my case.
Borrow the ETC Card.
ETC card is a card like the “Smart Tag” in Malaysia. In this case, it is not “prepaid” but a “postpaid” card. You pay for the amount you spend, when you return your car.
To borrow the ETC card, you need to sign this agreement.
When you return the car, the details of your highway expenses would be printed out.
What to Do When You Do Not Speak Japanese and Face Troubles During Your Trip
The call center for English and Japanese is available 24 hours. Assistance in Chinese is also available between 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
What should I keep in mind in Japan when drive a car?
Do not scratch your car
Before you drive your car, the staff will check scratches on the car body. They will repeat the same process when you return your rental car, to make sure that you do not scratch the car during the rental period
Scratches are written down in a sheet.
Make sure you refill the tank when you return your car
When the store passed the car to you, the petrol would be full-tank. You need to show your receipt at petrol station when you return the car.
That was my experience to rent a car at TOYOTA Rent a Car.
The process to rent a car in Japan is not difficult, right? Need more information? You can visit the official website of TOYOTA Rent A Car.
FUN! JAPAN’s limited TOYOTA Rent a Car 20% Discount Coupon is available now!
Good news for FUN! JAPAN readers! A 20% discount coupon for TOYOTA Rent a Car is now available at FUN! JAPAN website.
- Make a reservation at TOYOTA Rent a Car website.
- Show the following coupon (either on your phone’s screen or on a printed paper) to the staff at TOYOTA Rent a Car to receive a 20% discount from the standard rate. (Click here to print the coupon)
Let’s make a reservation at TOYOTA Rent a Car official website now!
Click here to visit TOYOTA Rent a Car official website.
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