This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary details and practical advice to help you embark on your Japanese road trip with confidence. It’s designed to answer critical questions and ensure a smooth experience. At the end, you'll find essential tips summarized for quick reference.
Yes, Japanese residents and visitors can rent and drive cars in Japan when they present the correct ID, driving licence combination, and an accepted payment card. Age limits and the required holding period of the licence also apply.
Form of ID:
Foreign renters must present a valid physical passport at pick-up.
Driving licence:
The main and any additional drivers must hold a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, generally held for at least 1 year.
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + IDP (issued under the 1949 Convention, A6 booklet format, seat capacity consistent with licence category)
or
• Hong Kong Driving License in China + IDP (issued under the 1949 Convention, A6 booklet format, seat capacity consistent with licence category)
or
• Taiwan Driving License in China + Japan Translation (Japanese translation issued by JAF or relevant embassy/consulate; applies to licences issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, and Taiwan)
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted brands may include Visa, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, UnionPay, Diners Club, Discover and others depending on the specific offer. Some offers also accept cash or debit/“deposit” cards at counter, but a valid credit card is still commonly required for deposit/guarantee.
Age requirements:
Depending on vehicle category and offer, the permitted driver age ranges between 18–75 years. The most common ranges are 20–65 or 18–70; drivers must fall within the age band specified for their chosen car at booking. No explicit young driver surcharge details are provided in the policy.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Choose from reliable international companies or distinctive local providers. Each offers unique advantages for travelers from Indonesia visiting Japan.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands

Hertz
Locations:
11Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Hertz
Locations:
530Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Hertz
Locations:
1153Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Nissan
Locations:
3574Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and eco-friendly options
Europcar
Locations:
366Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and business rentals
Avis
Locations:
143Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking reliable service with various vehicle options
Hertz
Locations:
378Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Alamo
Locations:
396Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
IX Rental
Locations:
30Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and short-term rentals
Hello Rent a Car
Locations:
3Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local excursionsChoosing the right rental car can make your more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Think about your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in USA
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Most Japanese drivers prefer automatic for USA road trips
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving and automatic cars
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your Indonesian insurance or travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and cross-country travel
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Tokyo, Osaka, KyotoMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Hokkaido, KyushuConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Okinawa, Fuji Five Lakes, HakoneCompare with Confidence on QEEQ
Japan offers a mixture of vibrant cities, historical landmarks, and scenic countryside perfect for exploration. Car rentals provide the freedom to discover iconic destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hokkaido at your own pace.
When renting a car in Japan, certain types of insurance are essential to ensure legal compliance and peace of mind during your travels. Insurance coverage may vary depending on the rental agency and chosen plan. Understanding the available options can help protect you from unexpected expenses in case of accidents or theft.
Covers financial liability for damage to the rental car in case of collision or theft.
Provides coverage for theft of the rental vehicle, minimizing your financial responsibility.
Covers damages or injury caused to other parties during your rental period.
Offers compensation for medical expenses for injuries to you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Japan. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Renting a car in Japan can enhance your travel experience, but smart planning can significantly reduce costs for travelers from Indonesia.
Key considerations and tips for Indonesian travelers renting cars in Japan.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Traffic regulations between Indonesia and Japan vary significantly, focusing on vehicle operation, road markings, and driver conduct.
Traffic Signal Compliance
Strict adherence to traffic signals is mandatory
Signal compliance is common but enforcement may be lenient
Lane Discipline
Vehicles drive on the left side of the road
Vehicles drive on the left, but lane markings can be less clear
Pedestrian Priority
Pedestrians have the right of way at crossings
Pedestrian priority is observed but enforcement varies
Speed Limits
Speed limits are strictly enforced, urban areas 40-60 km/h
Speed limits exist but enforcement may be relaxed
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free devices are required while driving
Similar regulation, hands-free recommended
Seatbelt Usage
Mandatory for all occupants in the vehicle
Mandatory for front-seat passengers, rear-seat enforcement varies
Parking Rules
Designated parking areas strictly followed
Parking often flexible, roadside parking common
Common questions for travelers from Indonesia renting a car in Japan