Car Hire In Atami, Japan: Simple Pick-Up, Great Value, Total Freedom

Compare competitive prices and use this practical UK-focused guide to choose the best pick-up point, understand Japanese rental rules, and drive the Izu Peninsula with confidence.

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UK Traveller Essentials

Atami Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers

Renting a car in Atami is a practical way to explore the Izu Peninsula’s coastline, hot spring towns, viewpoints and beaches at your own pace—especially when public transport becomes infrequent in the evenings or for rural sights. Atami itself is compact and walkable around the station and seafront, but a car is valuable for trips to Ito, Jogasaki Coast, Hakone’s quieter edges, Shuzenji and scenic drives. Expect toll roads on faster routes, narrow local streets in older neighbourhoods, and paid parking near popular attractions. For travellers from the United Kingdom, the main preparation points are: obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention before leaving the UK, carry your UK licence and passport, consider collision damage cover and tyre/windscreen cover, and decide whether you want an ETC card/device for tolls. Fuel is generally straightforward (most cars are petrol), but always confirm whether the vehicle takes regular petrol or diesel and return it according to the agreed fuel policy.

Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) – Gateway For Atami

Best for UK travellers arriving into Japan via Tokyo. Pick up at HND if you want to start driving immediately towards Atami and the Izu Peninsula. Pros: broad fleet choice, longer operating hours, easier English support. Cons: Tokyo traffic and expressway tolls can add time and cost; you may prefer taking the train to Atami then collecting locally.

Atami Station Area

Convenient for arrivals on JR lines and for short rentals. Pros: easy walk from trains and many hotels; ideal for day trips. Cons: limited branch hours and smaller fleets; parking near the station can be busy and paid.

Atami Seafront / Sun Beach Vicinity

Handy if you’re staying along the waterfront and want immediate coastal access. Pros: quick access to seaside routes and viewpoints. Cons: seasonal congestion and event traffic; parking costs can be higher around peak times.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Choose Airport-Area Pick-Up For Wider Choice And Longer Hours

Atami has no commercial airport, so most visitors collect cars via major gateways such as Tokyo Haneda or nearby Shinkansen hubs. These locations typically offer more vehicle availability, longer opening hours, English-friendly signage, and easier one-way options for road trips across Shizuoka and the Izu Peninsula.

Atami Car Hire Reviews from Real Travellers

Compare trusted ratings and genuine customer experiences for car rentals in Atami, Japan. Read honest feedback to choose the best rental service for your journey.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.3 9800+ reviews	$129	0.8 mi from Atami Downtown	-	●Friendly and professional staff ●Quick and efficient service ●Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
	2.3 63 reviews	$347	0.6 mi from Atami Downtown	$422 - $1,084	●Helpful and professional staff ●Quick pick-up and drop-off ●Clean and well-maintained vehicles
	1.8 3076+ reviews	$265	0.6 mi from Atami Downtown	$327 - $826	●Clean and well-maintained vehicles ●Professional and friendly staff ●Easy online booking process
	1.8 23,900+ reviews	$321	0.6 mi from Atami Downtown	$393 - $1,001	●Friendly and professional staff ●Quick and easy pickup ●Clean vehicles in good condition
	1.5 420+ reviews	$300	15.1 mi from Atami Downtown	-	●Wide car selection ●Quick pick-up and return ●Convenient pick-up locations
	0.0 Not available	$127	0.8 mi from Atami Downtown	-	●Wide car selection ●Well-maintained vehicles ●Convenient pick-up locations

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 15 2026

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A Comprehensive Guide to Refuelling in Japan

This guide offers essential tips for navigating petrol stations in Japan, covering self-service and full-service options, payment methods, and fuel types.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

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Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

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Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Atami Station (Ekimae) is the dominant pickup point, with ORIX and Nippon operating counter locations. Japan's car rental market reached ¥773.6bn in 2023, growing 8.9% year-on-year."

Booking Patterns

"Japan's car rental market projected to grow 3.77% annually to US$3.31bn by 2030, with 73% of bookings via online channels. Over a third of fleet comprises trucks."

Customer Pain Points

"Insurance coverage confusion is the leading pain point, with many tourists unaware that basic liability excludes collision damage and Super CDW requires separate purchase."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Statista - Japan Car Rental Market
ORIX Rent a Car Atami Ekimae
Statista - Car Rentals Japan
Squaremouth Travel Insurance - Japan
Japan Guide - Transportation

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Day Trips From Atami

Route Options:

Atami To Hakone Loop (Lake Ashi & Open-Air Museum)

Scenic mountain drive1 hr 30 mins–2 hrs driving (one way); 6–9 hrs recommended total with stops

Head inland from Atami into Hakone for classic Fuji-region scenery, museums, volcanic landscapes and lakeside viewpoints. Roads climb quickly, with frequent bends and potential fog; drive steadily and allow extra time in peak seasons.

Hakone-Yumoto, Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani, Lake Ashi (Moto-Hakone), Hakone Shrine

Izu Peninsula Coastal Drive (Atami–Ito–Jogasaki–Shimoda)

Coastal panorama route2 hrs 30 mins–3 hrs 30 mins driving (one way); 8–10 hrs recommended as a long day trip

Follow the Izu coastline past resort towns, rugged cliffs and seafood harbours. This is a rewarding drive with frequent photo stops; expect slower progress on narrow coastal stretches and around tunnels.

Ito, Jogasaki Coast, Izu Kogen, Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, Shimoda

Fuji Five Lakes Day Drive (Atami–Gotemba–Kawaguchiko)

Mount Fuji viewpoint route2–2 hrs 30 mins driving (one way); 7–10 hrs recommended total with lakeside stops

Take the expressway inland to reach Mount Fuji’s northern lakes for iconic views, lakeside promenades and photo spots. Visibility is best early morning and in cooler seasons; allow extra time for weekend traffic near viewpoints.

Gotemba Premium Outlets, Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko), Oishi Park, Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park), Lake Saiko

Popular Trips:

Atami City Highlights (Seaside, Gardens & Views)

2–4 hrs total; minimal driving

A low-stress local outing combining Atami’s coastline, cultural spots and viewpoints—ideal if you want short hops and plenty of time on foot.

Mishima Skywalk & Mishima Taisha

4–6 hrs total; ~40–60 mins driving each way (traffic dependent)

Visit Japan’s long suspension bridge for sweeping views, then pair it with a shrine visit and an easy town lunch stop.

Numazu Port Seafood & Deep Sea Aquarium

5–7 hrs total; ~1–1 hr 20 mins driving each way

A foodie-focused trip to a lively fishing port for market dining, harbour strolls and one of Japan’s most unusual aquariums.

Odawara Castle & Coastal Streets

4–6 hrs total; ~45–70 mins driving each way

A straightforward drive to a classic castle town with museum exhibits, easy walks and local snacks—great as a half-day escape from Atami.

Car Rental Planning Tips For Atami & The Izu Area

Bring The Right Licence Documents: Most visitors need a passport plus an International Driving Permit (IDP, 1949 Convention) to rent and drive in Japan. Check your country’s requirements before you travel.

Plan For Toll Roads And ETC: Expressways (e.g., Tomei/Seisho) save time but add toll costs. Ask your rental firm about an ETC card and in-car unit, and budget for tolls if you’re heading to Hakone or Fuji.

Drive Cautiously On Mountain Roads: Routes to Hakone and inland Izu can be steep, narrow and winding with fog or sudden rain. Use low gears on descents and allow extra time for slower traffic.

Check Parking Early At Tourist Hotspots: Popular places can fill quickly (Hakone lakeside areas, Kawaguchiko viewpoints, ports on weekends). Consider arriving early and keep coins/cards for pay-and-display car parks.

Refuel Before Remote Coastal Stretches: Petrol stations are plentiful in towns, but can be less frequent late at night or in rural Izu. Top up before long coastal segments and return the car with the required fuel level.

Avoid Peak Congestion Times: Weekends and public holidays can mean heavy queues in Hakone and around Fuji viewpoints. Build slack into your schedule and aim to travel earlier in the day.

Use Navigation With Japanese Place Names: Car nav systems and map apps work well, but some destinations are easier to find using Japanese names or phone numbers. Save key locations in advance (hotel, car return, major stops).

Driving in Atami: Essential Japan Travel Guide

Your complete guide to car hire, road rules, fuel costs and driving regulations for an Atami coastal getaway in Japan

LANGUAGES

Japanese

CURRENCY

JPY

DRIVE ON

Left-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+81

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$60 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

3-5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-60 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-100 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.03% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.06/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.73/L - $1.16/L

Atami Self-Drive Car Rental FAQs

Practical answers about driving, tolls, licences and rules for hiring a car in Atami, Japan

Can I use a UK photocard driving licence to hire a car in Atami without an International Driving Permit?

No. UK travellers must carry a valid 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their photocard licence for all Japanese rental companies. An IDP costs around £5.50 from the AA, takes one working day, and must be presented with the original licence at the counter. Skipping it voids the vehicle's compulsory liability insurance, so do not chance it.

Do I drive on the left or the right in Atami, and is the road to the hot-spring ryokans steep?

You drive on the left and the steering wheel sits on the right, the opposite of a UK car. The Izu Skyline (R135) approaching Atami is twisty with hairpin bends, narrow tunnels and sharp cliff drops, especially around Ajiro and the Tanna Pass. Allow double your usual journey time, use lower gears on descents, and avoid overtaking slow coaches on solid white lines.

How much are Japanese motorway tolls, and should I rent an ETC card from the hire firm?

A one-way run from Tokyo to Atami via the Tomei/Shin-Tomei Expressway costs roughly ¥3,800 in cash tolls. ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) cards rented from providers such as Toyota Rent a Car typically cost ¥330 per day plus actual fees, but save 5–10 percent on most routes and let you use dedicated ETC lanes. Pay the deposit in cash if you skip ETC, as foreign credit cards are often refused at unmanned gates.

What is the young-driver surcharge in Japan, and what is the minimum age to rent in Atami?

Most firms, including Times, Nippon and Toyota Rent a Car, set a minimum rental age of 21 with at least one year of licence, but they also levy a 'Yahya' young-driver fee of ¥1,100 per day for drivers under 25. Drivers aged 70 and over must surrender an eyesight test or medical certificate at some outlets. Budget an extra ¥7,000–¥8,000 across a typical three-day Atami stay if you are 23 or 24.

Are snow chains or winter tyres compulsory in Atami, and when is driving most dangerous?

Chains are only legally required on signposted sections, usually the Izu Skyline and Amagi Pass, when black-ice warnings are issued between January and February. Standard rental cars come with all-season radials, which cope with light snow but not icy ruts. During typhoon season (July to October) the Old Atami Pass is closed without notice; check the Shizuoka Police website before setting off.

Where can I park near Atami Sun Beach and the station, and what is the hourly rate?

Public multi-storey car parks near JR Atami Station charge ¥200 per 30 minutes (capped around ¥1,500 for 24 hours). Hotel ryokans often include free parking for guests, but spaces at the cliff-top onsen hotels are extremely tight; book a designated bay in advance. Coin machines accept ¥100/¥500 coins and IC cards (Suica/Pasmo); tap-to-pay cards are increasingly common, but carry small change as backup.

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