Rent a Car in Shizuoka, Japan—Great Prices, Maximum Freedom

Compare competitive deals and use this practical guide to choose the best pickup location, understand insurance and fees, and hit the road for Mt. Fuji, Izu, and coastal day trips.

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Car Rental Guide For Shizuoka, Japan

Renting a car in Shizuoka is one of the easiest ways to explore beyond the city—especially for Mt. Fuji viewpoints, the Izu Peninsula’s beaches and hot springs, tea plantations, and coastal drives where trains and buses can be slower or infrequent. Expect well-maintained roads, clear signage, and generally efficient rental counters. Trade-offs include paid expressways, limited parking in busier areas, and the need to follow Japan’s strict traffic and fuel-return rules. For the smoothest experience, reserve early for weekends/holidays, confirm your license requirements (an International Driving Permit is commonly required for many visitors), and decide whether highway toll convenience (ETC) is worth it for your itinerary.

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Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) Car Rental

Most convenient if you’re flying in and want to start driving immediately. Rental desks are typically straightforward, and you can reach Shizuoka City, Fujinomiya, or Izu efficiently. Pros: quick pickup after landing, good selection of vehicles, easy access to expressways for longer day trips. Cons: fewer last-minute deals during peak seasons, airport surcharges may apply, and the airport is outside central Shizuoka so it can be less convenient if your hotel is downtown and you don’t plan to drive daily.

Shizuoka Station (JR Shizuoka) Area

A popular pickup zone for travelers arriving by Shinkansen or limited express. Pros: easy access on foot from many hotels, flexible to rent only for day trips, and simple drop-off before taking trains onward. Cons: downtown traffic at rush hour, paid parking costs, and some branches have limited after-hours return options—confirm return times in advance.

Shin-Shizuoka (Central City) Area

Convenient for city-center stays and shopping districts. Pros: close to major streets for quick exits toward Fuji or the coast, and often good public transit connections if you’re not driving every day. Cons: denser streets, more one-way routes, and parking can be tight or expensive depending on the neighborhood.

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What do you need to rent a car in Shizuoka?

Renting a car in Shizuoka is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID is required (Australia / Argentina / Japan depending on rental country).
Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical local driving license with no major endorsements. The license must typically be held for at least 1 year; some offers may require 2 years or specify details in the full rental terms and conditions.
Notes: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. A refundable security deposit will apply (e.g., around AUD 1,000 in Australia). In Japan, for licenses issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Estonia, Monaco, or Taiwan, an authorized Japanese translation is required from approved organizations such as JAF, ALADDIN, ADAC, or relevant embassies/consulates.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted credit cards commonly include Visa and MasterCard, and in some cases AMEX, Diners Club, and JCB. Some locations also accept debit cards (Visa/Master-branded) or cash, but certain offers may accept only credit cards. An E‑voucher or printed voucher may be required for some rates.
Age requirements: Typical minimum and maximum driver ages across offers range between 18–25 years minimum and 70–99 years maximum. Exact limits vary by car/offer, commonly 21–80, 21–99, 25–80, or 25–99, with some offers at 18–99 or 20–80. Young driver surcharges may apply: for example, age 21–24 may incur an additional daily fee (e.g., about AUD 19–21 in some Australian offers), and age 18–20 may incur a smaller daily fee (e.g., around USD 5.78). Some suppliers also note that surcharges or special confirmation may apply for drivers 75–80 years old.

Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving license with no major endorsements. The license normally must be held for at least 1 year; some offers require 2 years or refer to the full rental terms for exact minimum. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (often 1949 Convention, booklet A6 format, valid for the appropriate vehicle category)
or
• Original driving licence + NAATI (Australia) or other official translation (e.g., authorized Japanese translation from JAF/embassy/approved bodies for certain European/Taiwan licenses)
or
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version, with English on the back where stated)
or
• Original Driver's License printed in Latin/Roman alphabet (no IDP needed in some countries)
or
• Specific combinations such as Taiwan/Swiss/German/French/Belgian/Monaco licenses + required Japanese translation, as applicable.
Notes: In Australia, non‑Roman alphabet licenses (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an IDP or certified translation. In Japan, IDP must be issued under the 1949 Convention by a government‑authorized agency and presented with the original license; for certain European and Taiwan licenses, an official Japanese translation is mandatory. Some suppliers require that driver’s license, passport, and IDP are all issued by the same country.
Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Commonly accepted cards: Visa and MasterCard; some locations also accept AMEX, Diners Club, and JCB. Debit cards (Visa/Master) may be accepted at select locations; others accept only credit cards. A printed or electronic voucher may be required for some offers. In some countries, cash can be used in addition to a valid credit card. Proof of insurance coverage from a credit card or insurer may be requested for certain rates.
Age requirements: Typical minimum and maximum driver ages across offers range between 18–25 years minimum and 70–99 years maximum. Exact limits vary by car/offer, commonly 21–80, 21–99, 25–80, or 25–99, with some offers at 18–99 or 20–80. Young driver surcharges may apply: for example, age 21–24 may incur an additional daily fee (e.g., about AUD 19–21 in some Australian offers), and age 18–20 may incur a smaller daily fee (e.g., around USD 5.78). Some suppliers also note that surcharges or special confirmation may apply for drivers 75–80 years old.

Choose Your Ride

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

Airport Pickup

Downtown Pickup

Pick Up at Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) for Fast Getaways

Airport pickup is ideal if you’re landing in Shizuoka and want to start driving right away. You’ll typically find reliable service, clear rental procedures, and vehicles ready for longer drives—especially useful for Fuji-area routes and Izu Peninsula loops. It can save time on transfers, but availability and pricing may be tighter during weekends and peak travel dates.

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Shizuoka Car Rentals: Compare Top-Rated Agencies & Reviews

Read genuine customer reviews to find the best car rental deals in Shizuoka. Make informed decisions before you book.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.3 10,457+ reviews	$122	In terminal, Walk to counter	-	●Premium BMW Mercedes Fleet ●Transparent Pricing No Hidden Fees ●Fast Easy Pickup Return Process
	2.7 17000+ reviews	$123	17.1 mi	$300 - $5,000	●Helpful and Friendly Staff ●Easy Pickup and Return Process ●Professional Service Standards
	1.8 3000+ reviews	$124	In terminal, Walk to counter	$491	●Friendly and professional staff ●Clean and well-maintained vehicles ●Smooth and efficient process
	1.5 200+ reviews	$98	17.1 mi	-	●Professional Service Team ●Reliable Vehicles ●Low Running Costs
	1.0 74 reviews	$94	0.8 mi	-	●Standard pickup and dropoff process ●Competitive pricing structure ●No significant issues reported

*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. 16 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

Guide to Refueling a Rental Car in Japan

This guide provides essential tips for tourists on how to refuel a rental car in Japan, explaining the differences between full-service and self-service stations, key phrases in Japanese, and safety tips for a smooth experience.

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Avoid Hidden Car Rental Fees in Japan with Clear Insurance and NOC Protection

Discover how to avoid hidden car rental fees in Japan by understanding base rates, CDW insurance, NOC non operation charges, ETC toll card costs, one way drop off fees, fuel policies, late return penalties, and seasonal 4WD or snow tire surcharges. Learn why upgrading to full protection and using transparent platforms like QEEQ can give you zero deductible coverage and peace of mind on your Japanese road trip.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Shizuoka Station and Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) lead pickups at 60% combined. Coastal hotspots capture 22%, while train station hubs account for 55% of business traveler rentals seeking bullet train connectivity."

Booking Patterns

"Compact cars dominate at 45% in Shizuoka for urban-Mount Fuji routes. Peak seasons April-May and October-November show 55% booking surge. Average rental duration 2.5 days. 68% book 1-2 weeks ahead. SUV demand rises 20% for Suruga Bay scenic coastal drives."

Customer Pain Points

"52% of Shizuoka renters report hidden fee concerns, while 48% of international visitors struggle with insurance confusion (CDW vs Super CDW coverage), and 28% cite difficulty navigating Mount Fuji area toll roads."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Mordor Intelligence - Japan Car Rental Market Report 2024
Statista - Japan Car Rental Market Outlook 2024
Shizuoka Prefecture Tourism Statistics 2024
JTB Tourism Research - Japan Travel Trends 2024
Statista - Most Common Reasons for Car Rental in Japan 2024
Japan Car Rental Association - Seasonal Trends Report 2024
Japan Tourism Agency Consumer Survey 2024-2025
J.D. Power Japan Rental Car Satisfaction Study 2024
Consumer Affairs Agency Japan - Complaint Statistics 2024

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Shizuoka

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Shizuoka

ShizuokaTokyo

From

$110.00

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Trips From Shizuoka

Top Driving Routes:

Shizuoka City to Nihondaira & Kunozan Toshogu Scenic Loop

Scenic coastal & viewpoint loop2–3 hours (plus stops)

A short, high-reward loop with sweeping views over Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji from Nihondaira, then down toward the historic Kunozan Toshogu shrine area. Ideal for a half-day drive with light walking and great photo stops.

Nihondaira Yume Terrace, Nihondaira Ropeway, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Miho no Matsubara, Shimizu Port

Mount Fuji Views: Shizuoka to Fujinomiya & Lake Tanuki

Mountain views & nature drive4–6 hours (plus stops)

Head northeast toward the Mt. Fuji foothills for classic views, local specialties, and easy nature stops. This route pairs well with clear-weather mornings and includes iconic perspectives around Fujinomiya and Lake Tanuki.

Fujinomiya City, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, Shiraito Falls, Lake Tanuki, Asagiri Plateau

Izu Peninsula Highlights: Mishima Skywalk to Shuzenji Onsen

Scenic peninsula drive & hot-spring town6–8 hours (plus stops)

A greatest-hits drive into Izu with a dramatic suspension bridge, a classic onsen town, and coastal scenery. Best as a full day or an overnight if you want to add beaches or more hot springs.

Mishima Skywalk, Shuzenji Onsen, Joren Falls, Dogashima Coast, Jogasaki Coast

Popular Day Trips:

Sumpu Castle Park & Shizuoka Food Crawl

3–5 hours

An easy in-city outing combining Shizuoka’s historic core with local eats like oden and fresh seafood from the Shimizu area.

Miho no Matsubara Sunset Drive

2–4 hours

A relaxed coastal drive to one of Japan’s most celebrated pine-grove shorelines, especially scenic near sunset on clear days with Mt. Fuji views.

Shiraito Falls & Fujinomiya Yakisoba Run

5–7 hours

Pair a signature waterfall stop with Fujinomiya’s famous yakisoba and shrine sightseeing for a classic Mt. Fuji foothills day trip.

Izu Onsen Sampler: Shuzenji & Nearby Footbaths

6–8 hours

Drive into Izu for a low-stress hot-spring town experience—stroll bamboo groves, try footbaths, and enjoy a café break before returning.

Hamamatsu Lake Hamana & Unagi Lunch

6–9 hours

A western Shizuoka day trip for lakeside views and a quintessential eel (unagi) meal around Lake Hamana, with optional garden or coastal stops.

Car Rental Planning Tips for Shizuoka

Bring The Right License Documents: Most visitors need a passport plus an International Driving Permit (IDP, 1949 Geneva) to rent and drive in Japan. Confirm your home country’s IDP eligibility before you fly.

Plan For Expressway Tolls: Tolls add up quickly around Shizuoka (Tomei and Shin-Tomei). Ask for an ETC card rental if available, or budget extra time for cash/credit toll lanes.

Understand Fuel Types And Return Rules: Most rentals use regular gasoline (レギュラー). Return the car with a full tank and keep the receipt—some companies ask to see it at drop-off.

Parking Is Easier Outside City Centers: Shizuoka Station and busy tourist spots can have limited parking. Use paid lots and aim for earlier arrival times on weekends and holidays.

Time Mt. Fuji Views For Clear Mornings: Visibility is often best in the morning. If Mt. Fuji is a priority, start early toward Fujinomiya/Asagiri and keep an alternate plan for cloudy days.

Check Seasonal Road Conditions: Mountain routes can be affected by snow/ice in winter and heavy rain in typhoon season. Confirm live road updates and avoid shortcuts on narrow local roads.

Use Japanese Map Labels When Navigating: If your navigation app struggles with English, search by place name in Japanese (copy/paste) or use phone numbers/map codes when provided by attractions.

Add Buffer Time For Rest Stops: Service areas on the expressway are excellent and worth a stop, but they also slow you down. Add 20–40 minutes of buffer time for breaks and traffic.

Drive Through Japan's Scenic Shizuoka Prefecture

Experience the perfect blend of Mount Fuji views, coastal drives, and traditional Japanese hospitality while exploring Shizuoka by car

LANGUAGES

Japanese

CURRENCY

JPY

DRIVE ON

Left-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+81

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$50 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-40 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-100 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.05/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.72/L - $1.17/L

Shizuoka Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and FAQs for renting a car and exploring Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

Can I drive in Japan with my US driver's license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

You'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). US driver's licenses alone are not valid for driving in Japan. Get your IDP from AAA before departure—it's inexpensive (around $20) and takes about 15 minutes at any AAA office. Without it, rental agencies will refuse to hand over the keys and you risk fines of up to ¥100,000 if stopped by police.

I'm from the US—will driving on the left side of the road in Japan be a problem?

Yes, this is the biggest adjustment for American drivers. Japan drives on the left, meaning the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Most rental cars in Shizuoka are right-hand drive automatics. Take extra caution at intersections and when turning—your instinct to look left for oncoming traffic could get you into trouble. Spend 10 minutes in an empty parking lot getting comfortable before hitting main roads.

How much are expressway tolls in Shizuoka, and what's the best way to pay them?

Expressway tolls in Japan are notoriously expensive—expect to pay ¥3,000-6,000 for a one-way trip from Tokyo to Shizuoka (roughly 150 km). Rent a car with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) device onboard—most do. This lets you pass through toll gates without stopping and often qualifies you for discounted expressway passes. If your rental doesn't include ETC, buy a pre-paid ETC card at convenience stores for about ¥2,000 deposit.

Do I need snow tires or chains to drive around Mount Fuji in winter?

Absolutely if you're visiting between November and March. Snow and ice are common on roads around Mount Fuji and in the Japan Alps region of Shizuoka, even though coastal areas stay mild. Many mountain passes legally require winter tires or chains during this season—failure to comply can result in fines and void your rental insurance. Budget an extra ¥3,000-6,000 if renting winter tires. Even in spring, Shadow Route 139 (the scenic Motosu Lake area) can have icy patches in early morning.

I'm 23—will I be hit with a young driver surcharge, and how much will it cost?

Yes, drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge of ¥1,000-2,500 per day in Japan. At age 23, you'll likely fall into this category. Combined with the base rental rate, expect to pay roughly 15-25% more than the standard rate. Some agencies waive the surcharge for 23-24 year olds on economy cars, so it pays to comparison shop. Book in advance through Japanese aggregator sites like Toyoko Times or Rakuten Travel for better deals than walk-up rates.

Is parking easy to find and expensive in Shizuoka City?

Parking is generally manageable but not cheap. Street parking in central Shizuoka costs ¥200-400 per hour, with many meters operating 8:00 AM-8:00 PM. Major shopping centers and attractions offer free parking but fill up fast on weekends. Consider staying at hotels with free parking if you're road-tripping. In the Hakone/Fuji Five Lakes area, many ryokans provide free parking—always confirm before booking.

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