Car Hire In Takamatsu, Japan: Competitive Prices And A Practical UK Traveller’s Guide

Bring The Right Documents: You’ll typically need your passport, a valid driving licence, and an International Driving Permit (IDP, 1949 convention) if your licence is not Japanese. Check eligibility before travel.

Budget Extra Time For Mountain Roads: Routes into places like Iya Valley are slower than they look on a map due to narrow lanes and hairpins. Add buffer time and avoid rushing near sunset.

Plan For Expressway Tolls: Shikoku expressways use toll gates; consider an ETC card rental if offered, as it speeds up toll payments and can reduce stress at busy exits.

Refuel Earlier In Rural Areas: Petrol stations thin out in remote valleys and late evenings. Keep the tank above half when leaving urban areas, and note station closing times.

Check Ferry Timetables In Advance: Island trips (Shodoshima, Naoshima) depend on ferry schedules. Confirm last sailings, vehicle capacity rules, and arrival ports to avoid long waits.

Expect Paid Parking In City Centres: In central Takamatsu and popular sights, parking is often paid and time-limited. Keep coins/cards handy and note maximum stay rules on signage.

Adapt To Weather And Visibility: Coastal winds and sudden mountain rain can reduce visibility. Slow down, use headlights appropriately, and postpone viewpoint stops if conditions worsen.

Use Offline Maps And Japanese Place Names: Signal can drop in valleys. Download offline maps and save destinations in Japanese (or paste exact addresses) to help your sat-nav find the correct location.