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

Compare value-focused deals, pick the right location (airport or city), and drive Yokohama and the wider Kantō region with clear advice on insurance, fuel and common fees.

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Yokohama Car Hire: Where To Pick Up, What To Expect, And How To Save

Hiring a car in Yokohama can be a smart choice if you plan to visit Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, Fuji-area viewpoints, coastal Kanagawa, or multiple stops outside the rail network. Within central Yokohama, trains and the metro are often quicker and parking can be pricey, so a car is most convenient when your route includes countryside or luggage-heavy travel. UK travellers should remember Japan drives on the left (as in the UK), but road signs and sat-nav guidance may differ; consider an ETC toll card for motorways, confirm your insurance excess, and check fuel type (often regular petrol) before leaving the forecourt.

Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) – International & Domestic Terminals

A common gateway for Yokohama. Airport rental counters typically offer long opening hours, wide vehicle choice (including hybrids), and straightforward motorway access towards Yokohama. Pros: convenience after landing, strong availability, easier after-hours returns. Cons: airport surcharges may apply, queues at peak arrivals, and it’s a longer drive if your first stop is central Yokohama with limited parking.

Yokohama Station (Yokohama-eki) Area

Ideal for city pick-up if you arrive by rail and want to avoid airport fees. Pros: excellent public transport links, easy to compare nearby branches, convenient for starting a Kanagawa day trip. Cons: traffic can be busy at rush hour, and parking near the station is often expensive and time-limited.

Shin-Yokohama Station Area (Shinkansen Hub)

A practical choice for travellers connecting from Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka by bullet train. Pros: quick access to expressways, generally smoother pick-up/return than the busiest downtown streets, good for early departures towards Hakone or Fuji routes. Cons: fewer walkable tourist spots than Minato Mirai, and some branches may have reduced hours compared with airports.

Choose Your Ride

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

Best For Landing And Driving Straight Away

Choose airport pick-up (typically Haneda or Narita) for maximum availability, longer opening hours, and smoother after-hours returns. It’s especially helpful if you’re starting a multi-stop itinerary outside Yokohama, travelling with bulky luggage, or arriving late. Do factor in possible airport surcharges and the cost of tolls and fuel for the transfer into Kanagawa.

Yokohama Car Hire Reviews: Trusted Ratings & Honest Customer Feedback

Browse verified reviews from drivers who collected vehicles across Yokohama to compare service quality, pricing fairness and overall satisfaction.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.3 9800+ reviews	$130	4.7 mi from Yokohama Downtown	-	●Friendly and professional staff ●Quick and efficient service ●Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
	3.0 3 reviews	$64	4.4 mi from Yokohama Downtown	-	●Good price ●Car as expected ●Easy pickup
Best Overall	2.7 17,000+ reviews	$130	4.5 mi from Yokohama Downtown	-	●Friendly and professional staff ●Easy pick-up and return process ●Smooth rental experience
	2.3 63 reviews	$348	4.7 mi from Yokohama Downtown	Low deposit	●Helpful and professional staff ●Quick pick-up and drop-off ●Clean and well-maintained vehicles
	1.9 3,900+ reviews	$61	4.4 mi from Yokohama Downtown	-	●Clean and well-maintained vehicles ●Quick and efficient service ●Smooth pick-up and return process
	1.8 3076+ reviews	$265	4.7 mi from Yokohama Downtown	Low deposit	●Clean and well-maintained vehicles ●Professional and friendly staff ●Easy online booking process
	1.8 23,900+ reviews	$321	0.5 mi from Yokohama Downtown	$394 - $1,002	●Friendly and professional staff ●Quick and easy pickup ●Clean vehicles in good condition
	1.5 420+ reviews	$158	7.7 mi from Yokohama Downtown	-	●Wide car selection ●Quick pick-up and return ●Convenient pick-up locations
	1.5 200+ reviews	$79	6.5 mi from Yokohama Downtown	-	●Friendly and professional staff ●Low running costs ●Good service experience
	0.0 0 reviews	$125	1.9 mi from Yokohama Downtown	-	●Company not found on Trustpilot ●No review data available ●Unable to generate analysis

*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. 13 2026

Essential Rental Hub

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

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

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

"Airport rentals dominate at 65-70% in Yokohama, with Haneda serving 35-40% and Narita at 40-45%. Cruise port pickups account for 3-5% in this major port city."

Booking Patterns

"Compact cars lead at 40-50%, but SUV demand grew 11.2% CAGR and hybrids surged 18% YoY. Peak season bookings spike 40-50% above low season. Average rental duration is 2-3 days."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of international renters in Japan report hidden fee concerns, the top pain point nationwide. Insurance confusion affects 47% and language barriers impact 15%."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
IMARC Group - Japan Car Rental Market Report 2025
UnivDatos Market Research - Japan Car Rental Market
Japan Car Rental Association (JARC)
Japan Tourism Agency Survey 2024-2025
IMARC Group - Japan Car Rental Market Report 2025
UnivDatos Market Research - Japan Car Rental Market
JTB Tourism Research & Consulting 2024
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Japan Tourism Agency Survey 2024-2025
The Asahi Shimbun - Foreign drivers safety
Statista - Car rental and car sharing in Japan
J.D. Power 2025 Japan Rental Car Customer Satisfaction Survey

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Yokohama

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

YokohamaNagoya

From

$125.00

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Trips From Yokohama

Recommended Scenic Routes:

Yokohama To Hakone & Lake Ashi Loop

Mountain & hot-spring scenic loop1 hr 30 mins–2 hrs 30 mins each way (plus stops)

A classic escape from Yokohama into the Fuji-Hakone area for volcanic landscapes, lakeside views and onsen towns. Drive via the Odawara area into Hakone, then loop around Lake Ashi for viewpoints and short walks. Best on weekdays to reduce traffic and parking queues.

Odawara Castle, Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani, Lake Ashi (Motohakone), Hakone Shrine

Shonan Coast Drive: Yokohama To Kamakura, Enoshima & Hayama

Coastal heritage & seaside cafés45 mins–1 hr 30 mins each way (plus stops)

A relaxed coastal route linking temple-town Kamakura with the beachy vibe of Enoshima and the quieter bays of Hayama. Expect narrow streets and limited parking around Kamakura at peak times; park once and explore on foot where possible.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura Great Buddha (Kotoku-in), Hase-dera, Enoshima, Hayama Isshiki Beach

Miura Peninsula & Jogashima Coastal Circuit

Seaside cliffs, fishing harbours & lighthouse views1 hr 15 mins–2 hrs each way (plus stops)

Head south from Yokohama for a less-touristed coastal day with tuna markets, rugged shorelines and sunset viewpoints. This route suits drivers who want easy coastal scenery without heading deep into the mountains.

Misaki Port, Jogashima Island, Jogashima Lighthouse, Miura Coast, Uraga (Perry Landing Monument)

Popular Day Trips & Short Breaks:

Kamakura Highlights Day Trip

6–9 hours

Spend the day temple-hopping and strolling old lanes, then finish with seaside views. Ideal if you want culture close to Yokohama without a long drive.

Hakone Onsen & Views Day Trip

8–12 hours

Combine museums, volcanic scenery and a relaxing onsen. A good pick for couples and first-time visitors wanting a ‘Japan classic’ day out.

Enoshima & Shonan Seaside Day Trip

5–8 hours

A breezy coastal day with ocean views, street food and sunset spots. Works well year-round, especially on clear afternoons.

Lake Kawaguchi Mt Fuji View Day Trip

10–13 hours

Chase postcard Mt Fuji scenes around the lake, with plenty of café and viewpoint stops. Best with an early start to beat traffic and haze.

Miura Peninsula Seafood & Coast Day Trip

6–9 hours

A slower-paced coastal itinerary focused on harbours, short coastal walks and fresh seafood. Great if you prefer quieter roads and local vibes.

Car Rental Planning Tips For Yokohama

Bring The Right Documents: You’ll typically need your passport, home driving licence, and an International Driving Permit (IDP, 1949 Geneva) if required for your licence country, plus a credit card for deposit.

Plan Around Expressway Tolls: Motorways are fast but toll-heavy. Consider renting an ETC card (or an ETC-enabled car) to use toll gates smoothly and reduce queueing.

Avoid Peak Traffic Hours: Expect congestion on weekday rush hours and weekends on routes towards Shonan, Hakone and Fuji. Start early and return later in the evening if possible.

Parking Can Be The Hard Part: Kamakura, Enoshima and central Hakone have limited parking. Identify car parks in advance and budget extra time for queues on busy days.

Know Fuel Types And Refuelling Rules: Most rentals are petrol (regular) or hybrid. Confirm whether the car takes regular or high-octane, and return it with a full tank unless your contract states otherwise.

Use Navigation With Japanese Place Names: Set destinations by phone number or map code (where available), and save key stops offline. English search can be hit-and-miss in rural areas.

Weather Changes Fast In Mountain Areas: Hakone and Fuji areas can be cooler with sudden fog or rain. Carry layers, allow extra braking distance, and avoid rushing tight mountain bends.

Choose Sensible Insurance Excess Cover: Consider collision damage waiver and excess reduction, especially if you’ll drive narrow streets or park frequently. Take photos of the car at pickup and return.

Driving in Yokohama: Essential Road Rules and Travel Facts

A practical guide to language, currency, speed limits, rental costs, fuel prices, and drink-driving rules for visitors driving in Yokohama, Japan

LANGUAGES

Japanese

CURRENCY

JPY

DRIVE ON

Left-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+81

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

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

$1.34/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.28/L - $1.42/L

Yokohama Car Hire FAQs

Practical answers on driving, tolls, parking and paperwork in Yokohama

Can I drive in Yokohama with a UK photocard licence and 1949 IDP, or do I need a Japanese translation?

Yes, your UK photocard licence plus a valid 1949-style International Driving Permit issued by the AA or RAC is accepted in Japan for the licence's full duration. You must carry the paper IDP booklet, the original licence and your passport at all times, and present them at the counter; rental firms at Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama will not release the car without all three documents.

Is driving on the left in Yokohama going to catch me out, and what speed limits should I actually follow?

Japan drives on the left, so sit on the right side of the car and give way to traffic joining from the right at junctions. Default limits are 60 km/h on urban roads such as Route 1, 80 km/h on expressways including the Bayshore Route and parts of the Daisan Keihin, and 40 km/h in residential and school zones, enforced by fixed cameras and unmarked patrol cars.

How do I actually pay the Shuto Expressway and Yokohama Bay Bridge tolls, and is an ETC card worth the faff?

Most rental cars come with a built-in ETC transponder linked to a rental ETC card, charged at JPY 330 standard weekday rate plus a JPY 110 per-month rental fee plus an admin charge; the cross-harbour Bay Bridge is JPY 580 each way. If you do not take the ETC option, queue in the yellow General lane and pay cash or by credit card; cash-only lanes still exist at some exits.

Where is it genuinely safe to park a hire car around Yokohama, and roughly what will I pay per hour?

Hotel and station underground car parks such as Yokohama Station, Minato Mirai and Chinatown charge JPY 250-400 per 30 minutes with a daily cap of JPY 1,500-2,400. On-street parking is scarce and the times-disc system, where you display a paper ticket bought from a green machine, applies in red-bordered bays, but avoid unsigned white-bordered bays as these are strictly no-stopping zones.

What age and insurance situation should a UK driver under 25 or over 65 expect when hiring in Yokohama?

Most major agencies (Times, Toyota, Nippon, Avis) set a 21-year minimum and add a Young Driver surcharge of roughly JPY 1,100-1,650 per day for under-25s, while drivers over 70-75 face a Senior Surcharge of about JPY 550-1,100 per day and may be refused entirely at some firms. Basic CDW is included but excess still runs around JPY 50,000-100,000, so adding full zero-excess cover is sensible for unfamiliar left-hand traffic.

Can I collect at Tokyo Haneda or Narita and drop off in Yokohama, and what is the one-way fee likely to be?

Yes, one-way rentals between Haneda, Narita and central Yokohama are routine. Inter-airport or cross-city one-way fees are usually JPY 3,300-6,600 depending on the operator, while a separate cross-prefecture drop between, say, Narita and Yokohama can climb to JPY 8,800-22,000. Always confirm the return branch's opening hours, as several Yokohama sites close between 19:00 and 20:00.

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