Your Tokyo Adventure Starts Here: Car Hire at Ebisu Station

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for most foreign nationals driving in Japan. Your domestic licence alone is not sufficient. The IDP must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention and accompanied by your original licence. Processing an IDP typically takes 1–5 working days in your home country. Note that some countries' licences (such as those from China or India) require the IDP to be further translated into Japanese by an authorised body.

Almost all Japanese expressways charge tolls, and costs add up quickly—a 2-hour drive from Tokyo to Nagoya can exceed ¥6,000 (approximately £35). Cash payment is available at toll gates, but renting an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) device is far more convenient and often cheaper. Most rental companies offer ETC card rental for around ¥330 per day, and many motorways offer discounted rates for ETC users during off-peak hours. If you plan to drive on any expressway, the ETC device is strongly recommended.

Yes, this is a significant adjustment. Japan drives on the left side of the road, meaning the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle. Coming from a right-hand traffic country, you will need to consciously retrain your spatial awareness, particularly when navigating intersections, overtaking, and using roundabouts. Roundabouts in Japan give priority to traffic already inside—take extra care when entering. Most first-time drivers from Western countries find the first 24–48 hours the most challenging, so consider starting on quieter routes outside central Tokyo.

Parking in central Tokyo is extremely limited and costly. Hourly rates at central car parks typically range from ¥300–¥600 per hour (£1.60–£3.20), and overnight parking at major hotels can cost ¥2,000–¥4,000 per night. Street parking is rare in central districts. If your accommodation does not include parking, budget at least ¥3,000–¥5,000 daily for parking. Consider using rail and taxi for city centre travel and reserving the rental car for day trips to areas such as Hakone, Kamakura, or Mount Fuji—where parking is more available and affordable.

Most rental companies in Japan set the minimum driving age at 21, but drivers aged under 25 often incur a Young Driver Surcharge of approximately ¥1,100–¥2,200 per day (£6–£12). This surcharge can significantly increase the total rental cost—adding over £150 to a 7-day rental. Some boutique rental agencies and brokers offer reduced or waived young driver fees, so it is worth comparing quotes. Ensure the surcharge is clearly stated in your rental agreement before signing.

Winter tyres are legally required on snowy and icy roads in Japan from 1 December to 31 March in affected regions. While Tokyo itself rarely sees snow, destinations such as Hakone, Nagano, and the Japanese Alps—which are popular road trip destinations—absolutely require winter tyres. Rental companies offer winter tyre packages for approximately ¥3,000–¥5,500 per rental (£16–£30). Driving without winter tyres on covered roads during the mandatory period can result in fines of up to ¥100,000, and your insurance may be invalidated in the event of an accident.