Effortless Car Hire at Hiroshima Station

UK licence holders must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before arrival—your UK licence alone is not sufficient in Japan. Apply via the AA or RAC before departure (approx. £5.50). An IDP costs around ¥1,500 and is valid for one year. Ensure your IDP covers the vehicle class you'll be renting.

Japan drives on the left (same as the UK), so steering wheel position won't feel alien. However, expect right-hand drive vehicles with controls flipped—indicators on the right, windscreen wipers on the left stalk. Roundabouts give priority to traffic already inside, and turning right at red lights is prohibited nationwide. Speed limits are posted in km/h: 60km/h in urban areas, up to 100km/h on expressways.

Most rental cars come equipped with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card, which costs around ¥500/day to add. Cash lanes exist at every toll gate. For reference, Hiroshima to Osaka (approx. 340km) costs roughly ¥6,500–7,500 in tolls. If you're exploring the Sandal线的mountain routes, carry ¥1,000–2,000 in coins for unmanned toll gates.

Yes, most rental agencies charge a young driver surcharge for drivers aged 21–24. Expect to pay an additional ¥1,000–2,500 per day on top of the base rate. Drivers under 21 are generally ineligible to rent. Some local agencies (instead of multinational chains) may be more flexible—check Hiroshima Airport-based operators for competitive deals.

Hiroshima city rarely sees snow accumulation, but mountain passes toward Okayama or the Sandal线 region can become icy from December through February. If your itinerary includes rural or elevated routes, budget ¥3,000–5,000 for mandatory winter tyres. Chains are advisable for mountain detours. Check with your rental company—they'll specify whether routes require them.

Yes—central Hiroshima charges ¥200–400 per hour at metered bays. Multi-storey car parks average ¥700–1,500 for first three hours. Avoid parking on roads marked with white lines (permit holders only) or yellow kerbs (loading zones). Speed cameras and automated number plate recognition operate on expressways; fines start at ¥12,000 for minor speeding and can exceed ¥50,000 for motorway violations.