Car Hire at Mihara Station

You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your national licence alone is not sufficient. The IDP must be carried alongside your original licence at all times. Note that if your licence is from a country that did not sign the Geneva Convention (e.g., China, Taiwan), you cannot obtain a valid IDP and legally cannot drive in Japan. Processing an IDP in the UK takes about a week; Australians can get one from NRMA or RACV within a few days.

Yes, drivers aged 21–24 typically incur a young driver surcharge of approximately ¥1,000–¥2,500 per day (roughly £6–£15), depending on the rental company. Drivers under 21 are generally not permitted to rent vehicles at all in Japan. Always confirm the exact surcharge with your provider before booking, as rates vary between companies such as Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan Rent a Car, and Times Car Rental.

Mihara and Hiroshima Prefecture drive on the left, with the steering wheel on the RIGHT. If you are from a right-hand traffic country such as the USA, China, or most of Europe, this will require conscious adjustment. The most challenging aspects are: navigating right-hand turns across oncoming traffic (you must give way to vehicles from both directions), adjusting to the driver's side being closest to the centre line, and correctly entering and exiting roundabouts. Start in a quiet car park to familiarise yourself before tackling busier roads. Most rental cars in Japan are automatic, which simplifies the adjustment considerably.

Japan's expressways charge by distance, typically ¥25–¥40 per kilometre on main routes. A trip from Mihara to Hiroshima city (approximately 50 km) costs roughly ¥1,500–¥2,000 in tolls. Most rental cars are fitted with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) device, and you can rent an ETC card from rental companies for about ¥330 per day. If you plan to drive more than 100 km on expressways, the ETC card almost always pays for itself. Without an ETC card, you must pay cash at toll gates, which can cause queues during peak periods. Note that some rural routes in Hiroshima Prefecture are toll-free but in poor condition.

Virtually all rental cars in Japan run on regular gasoline (not diesel). Hiroshima Prefecture has a dense network of petrol stations, but many are self-service and some close by 9 or 10 pm. Look for signs indicating "Self" (セルフ) versus full-service stations. Most accept major credit cards and some accept international cards without issue. It is advisable to refuel before returning the vehicle, as rental companies charge a significant premium (often 1.5–2 times the market price) for fuel if the tank is not full on return. The '满油归还' (full-to-full) policy is standard practice.

Summers (June–September) bring heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons; reduce speed significantly in heavy rain as expressways become slippery and visibility drops sharply. Winter snow is infrequent in lowland Mihara but can be significant in the mountainous Setouchi region; if driving into elevated areas, carry snow chains and know that some mountain passes may be closed without notice. Spring is generally clear but visibility can be affected by yellow sand (kosa) from China in March–April. Always check the Japan Meteorological Agency website before long journeys and keep an emergency kit in the car during winter months.