Renting a Car in Japan: Phrases and the License Rules

Trains cover most of Japan, but some places are simply easier by car. JNTO itself notes that Hokkaido and Okinawa are much more accessible by car. Before you get to the counter, though, there is a license question that stops some travelers cold, and a passport detail at the airport that catches even prepared ones. This guide covers the rules from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the counter phrases from its Tourist's Language Handbook.

1. The license rule: International Driving Permit

JNTO's rules are specific:

• You need an International Driving Permit (IDP), obtained before you leave home, issued by the authorized body in your country (usually the national automobile association).
• The IDP must come from a country or region that is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
• It is valid for up to one year from issue, and further limited to one year from your arrival in Japan.
• Only the booklet-type paper IDP is valid. JNTO says card-type and smartphone IDPs are not valid in Japan.

A different procedure applies if your license was issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan. In that case, JNTO says you carry your original license plus an official Japanese translation, which lets you drive for one year from arrival. JNTO refers these drivers to the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) for the translation.

2. The entry stamp catch

Your arrival date is confirmed by the entry stamp in your passport. Some airports use automated gates, and JNTO points out that if you pass through one, you will not get a stamp. If you plan to rent a car, JNTO's advice is to use a non-automated gate and get the stamp. If you have already gone through an automated gate, visit the customs inspection desk to have an entry stamp added.

3. What it costs

JNTO lists average 24-hour rental prices with no distance limit (figures as printed on its page in October 2026; companies set their own rates):

Fuel is not included. JNTO also gives an example toll: about 10,070 yen one way from Tokyo to Kyoto on expressways. Most rental companies lend an ETC card for electronic tolls, and you settle the toll charges when you return the car.

4. Phrases at the rental counter

The handbook's rent-a-car section is laid out as questions you ask and answers you may hear.

Arriving

• 予約してあります。私の名前は＿＿です。 [yoyaku shite arimasu. watashi no namae wa ＿＿ desu] "I have a reservation. My name is ＿＿."
• 予約していませんが、＿日間、車を借りたいです。 [yoyaku shite imasen ga, ＿ nichikan, kuruma o karitai desu] "I don't have a reservation, but I'd like to rent a car for ＿ days."
• ＿人用の車はありますか。 [＿ nin you no kuruma wa arimasu ka] "Do you have a car for ＿ people?"

Price and payment

• 料金はいくらですか。 [ryoukin wa ikura desu ka] "How much is it?"
• クレジットカードは使えますか。 [kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka] "Do you take credit cards?"
• 保険にはどのようなものがありますか。 [hoken ni wa dono you na mono ga arimasu ka] "What kind of insurance is available?"

Returning elsewhere

• 乗り捨てはできますか。 [norisute wa dekimasu ka] "Could I return the car at another location?"

5. What staff may say

• パスポートと免許証を見せてください。 "May I see your passport and driver's license?"
• コピーを取ってもよろしいですか。 "May I take a photocopy of your passport and license?"
• この免許証は日本では利用できません。 "This driver's license is invalid in Japan." (The answer you want to avoid; see the IDP rules above.)
• このタイプは予約でいっぱいです。 "This type of car is fully booked."
• できますが、割増料金がかかります。 "Yes, but an extra charge is payable." (The handbook's sample reply to the one-way return question.)
• 返却時にはガソリンを満タンにしてください。 "Please return the car with a full tank of fuel."

6. Rules of the road worth knowing

JNTO lists the essentials for driving in Japan:

• Cars drive on the left. JNTO notes that accidents are common when turning left or right, so take turns carefully.
• Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt.
• No drinking and driving, ever, and using a mobile device while driving is illegal.
• Stop before railroad crossings at the stop line and check both ways.
• Use winter tires or chains in snowy areas.
• Parking outside designated spaces can mean a fine.

JNTO also recommends checking the car for scratches and dents with staff before you drive off, and refueling before you return it.

7. Key takeaways

• Bring a booklet-type paper International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention; card and app versions are not valid.
• Licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan use a Japanese translation instead.
• Use a staffed immigration gate to get an entry stamp, since it proves your arrival date.
• 予約してあります and 保険にはどのようなものがありますか cover most of the counter conversation.
• Drive on the left, stop at rail crossings, and return the car with a full tank.