Rental cars in Japan

Japan is waiting. There’s no end to the adventures you’ll be able to have once you hop behind the wheel of that rental car. To really get the most out of your trip, here’s some basic info that everybody ought to know. Japan is among the fascinating countries that make up Asia. Zoom further into the map and the capital, Tokyo, will come into view. If you want to experience this country’s beating pulse, a visit here is highly recommended.

You might have issues scoring a parking spot right in front of these iconic attractions, but trust us — they’re certainly worth a little walk. The greatest thing about heading to Japan is finally crossing these off your bucket list:

• Tokyo Sky Tree (4 miles from the center of Tokyo)
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (5 miles from the center of Osaka)
• Kiyomizu Temple (1 mile from the center of Kyoto)

Adventure is waiting for you around every twist and turn of this glorious area. Japan is one of those special places where the journey is just as exciting as every one of its beautiful destinations. With your own rental vehicle, you can take as long or as little as your heart desires exploring all it has to offer. Experience some (or all) of this place’s most well-known cities:

• Tokyo (population of 8,336,600)
• Yokohama (population of 3,574,400)
• Osaka (population of 2,592,400)
• Nagoya (population of 2,191,300)

Here are our top tips on how to hit the road with some savings in your wallet:

• Look into as many different bargain deals as you can (we make that job a pushover!);
• Organize an email Price Drop Alert for your next exciting vacation destination. You never know what terrific bargains will make a pit stop in your inbox;
• Before you get behind the wheel, take a look at both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off locations to ensure you’re getting your hands on the best deal around;
• If you’re not worried about which day of the week you collect the keys to your car and your travel plans are flexible, experiment with days and dates to find the best rates;
• To avoid paying a late fee or an extra day, aim to keep your pickup and drop-off times the same;
• Sometimes car rental outlets offer discounts if you pay as soon as you book, so keep your eyes peeled for these penny-pinching offers;
• And lastly, lock in your booking as soon as you can to score yourself a load of savings!

Easy to maneuver and fuel-efficient — it’s little wonder that compact cars are the most booked rental vehicle in Japan. And if you intend to roll down the crowded streets of Tokyo or Yokohama, you’ll be happy you decided on a smaller ride too. Zip past traffic, squeeze into crowded parking lots, and navigate tight lanes — find out why bigger doesn’t always mean better!That said, Japan is known for its bays, coral reefs, and sandy shores. Many eager adventurers hightail it out of the city to check out those glorious sights. If that sounds like something you’d be into, opt for an SUV or a full-size car. Even if you’re not planning to venture off the beaten track, you’ll enjoy that extra space.

Sometimes it’s all about the journey, which makes your car choice particularly important. If you’re about to head off on an epic road trip around Japan, a spacious SUV could be a good choice. If you’d like a fantastic bargain and plan on staying mostly in the city, an economy car is a wise pick. All you need to do is choose what’ll suit you best, throw your bags in the trunk, and rack up those miles.

The left-hand side of the road is where you’ll be driving along in Japan. Be aware that the controls of your rental car here, such as the steering wheel and gearshift, will be on the other side of what you’re used to.

Generally, your chosen rental company will bill the amount of the fine to your credit card. Alternatively, the company may share your contact information with local law enforcement agencies so they can send a fine to you directly.