Australia
New Zealand
Other Countries
24/7 SupportCar Hire Tokyo - Compare Prices
Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees
Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals
No Booking Fees
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Find Low Prices
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find rental car deals in Tokyo. Compare prices and book in one place. Simple. Pick up your Tokyo car hire at Narita, Haneda or city locations like Shinjuku, and plan day trips to Mount Fuji, Hakone and Nikko. Filter by vehicle size, English GPS and an ETC toll card, and book early for peak times like Golden Week or Obon.
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Narita Airport | • Convenient pickup upon arrival • Wide selection of vehicles • Multiple companies to compare • Direct access to highways | • 60+ km from central Tokyo • Possible heavy traffic when entering the city • Higher airport surcharges |
| Haneda Airport | • Closer to central Tokyo (15-20 km) • Easier highway access • Less transit time to city | • Fewer rental options than Narita • Still need to drive in city traffic |
| Tokyo City Locations (Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc.) | • Convenient if already in the city • Avoid city driving right after a flight • Can use public transit first | • Limited parking at rental offices • Smaller vehicle selection • May need a taxi to reach the office |
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Compare pickup locations: City or suburban Tokyo depots often beat airport pricing. Haneda usually means less driving than Narita, which can cut fuel and toll costs.
- Rent only for out-of-city days: Use trains in Tokyo, then pick up the car the morning you head to Fuji, Hakone or Nikko. Drop back before the 24-hour mark. Many locations offer after-hours key drop.
- Pick a compact: Smaller cars are cheaper, easier to park, and sip fuel. Useful in Tokyo where parking runs ¥300-600 per 30 minutes and spaces are tight.
- Book by season, not blindly early: For Golden Week, Obon, New Year or cherry blossom/autumn, book 1-3 months ahead. Off-peak in Tokyo, compare prices and book 1-2 weeks out if rates are sliding.
- Plan tolls smartly: For multiple long drives, compare the Japan Expressway Pass and an ETC card vs paying cash. For one-off trips like Fuji or Nikko, pay-as-you-go may be cheaper. Avoid Sat morning outbound and Sun evening inbound to save time and fuel.
- Trim parking and fuel costs: Target lots showing “最大料金” for a capped daily rate. Choose hotels with free or low-cost parking outside central Tokyo. Fill up before return to avoid refuelling service fees.
Car hire prices in Tokyo 2025/2026
Local Parking and Driving
| Area | Parking Availability | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Central Tokyo | Very limited, mostly in paid lots | Rates are high in prime areas. Look for "最大料金" (maximum fee) signs. |
| Tourist Areas | Available in designated lots | Fees apply at most attractions in the Mt. Fuji and Hakone areas. |
| Suburban Areas | More available, lower rates | Generally lower hourly and daily rates than central areas. |
| Hotels | Limited and often charged separately | City centre hotels often charge for car spaces. Some suburban hotels offer free parking. |
Local Driving Rules
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Expressway speed limit: 100 km/h (often reduced to 80 km/h in urban areas)
- City streets: 40-60 km/h
- No turn on red lights (unless specific green arrow is shown)
- Complete stop at stop signs (triangular "止まれ" sign)
- Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers
- Zero tolerance for alcohol
- Pedestrians have right of way at crossings
Toll Roads: Extensive expressway network requiring tolls. ETC card rental is available at rental agencies.
Why rent a car in Tokyo
Rent a car to easily:
- Mount Fuji and Hakone – viewpoints, hot springs
- Nikko – shrines, temples
- Kamakura – temples, Buddha statue
- Kawaguchiko (Fuji Five Lakes) – viewpoints, parks
- Kusatsu Onsen – hot springs, mountains
FAQs
What documents do I need to rent a car in Tokyo?
You need to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, your home country driving licence and your passport. If you're from some countries (like Germany, France or Switzerland), you can use an official Japanese translation of your licence instead of an IDP.
Is it recommended to drive in central Tokyo?
No. We don't recommend it. Tokyo has excellent public transport, which is much better for getting around the city. Traffic jams, confusing roads and expensive parking make driving in central Tokyo very difficult. You'll find a car is best for trips outside the city.
What side of the road do they drive on in Japan?
They drive on the left-hand side, and the steering wheel is on the right.
Are there any age restrictions for renting a car?
You need to be at least 18 to drive, but some rental companies might ask that you're 21 or older.
How do toll roads work in Japan?
You'll find a lot of toll expressways in Japan. At the toll booths, you can pay using cash or a credit card. You can also use an ETC card (electronic toll collection), which most rental companies offer for a small fee. The ETC system is easier to use and sometimes gives you discounts.
