Last updated: April 2026
Why Rent a Car in Tokyo?
While Tokyo's train network is world-class, a car lets you reach destinations off the rail map — the Hakone hot springs, Mount Fuji's fifth station, and the traditional villages of the Japanese Alps.
🏆 Top Drive from Tokyo
Mount Fuji and Hakone loop via the Fuji Five Lakes — this is the drive that makes renting a car in Tokyo truly worthwhile.
Compare Car Rental Providers in Tokyo
Japan's rental market operates differently from Western norms — vehicles are immaculate, processes are highly formalized, and an IDP is strictly required (1949 Geneva Convention only). Comparing international platforms reveals which aggregators have actual Japanese supplier partnerships.
| Provider | Coverage | Best For | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economybookings.com | 160+ countries, 50,000+ pickup locations... | Travelers who want to compare the widest range of ... | Check Prices |
| QEEQ | ~200 countries, strongest in Europe, Nor... | Tech-savvy travelers who want a modern booking exp... | Check Prices |
Driving Tips for Tokyo
Tokyo is in Japan, where you drive on the left side of the road. The motorway speed limit is 100 km/h on expressways and the average fuel price is ¥175/L. An International Driving Permit is required (1949 Geneva Convention IDP only) for foreign drivers.
Local tip: Expressway tolls are very expensive — a Tokyo to Osaka drive costs ¥10,000+ in tolls alone. Consider an ETC card for discounts.
Car Hire at Tokyo Airport (NRT)
Most visitors pick up their rental car at Tokyo Airport (NRT). The rental car desks are located in the arrivals terminal, and most providers also offer shuttle buses to nearby off-airport depots for even better rates. For terminal maps and arrival info, visit the Narita Airport official website.