Driving in Japan

: How to Rent a Car in Tokyo: The Complete 2026 Guide for Foreign Visitors

2026/7/17

Renting a car in Tokyo is one of the most underrated ways to experience Japan. Once you escape the trains and slip into the driver's seat, the country opens up: Daikoku Futo at midnight, the Hakone touge before sunrise, the long pull of the Tomei toward Mount Fuji. But Tokyo is also one of the most paperwork-heavy places in the world to rent a car as a tourist — the wrong document at the counter and you are walking back to the station empty-handed. This guide walks you through every step in the order you will actually do them: getting ...

: Driving in Japan 2026: 12 Tips for Tourists (IDP Required)

2026/7/17

Why Driving in Japan Is Worth It — and What to Expect After driving basics, dive into Japan's Car Meet Culture: The Complete Guide. Japan has one of the most efficient public transportation networks in the world, yet renting a car unlocks a completely different travel experience. Rural onsens, mountain passes, coastal roads, and iconic driving destinations like Hakone or Nikko are all significantly more accessible by car. That said, driving in Japan as a foreigner requires preparation. Road rules, signage, toll systems, and driving etiquette differ considerably from most Western countries, and understanding these differences before you get behind ...