Ought to I Lease a Automotive in Japan?

Seven years in the past, after I drove in Japan for the primary time, I used to be lower than enthusiastic about it. In all my travels as much as that time, I’d gotten by fully utilizing the nation’s superlative public transportation, and hoped that might proceed indefinitely.

Sadly, I used to be on the mammoth island of Hokkaido, whose dimension, lack of Shinkansen and small inhabitants makes a rental automotive appear to be the most suitable choice, by far. And I spotted it was, at the very least as quickly as I acquired over the shock of driving on the “flawed” facet (and, extra importantly, of how sluggish Japanese velocity limits had been).

If you happen to’re asking your self “Ought to I hire a automotive in Japan?”, I hope you’ll proceed studying. I’ll not solely assist you reply this query, but in addition de-mystify your entire topic of driving in Japan.

What Do You Must Lease a Automotive in Japan?

Must you hire a automotive in Japan? Nicely, one consider deciding that is to think about all of the issues it is advisable do with the intention to drive in Japan. It ought to go with out saying that it is advisable be a licensed (and, ideally, an skilled) driver; you additionally should be at the very least 18 (although some rental automotive firms require you to be 20 or 25). Nevertheless, Japan additionally requires anybody and not using a Japanese driver’s license to get an Worldwide Driving Allow, or IDP.

 

If you happen to aren’t a resident of Japan, then you definitely’ll additionally must carry your passport, in order that workers can see the stamp that signifies you entered Japan fewer than 90 days in the past. So far as insurance coverage is anxious, I normally suggest you buy protection from the rental automotive firm—your own home nation’s insurance coverage coverage virtually definitely received’t apply in Japan. Lastly, you just about all the time want to order your automotive upfront.

5 Issues to Know About Rental Automobiles and Driving in Japan

Rental vehicles are the simplest manner off Japan’s overwhelmed path

Though Japan has wonderful public transportation, its utility (and even its existence) decreases fairly exponentially the farther away you get from Shinkansen bullet prepare traces. Whether or not up north in Hokkaido, down south in Okinawa, or on obscure peninsulas or backwoods coastlines on Japan’s principal island of Honshu, having your personal set off wheels is one of the best ways to really get off Japan’s overwhelmed path.

Driving in Japan is simple—however sluggish

Ought to I hire a automotive in Tokyo if I’m afraid of driving on the left facet? It’d shock you, however your muscle reminiscence rapidly flips into mirror picture as you drive on the “different” facet of the highway. Likewise, most every little thing else about driving in Japan is intuitive. An important factor to be aware of? Velocity limits in Japan are extraordinarily low—and individuals are extraordinarily legislation abiding. It seems the land of quick trains can be a land of sluggish vehicles.

It’s frequent to hire a automotive within the morning and return it within the night

Parking in Japan could be a nightmare, particularly in the event you’re staying in a serious metropolis like Tokyo or Osaka. One approach to keep away from having to cope with this? Begin your rental proper when the store opens, and plan on returning it at closing time. This can permit you actually all day to go about your sightseeing, however prevent from having to fret in regards to the automotive while you sleep.

TIP: One more reason to return your automotive at night time? It means that you can have a drink with dinner and never fear about it! Japan has a few of the strictest drunk driving legal guidelines on this planet; you don’t wish to take even a sip of alcohol in the event you plan to get behind the wheel.

Tolls are very costly, however very value it

Is hire a automotive in Japan value it? Sure, and never simply because it makes your life simpler. On the opposite, whereas Japanese rental vehicles are usually fairly inexpensive, tolls will be costly. I’ve had one-way tolls that value ¥4,000 or much more, particularly within the Kanto area close to Tokyo. Alternatively, Japanese toll roads can have a lot greater velocity limits (as much as 120 km/hr) and fewer visitors, saving you a ton of time for the worth you pay.

The language barrier will not be a problem

Past driving on the “different facet,” foreigners get intimidated about driving in Japan as a result of they’re afraid they received’t have the ability to learn highway indicators. However fear not. Nearly all signage in every single place in Japan has English translations beneath the principle Japanese titles. Furthermore, in the event you do must work together with the police, likelihood is that they’ve at the very least primary English proficiency.

 

Is it Price Renting a Automotive in Japan?

Renting a automotive in Japan isn’t all the time needed, however while you select to do it, it may remodel your journey. That is at first due to the locations it unlocks. From tea farms close to Mt. Fuji and Kyoto, to locations just like the Satsuma Peninsula and the islands of Okinawa, dozens of locations in Japan are all however inaccessible in the event you don’t have your personal set of wheels.

Now, is it a good suggestion to hire a automotive in Japan? That may be a extra sophisticated query. When you’ve got a superb purpose to take action—going off the overwhelmed path; transporting small youngsters, or adults with mobility points—then renting a automotive in Japan is a incredible thought. Nevertheless, in the event you merely don’t wish to stroll, or wish to hire a automotive as a result of that’s your journey M.O., then I’d recommend reconsidering. It’s a nightmare to drive in crowded Tokyo or historic Kyoto.

 

Different FAQ About Renting a Automotive in Japan

Is it costly to hire a automotive in Japan?

Renting a automotive in Japan is surprisingly inexpensive. Costs for a compact automotive are typically beneath ¥10,000 for twenty-four hours, and even cheaper for 12-hour leases. Gasoline in Japan is expensive, however you received’t use a variety of it; tolls are costly, however they’ll prevent a lot time that to me, they’re value it.

Do you want a automotive in Japan?

You don’t want a automotive in most main and even secondary locations of Japan. Nevertheless, in sure components of the nation (spread-out Hokkaido with its sluggish and rare trains; tropical Okinawa, which solely has buses), having your personal set of wheels will make your life immeasurably simpler.

Are you able to hire a automotive in Japan with US license?

You’ll be able to hire a automotive in Japan with a US license, however not with a US license alone. Particularly, you will have to acquire an Worldwide Driving Allow, or IDP earlier than you journey. Click on right here to get your IDP on-line in simply 8 minutes.

 

The Backside Line

Ought to I hire a automotive in Japan? The reply relies upon. If you happen to’re planning on exploring Japan’s vacationer path (Tokyo, Kyoto/Osaka, Hiroshima), then you definitely virtually definitely don’t want a automotive. Alternatively, in the event you plan to discover locations with lackluster public transportation (like Okinawa), or it is advisable transport folks with mobility points, then having your personal set of wheels will be indispensable. When you resolve to hire a automotive, remember that velocity limits in Japan are low—and don’t neglect to acquire your Worldwide Driving Allow, or IDP. You also needs to think about hiring me to plan your journey!