Let’s go on a road trip in Japan! Unfortunately, for foreigners, buying a car in Japan is almost impossible, so renting a car is usually the only realistic option. So the real question is: which rental company should you choose? Here, we’ve organized rental companies in Japan by purpose so you can find the one that best fits your trip. Make sure to read until the end.
How to Choose
This article is organized based on three perspectives:
① Budget-focused (travel as cheaply as possible)
② Comfort-focused (major companies with strong support)
③ Cost-performance (local and used-car options)
Based on kei cars (Japanese mini cars)
※ An International Driving Permit is required in Japan
① Budget Travelers (Travel as Cheap as Possible)
■ Karunori Rent-a-Car
A rare type of long-term budget rental service. It is especially well suited for slow travel across Japan.
I personally used it in 2026, and it was very satisfying.
Prices (Compact Car)
- 24 hours: 4,000 JPY
($27 USD) - 1 week: 8,000 JPY
($53 USD) - 1 month: 24,000 JPY
($160 USD)
👉 The longer you rent, the more cost-efficient it becomes
Insurance
- Basic insurance included
- Damage waiver: 15,000 JPY/month
($100 USD)
Mileage Limits
- 1 week: 1,500 km
- 1 month: 3,000 km
- Extra: 11 JPY per km ($0.07 USD)
Notes
- Booking only via phone or LINE(Japan’s most popular messaging app)
- Limited English support
👉 If you run into any issues, feel free to ask me—I can help with booking or guidance.
👉 Best suited for experienced travelers who prioritize cost.
■ Guts Rent-a-Car
A budget rental company that keeps prices low by focusing on used compact cars.
Prices (Compact Car)
- 24 hours: 2,200 JPY (~$15 USD)
- 1 week: 8,580 JPY (~$57 USD)
- 1 month: 27,280 JPY (~$182 USD)
Mileage Limits
- 24 hours: 300 km
- 1 week: 1,500 km
- 1 month: 3,000 km
- Extra: 11 JPY per km ($0.07 USD)
Insurance
- 24 hours: 1,100 JPY (~$7 USD)
- 1 month: 6,000 JPY (~$40 USD)
👉 A strong option if you want the lowest possible cost
👉 Some vehicles may be camper-style compact cars
👉 However, due to low prices, extras like navigation may cost additional fees
② Comfort & Reliability (Major Rental Companies)
■ Toyota Rent a Car
One of the most widely used rental companies in Japan. Known for strong reliability and excellent support.
Features
- ~1,200 locations nationwide
- Strong presence at airports and train stations
- One-way (drop-off) rentals available
- Relatively good foreign language support
👉 One of the safest choices for first-time driving in Japan
Prices (Compact Car)
- 24 hours: 10,340 JPY ($69 USD)
- Insurance: 1,100 JPY per day ($7 USD)
Long-Term Rental
- Monthly plans available (roughly 15 days price for 1 month)
■ ORIX Rent a Car
A well-balanced major rental company with a wide range of vehicles.
Features
- Nationwide coverage
- Wide vehicle selection (compact to luxury)
- Easy reservation system
Prices (Compact Car)
- 24 hours: 8,250 JPY ($55 USD)
- Insurance: 1,100 JPY per day ($7 USD)
■ Nippon Rent-A-Car
A long-established and trusted rental company in Japan. Offers a wide range of vehicles regardless of manufacturer.
Features
- ~600 locations
- One-way rentals available
- Strong reputation in corporate use
Prices (Compact Car)
- 24 hours: 9,790 JPY ($65 USD)
- Insurance: 1,100 JPY per day ($7 USD)
■ NICONICO Rent a Car
A budget-friendly rental company using used vehicles.
Prices (Compact Car)
- 24 hours: 5,390 JPY ($36 USD)
- 1 month: 96,800 JPY ($645 USD)
Features
- ~1,500 locations nationwide
- Service quality varies by branch
- Long-term rental requires confirmation in advance
Summary
| Cheapest options | Most reliable options | Balanced option |
| Carunori Rent a Car Guts Rent a Car | Toyota Rent a Car ORIX Rent a Car Nippon Rent a Car | NICONICO Rent a Car |
Final Note
Choosing a rental car in Japan is not just about price.
Key factors to consider:
- Mileage limits
- Insurance coverage
- English support
- Ease of booking
Ignoring these factors may result in higher overall costs, even if the initial price looks cheap.
🚐 Before You Hit the Road
👉Read these guides :
