How to find a cheap car hire deal in Tokyo
Searching for a cheap rental car in Tokyo? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging $83 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices in Tokyo start from just $31.
Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $188 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Three weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Tokyo car hire.
Grab your wheels from JDM Rent a car, Nissan Rent a Car or Airport Car Hire. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Whether you book with JDM Rent a car or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Tokyo car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Tokyo.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Explore without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $121 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, offering daily rates of around $213.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $95 a day with this supplier.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Mini rental category ranks as the top pick for travellers visiting Tokyo.
Flying to Tokyo? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Tokyo plans by booking a car hire at Haneda Airport. The city centre is about 19 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 45 minutes.
Or make a speedy getaway with a car hire from Narita International Airport. After collecting your keys, it'll take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to drive the 80 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Tokyo
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Tokyo gets you moving without breaking the bank. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Tokyo car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising along wide-open highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Tokyo big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Tokyo car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so take the time to shop around.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Tokyo.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your rental in Japan.
If you're going away with the kids, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Tokyo car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
Bring the right documents and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) and another form of photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
For first-time drivers in Japan, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 55kph through built-up areas and around 85kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
In Japan, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.03%. If you expect to drink, get someone else to do the driving or take another form of transport.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) on your trip here. As well as your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
The language most often spoken in this country is Japanese.
Best hotels in Tokyo for drivers
Offering parking, Petit Bali Ikebukuro takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is about 5 kilometres from central Tokyo and also comes with a laundry and room service.
Or make use of the accessible parking at APA Hotel Shinagawa Togoshi Ekimae. The city centre is roughly 8 kilometres from this option, which also features air conditioning and express check-in.
Like some more inspiration? Browse the lineup of hotels in Tokyo. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
It's time to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in Tokyo and your hotel. From Tokyo Skytree to Fushimi Inari Daimyojin and Sensho-ji, the city's packed with places worth visiting.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Tokyo
Yokohama should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 and Pacifico Yokohama. This city is around 27 kilometres south of central Tokyo.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Yokohama include APA Hotel & Resort Yokohama Bay Tower and Daiwa Roynet Hotel Yokohama-Koen.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Tokyo and travel roughly 18 kilometres south to Kawasaki. Featuring Tofuku-ji Temple and Keihin Fushimi Inari Shrine, it's every bit as good as advertised.
Kawasaki has some great accommodation options including HOTEL Mystays Premier Omori and HOTEL Mystays Haneda. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Hamamatsu, roughly 209 kilometres southwest of Tokyo. Make your first stop Itsukushima Shrine, then take your time exploring Sunflower Season.
Drift off to sleep in Hamamatsu at either Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu or Comfort Hotel Hamamatsu. They have a room waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
