Car Rental for Self-Driving Tours in Japan with Eki Rent-A-Car (JR Eki Rent-A-Car) Japan with Booking Instructions and Important Information

Traveling to Japan is a dream for many Thai travelers with its beautiful landscapes, unique culture, and delicious food. Many people may be familiar with riding the high-speed Shinkansen or subway trains that cover major cities, but whenever you want to venture off the beaten path to experience the charm of secondary cities, peaceful natural attractions, or places where the train system is not convenient, "car rental in Japan" is the key that will unlock the freedom and flexibility of your travel experience to the fullest.

If you are planning a trip and looking for a car rental company that connects seamlessly with public transportation systems, Eki Rent-A-Car (also known to many as JR Eki Rent-A-Car) is one of the most interesting options. With the advantage of having branches located around JR train stations almost everywhere, you can take the train to the main station, then walk to pick up a rental car and continue your journey right away.

In this article, MIDO Car Rental will take you deep into everything you need to know about renting from Eki Rent-A-Car, from the types of vehicles available, how to book, updated prices, important documents required, to various things to know so that your Japan driving trip is smooth and safe. Additionally, if anyone is looking for travel destination ideas, we also have great articles recommending Japan travel destinations you shouldn't miss, whether it's visiting popular Japan attractions, taking a scenic drive to Mount Fuji in full view, exploring the Tokyo travel guide to update Tokyo attractions, to Tokyo souvenirs you must buy to bring home, as well as a complete Osaka attractions travel plan. Start planning your trip together now!

Easy car pickup and convenient car returns with branches located near JR train stations.
Source: www.tohokukanko.jp

Quick Summary: Key points before reading

• Eki Rent-A-Car (Eki Rent-A-Car System Co., Ltd.) was founded in 1979 and provides car rental services with the strength of having "branches located near or adjacent to JR train stations"

• Operating car rental business under a network connected to the JR (Japan Railways) group of companies

• Thai renters must use a Passport in conjunction with an International Driving Permit according to the Geneva Convention 1949 only

• Eki Rent-A-Car's booking policy requires booking through the website only and does not accept phone reservations

• One-way car returns (One-Way Rental) are possible, but if the distance exceeds 50 kilometers, there will be an additional fee, and cross-island car returns are not allowed

Who is Eki Rent-A-Car

Eki Rent-A-Car System Co., Ltd. was founded on April 6, 1979 with its headquarters in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, Japan. The company operates a car rental business under a network connected to the JR (Japan Railways) group of companies, with 6 JR Travel Companies as major shareholders along with tourism organizations and financial institutions.

Currently, Eki Rent-A-Car has a network of approximately 260 branches across the country with approximately 320 employees in the company's headquarters, not including employees of JR companies and partner service providers who manage branches in each region. The total number of vehicles nationwide has not been officially disclosed as vehicles are managed by multiple service providers.

The strength is the network of branches located near JR train stations and partnerships with leading car rental providers such as Toyota, Nissan, Nippon Rent-A-Car, and ORIX, making it convenient for travelers to rent cars and continue their journey from train stations.

Foreign tourists can check branches, prices, and book cars through the English website at Eki Rent-A-Car Global

5 most convenient Eki Rent-A-Car branches:

• Tokyo Station: Starting point from Tokyo to surrounding areas such as Nikko and Kawaguchiko

• Shin-Osaka Station: Center of the Kansai region for driving trips to Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama

• Nagano Station: Convenient for nature lovers, mountains, ski resorts, and viewing snow monkey hot springs

• Kanazawa Station: Popular car pickup point for heading to Shirakawago and Takayama

• Sapporo Station: Ideal for freely driving throughout Hokkaido, such as Furano and Otaru

(Find other branches and operating hours at Office Search)

Why choose Eki Rent-A-Car for your Japan trip

If you're hesitant and asking the question which company is best for renting a car in Japan? The main reasons travelers trust and choose Eki Rent-A-Car include:

• Prime location near train stations: The strongest advantage is convenience. Almost all branches are located adjacent to or near JR train stations. You can roll your luggage out of the station and walk straight to the car rental counter.

• Solving secondary city travel issues: While Japan's train system is excellent, for secondary cities or rural areas, trains may run only 1-2 times per hour. Using a rental car to drive in local areas helps save time and keeps your plans on track.

• Freedom to plan multi-city trips: Ideal for families with small children, elderly people, or groups of friends with large luggage. Not having to lift luggage on and off trains multiple times reduces fatigue considerably.

• One-Way Rental service: The company allows you to rent a car at one station and return it at another (with an additional fee if the distance exceeds 50 km). However, there is a limitation: you cannot rent a car for cross-island returns (e.g., renting from Hokkaido and returning to Honshu).

• High reliability: Having a network connected to JR and major car brands means high service standards with regular vehicle maintenance.

Limitations to consider: The provider emphasizes communication in English and Japanese. In case of emergency, communication may require English language skills. And while there are many branches, if you don't intend to travel through JR stations, choosing another service provider with branches at hotels or airports may better suit your needs in some cases.

Overview of the car rental market in Japan

Eki Rent-A-Car is classified in the Regional & Transit (network connecting transportation and regional) group, which has distinct strengths and service models different from general car companies or independent car rental groups. The company targets travelers who use the JR train network as their primary mode of transportation, with the most important advantage being the location of branches adjacent to or near train stations. This makes it convenient for tourists to travel across regions by high-speed Shinkansen trains and then pick up rental cars at the destination station to drive into secondary cities, natural attractions, or areas where public transportation is difficult to reach seamlessly.

What types of cars does Eki Rent-A-Car offer

Eki Rent-A-Car vehicles are organized by size and suitability for the number of passengers (information from the official website booking system): Check additional information at Eki Rent-A-Car vehicle types

• K-Car (660cc): Seats 2-4 people, 1 large or 2 small bags, economical, easy to drive in cities, suitable for 1-2 people with minimal luggage

• Compact car (1,000-1,500cc): Seats 4-5 people, 2 large bags, more comfortable than K-Car, suitable for 3-4 people for suburban trips

• Sedan/Hybrid car: Seats 4-5 people, 2-3 large bags, smooth, fuel-efficient, ideal for long-distance driving, cross-prefecture travel

• SUV: Seats 5 people, 3 large bags, good visibility, can drive in snow/rough terrain, suitable for mountain driving or winter travel

• Minivan: Seats 6-8 people (recommended 5-6 to accommodate luggage), spacious, easy to get in and out, ideal for families with children/elderly people

(Note: car models depend on the branch and service provider)

How much is Eki Rent-A-Car

The cost of renting a car in Japan depends on several factors. If you check the website pricing, you will find prices fluctuate based on the following variables:

• Vehicle type: K-car is the cheapest, while Minivan is the most expensive

• Rental period: The longer you rent, the average daily rate may become more cost-effective

• Travel dates and seasons: During High Season (such as cherry blossoms, fall foliage, New Year) or Japanese holiday periods, prices are adjusted upward (High Season Surcharge)

• Branches and regions: Rental rates in Hokkaido during summer or winter often have special rates

• One-way return fee: Free if within 50 kilometers radius, if exceeding that will be charged based on distance

• Add-on equipment (Options): Such as child seats, snow tires, or ETC card rental service

Sample table of rental car expense structure

(This price structure is basic factors. Tourists need to simulate bookings through the website to see the net price)

Car rental insurance in Japan that you should know before booking

The most important thing in renting a car in a foreign country is "coverage in case of incidents." The insurance system of car rental companies in Japan (Insurance and Compensation System) has standardized formats as follows:

1. Basic Coverage (Basic Insurance): Included in the car rental price. Covers damage to third parties, third-party property, vehicles, and passengers.

2. Deductible / Excess: Even with basic insurance, when an accident occurs, the renter must still pay the "deductible" for property and vehicles (usually around 50,000 - 100,000 yen depending on vehicle size).

3. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): If you purchase the additional CDW package for about 1,100-2,200 yen per day, you will be "exempt from the deductible". In this case, you won't pay anything if an accident occurs.

4. Non-Operation Charge (NOC): Even if you've purchased CDW, if the car gets into an accident, has scratches, or is damaged so the company can't rent it out, you must pay the opportunity loss fee to the company, called NOC.

   • 20,000 yen: If you can still drive the car back to the branch

   • 50,000 yen (plus towing fee): If the car cannot be driven and needs towing

5. Cases not covered by insurance: If you drive while intoxicated, drive outside designated areas, allow an unlisted person to drive, or have an accident and fail to report to police, all insurance becomes void. The renter is responsible for 100% of all expenses.

Therefore, when an accident occurs, even just a minor scratch, the rule is "must immediately call the police and the rental company"

How to book Eki Rent-A-Car step by step

The official Eki Rent-A-Car website clearly states it does not accept phone reservations, so tourists must proceed through the English website following these steps:

1. Access the official website: Open the page https://www.ekiren.co.jp/global/en

   

2. Select pickup location (Pickup Office): Type the name of the train station or region you want

3. Select return location (Return Office): Leave as is if returning to the same branch, or select the appropriate option if you want to return to a different branch

4. Specify pickup date and time: Set the date and time, allowing time for immigration check and travel to the station

5. Specify return date and time: Schedule appropriately. If returning after the branch's business hours, they won't accept it

6. Check available vehicles: The system will process available vehicle types with initial pricing

   

7. Select add-on equipment and insurance: Recommend selecting CDW every time you book, and choose whether to rent an ETC Card or child seat

8. Review price and terms: Check all details and click confirm

9. Enter renter information: Enter first and last name, contact number, email (if booking multiple cars, each must be booked separately)

   

10. Instant vs Request booking system:

    • Instant Reservation: Confirm immediately, car available (book at least 3 hours before pickup)

    • Reservation Request: System will reply by email confirming if car is available (accepts booking up until noon the day before pickup)

11. Confirm booking: Follow the link in the email (if you receive a confirmation email, you must click the link to confirm within 60 minutes, otherwise the system may automatically cancel)

12. Print or photograph documents: Keep the confirmation email and booking number for presentation on pickup day

Documents required for car rental in Japan

For Thai tourists traveling with a Thai passport, renting and driving a car in Japan requires preparing 4 documents. On pickup day, these are must-haves (missing any one, the company has the right to refuse rental immediately):

1. Passport: Must be the original booklet and not yet expired

2. International Driving Permit (IDP):

   • Important: Must be an international driving license issued under the Geneva Convention 1949 only (gray cover, 2 pages)

   • The license category must cover the vehicle type to be driven (most commonly stamped in section B for regular passenger cars)

   • ASEAN smart card driving license or Vienna Convention 1968 international driving license does not work in Japan

3. Original Thai driving license: Carry with you to verify with the international license

4. Credit card: Eki Rent-A-Car only accepts payment by credit card for identity verification and deposit purposes (cash not accepted)

For information on how to apply for an international driving license, you can read the detailed steps in our article: How to obtain an international driving license for traveling to Japan

How to pick up a rental car from Eki Rent-A-Car in Japan

On travel day, follow these car pickup procedures:

• Go to the Eki Rent-A-Car office (look for the green logo signs at the JR station). Recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early

• Present your Passport and International Driving Permit to the staff

• Staff will explain the rental agreement, basic traffic rules, and emergency contact numbers

• Pay the rental fee by credit card

• Vehicle inspection: Before receiving the key, staff will walk around the car with you to inspect for existing scratches, dents, and broken glass. "It's advisable to take photos or video around the car as evidence"

• Learn how to operate the GPS system. Japanese cars typically allow GPS language to be changed to English through settings. Recommend asking staff to teach you how to enter phone numbers or Mapcode

• Check fuel level (must be a full tank) and the location of the fuel door opener

Learn more at https://www.ekiren.co.jp/global/en/guide

How to return Eki Rent-A-Car

Returning a car in Japan has stricter regulations than many countries:

• Fill fuel to full tank: Following the Full-to-Full policy, you must fill the tank to full at "the gas station closest to the return branch" (typically within 5 km radius). Keep the "fuel receipt" to show staff proving you just filled it. If you don't fill it, the company will charge you a fuel fee at a flat rate, which is more expensive than usual

• Keep time: Try to return on time. If you expect to return late, "must call the pickup branch in advance". Late return will incur an Extension Fee

• Return ETC Card: If you rented an ETC Card, staff will remove the card from the machine and scan it to calculate the total toll fees used, and you pay on the spot

• Clean up trash and check personal belongings. Don't leave your passport or glasses in the car

Things to know about driving in Japan

Japan has clear and strict traffic regulations that travelers should remember:

• Drive left, steering wheel on right: Same as Thailand, making it easy for Thai people to adapt

• STOP sign (止まれ - Tomare): An inverted red triangle sign at intersections where you must "brake to a complete stop 100%" (wheels must stop rotating), count 1-2-3 in your mind, look left and right, then proceed. If police see you only slow down but not stop completely, you'll be fined immediately

• Speed limit compliance: Strictly obey traffic laws. Usually 30-40 km/h in cities, 50-60 km/h outside cities, and 80-100 km/h on highways

• Highways and ETC Card: Japan's toll roads are expensive. Using the ETC lane (Electronic Toll Collection - purple booth) by inserting the ETC Card in the car means you don't have to stop for cash payment and get toll discounts during certain times

• Gas stations: There are both full-service and self-service options. Most rental cars use regular gasoline (Regular / レギュラー) with red nozzles

• Pedestrians are gods: If pedestrians are crossing on a crosswalk, all cars must stop to let them cross first. Never honk to chase them away under any circumstances

• Zero tolerance for drunk driving: Japan's law is serious about this. Even a drop of alcohol is a serious felony with jail time and heavy fines. Passengers who ride along are also guilty

• Winter and snow tires: If driving in Hokkaido or snowy regions, verify the car has been switched to snow tires (Snow Tires) or has tire chains (Tire Chains) ready

You can learn more detailed information at our article Guide to renting and driving a car in Japan

Frequently Asked Questions about Eki Rent-A-Car (FAQ)

Here are 15 popular questions many people have when interested in using Eki Rent-A-Car services (referencing information from the official website FAQ page):

1. What is Eki Rent-A-Car?

A car rental service company with the advantage of having most branches located around JR train stations. Operated by Eki Rent-A-Car System Co., Ltd.

2. Is Eki Rent-A-Car owned by JR?

It's a company in the network where several JR Travel Companies are major shareholders, along with tourism industry groups and banks.

3. What website can I book Eki Rent-A-Car through?

Foreign tourists can book directly through the website https://www.ekiren.co.jp/global/en (does not accept phone bookings)

4. Can Thai people rent a car?

Yes, if you have a valid passport and international driving license as required by Japanese law.

5. What type of international driving license is required?

You must use an international driving license according to the Geneva Convention 1949 along with your passport.

6. How much does Eki Rent-A-Car cost?

Price depends on vehicle type, duration, and season. Starting from approximately 6,000 - 8,000 yen per day for K-cars to over 10,000 yen for Minivans. You can check exact prices on the website.

7. Can I pick up and return at different branches?

Yes (One-Way Rental), but if returning at a different branch more than 50 kilometers away, there's an additional fee, and cross-island returns are not allowed (such as pickup in Hokkaido and return in Honshu).

8. How far in advance can I book?

For Instant Reservation, you can book up to 3 hours before pickup (if booking after 18:00 for next-day pickup, car is available after 11:00 only).

9. Are there cars for families?

Yes, you can select the Minivan category or multi-purpose vehicles for 6-8 passengers.

10. Can I pay in cash?

The company has a policy of accepting credit card payments only for safety and verification purposes.

11. Does the rental fee include insurance?

The rental fee includes basic coverage, but not CDW (deductible waiver), which renters should purchase as an add-on during booking.

12. Must I refill fuel before returning?

Yes, fill to a full tank at a gas station near the return branch before returning the car, and bring the fuel receipt as proof.

13. Is ETC Card rental available?

Yes, it's available at the counter (with a small rental fee) and you'll pay for all toll fees used when returning the car.

14. What if I return the car late?

Must call the pickup branch in advance to request approval. If no subsequent booking for that car exists, you'll pay a late return fee when returning the car.

15. Can I change or cancel a booking?

Yes, through the email confirmation link. Canceling well in advance may have no fees, but last-minute cancellations will have cancellation charges based on a percentage of the rental fee (Cancellation Policy).

Summary: Renting a car to drive through Japan with Eki Rent-A-Car - prepare your plans before departure

Renting a car to drive through Japan opens new experiences letting you discover hidden corners of Japan you've never seen in travel magazines. Choosing to use services from an expert like Eki Rent-A-Car with a network connected to public transportation systems will make hybrid trip plans (taking high-speed trains between cities + driving through nature) easy.

Before departure, what you absolutely must not forget is obtaining an international driving license according to the Geneva Convention 1949, booking the car in advance through the website, and studying basic traffic signs and laws such as the STOP sign and zero-tolerance drunk driving policy.

Once information is confirmed and booking is complete, it's time to pack your luggage and explore the romantic roads of Japan! For anyone looking for inspiration for trip planning or wanting more information about car rentals, you can follow articles and reviews of great places to visit at the website of MIDO Car Rental, and you'll find that travel doesn't end at the destination but beauty is often hidden along the way

Sources:

• Corporate information (Corporate Outline): https://www.ekiren.co.jp/global/en/corporate (specifies founding information in 1979, headquarters in Shinjuku, JR group shareholder structure, and car brand partners)

• Main page for foreign tourists (Global Website): https://www.ekiren.co.jp/global/en (for checking branches, vehicles, and rental terms)