Get to Know ORIX Rent a Car Japan Before Planning Your Drive Trip in Japan

Self-drive travel and sightseeing in Japan has remained continuously popular among Thai tourists. Although Japan's public transportation system and railway network are comprehensive and convenient, for traveling outside the capital, visiting remote natural attractions, or traveling as a large family with lots of luggage, renting a car in Japan for self-drive touring is an option that offers far more freedom and flexibility. One of the top car rental service providers that travelers can consider is ORIX Rent a Car Japan

This article will take you to get to know ORIX Rent a Car Japan in depth, covering everything from the types of vehicles available, convenient branches that meet tourists' needs, approximate rental prices, correct booking procedures, essential documents to prepare, and things to know before starting the engine to drive in Japan, to help you plan your trip carefully. Whether you are listing 40 Japan attractions in your travel plan, or organizing a special trip to drive around Mount Fuji, visit the five lakes, or if you prefer sightseeing in the city, there is a Tokyo travel guide with coordinates for 40 Tokyo attractions you will be able to prepare with the utmost confidence and safety

Who is ORIX Rent a Car Japan

ORIX Rent a Car Japan is one of the largest and most prestigious car rental service networks in Japan, operated by ORIX Auto Corporation under the management of ORIX Group, which is a world-class financial institution and financial services provider, including major leasing credit services. The business was established in 1973 and began expanding into the car rental business in full in 1985. Currently has approximately 2,500 employees, with a car rental service network of more than 1,000 branches throughout Japan, along with a fleet of vehicles for short-term rental of approximately 63,000 vehicles (from the total number of vehicles under care including leasing business over 1.4 million vehicles)

What stands out about ORIX Rent a Car is its difference from car rental service providers that are directly owned by car manufacturers (such as Toyota Rent a Car or Nissan Rent a Car), in that ORIX operates as an intermediary and financial institution, thus providing customers with a variety of vehicle brands and models from virtually every car company in Japan in one place

The nature of service coverage includes short-term daily car rentals for foreign and general Japanese tourists, to long-term commercial car rentals for business organizations. The customer base is thus very diverse. The point that foreign travelers including Thais should check before using the service is the booking channel. You should choose to book through ORIX's official website in the English version, or book through a reliable travel agent platform (OTA), so that you can check the insurance coverage terms and cancellation policies transparently, and avoid language misunderstandings when you have to pick up the car at the counter.

5 popular and convenient ORIX Rent a Car Japan branches for tourists

Choosing to pick up a rental car at an airport or major railway station will save time and reduce the fatigue of dragging luggage across the city considerably. ORIX Rent a Car has branches at important strategic points throughout Japan. Here are 5 popular branch areas that cater to foreign tourists' travel plans:

1. Narita International Airport Branch (Narita International Airport - Chiba)

• Location and service area: Covers service for those traveling to Narita Airport, Chiba Prefecture (view the actual branch map: Google Maps - ORIX Narita Airport)

• How to get there: There will be a car rental counter in the passenger terminal. After providing your name and basic documents, the staff will direct you to board the company's shuttle bus to travel to the ORIX car pickup/return center located around the airport perimeter, which takes only a few minutes

• Suitable for itinerary: Tourists who want to rent a car to explore the Kanto region or use the Tokyo travel guide to visit surrounding areas before heading north to Nikko (Toshingi) or Tohoku

2. Haneda Airport Branch (Haneda Airport - Tokyo)

• Location and service area: Located in the HANEDA INNOVATION CITY area near Haneda Airport (view the actual branch map: Google Maps - ORIX Haneda Airport)

• How to get there: You can contact the car rental counter in the arrival terminal, then use the company's free shuttle service to the car pickup point (takes approximately 15 minutes)

• Suitable for itinerary: Those flying directly to Haneda and wanting to head to the Chubu region to Kawaguchiko, Hakone, or Yokohama immediately without having to navigate Tokyo traffic

3. Tokyo Station Branch (Tokyo Station)

• Location and service area: ORIX Rent a Car has a supporting branch around Tokyo's main railway station, such as the Yaesu side branch (view the actual branch map: Google Maps - ORIX Tokyo Station Yaesu)

• How to get there: Exit Tokyo Station at the location specified in your booking confirmation email, then walk to the branch office, which is usually located in the basement of an office building or underground parking

• Suitable for itinerary: Tourists who have scheduled to visit all 40 Tokyo attractions, finished shopping for Tokyo souvenirs, and want to rent a car on the last day to go sightseeing in other prefectures without having to return to the airport to pick up a car

4. Shin-Osaka Station Branch (Shin-Osaka Station)

• Location and service area: Located near Shin-Osaka Station, which is the hub of the Shinkansen high-speed railway network in Osaka (view the actual branch map: Google Maps - ORIX Shin-Osaka Station)

• How to get there: You can walk out of the Shin-Osaka station exit within a short distance of just 7 minutes

• Suitable for itinerary: Those who took the Shinkansen high-speed train from other cities and want to rent a car to explore the Kansai region, such as driving to Nara, Kobe, or Kyoto after finishing visiting 40 Osaka attractions by subway

5. New Chitose Airport Branch (New Chitose Airport - Hokkaido)

• Location and service area: A large car rental center near New Chitose Airport, Chitose City, Hokkaido (view the actual branch map: Google Maps - ORIX New Chitose Airport)

• How to get there: There is a contact counter in the passenger terminal, and there is a shuttle bus service from the car rental network to take you to a spacious car pickup point

• Suitable for itinerary: Road trips exploring Hokkaido, where driving is considered the best way to access flower fields, lakes, and various scenic viewpoints that trains cannot reach

Why should you choose ORIX Rent a Car in Japan

When deciding which company to choose, here are the empirical factors that make ORIX Rent a Car Japan an attractive option:

• Variety of car brands: Since it is not a company owned by any single car manufacturer, ORIX has a complete selection of vehicles from major brands such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and even imported European cars

• Comprehensive branch network: Having branches at major railway stations and airports throughout the country makes it possible to rent a car in Japan and return it to a different branch (One-Way Drop-Off). Although there is a cross-zone return fee, it's worth it for the convenience of not having to drive back the same way

• Supplementary services for tourists: There are services to rent ETC cards (similar to Easy Pass) for expressways, child car seats rental for all age groups, and winter tire packages (Snow Tires) for areas with snowfall

Japan Car Rental Market Overview

What types of cars does ORIX Rent a Car have

The type of vehicle is a critical part of travel. ORIX Rent a Car clearly categorizes vehicles so that renters can properly calculate luggage storage space and number of seats:

• Ultra-compact vehicles (Kei Car / K-Car): Vehicles with 660cc engines, a distinctive feature of Japan, seating up to 4 people. Suitable for 2-person travelers with luggage, or driving short distances. Easy to find parking and fuel-efficient

• Compact vehicles (Compact): Engines approximately 1,000 - 1,500cc (such as Honda Fit, Nissan Note), accommodating 4-5 passengers. Ideal for cross-city drives at affordable prices

• Standard and sedan vehicles (Standard / Sedan): 4-door sedans (such as Toyota Corolla) with more spacious cabin area and clearly separated luggage storage. Long-distance driving is smooth and road grip is excellent

• Eco-friendly vehicles (Eco-car & EV): Hybrid and electric vehicles. Can drive long distances per refuel, helping save fuel costs significantly

• Multi-purpose and family vans (RV & Minivan): Medium to large vans (such as Toyota Alphard, Nissan Serena) accommodating 5-8 passengers. Best suited for family trips with children, elderly people, or groups of friends with multiple large suitcases

(Check vehicle class details at: https://car.orix.co.jp/eng/price/)

Important note: The actual vehicle received on the travel day will be an equivalent model in the same class. If a specific model is not specified in an advance special campaign

ORIX Rent a Car Japan - How much does it cost

Assessing the cost of renting a car in Japan doesn't end at the daily rental rate. Factors that affect the total price include:

• Car Class: Compact cars will have significantly lower prices compared to Minivan vehicles

• Travel Season and Holidays (Seasonality): If traveling during High Season such as Golden Week (late April-early May), Obon (mid-August) or long New Year holidays, the base daily rate will be subject to an additional charge (High Season Charge) such as an increase of 1,000 - 3,000 yen per day

• Supplementary Services and Equipment:

  Additional equipment such as Snow Tires, ETC Card toll pass or child car seat rental will have separate charges

• Drop-off Charge: If you pick up the car in Tokyo and return it in Osaka, there will be a charge calculated based on distance

Japan Car Rental Insurance You Need to Know (CDW and NOC)

Another important cost point is the insurance system:

1. CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): Purchasing additional coverage to waive responsibility for the deductible amount when an accident occurs

2. NOC (Non-Operation Charge): If the car is involved in an accident and requires repair, causing the company to lose revenue, the renter must pay compensation called NOC, typically 20,000 yen (if the car can be driven back to the branch) and 50,000 yen (if the car cannot be driven and requires towing). It is recommended to check for a package that includes NOC coverage for maximum peace of mind

Sample Daily Cost Estimation Table (excluding fuel and tolls)

Information in the table is based on preliminary verification on the official website in 2026. Prices may change according to promotions, branches, and seasons. Please verify directly with the service provider before booking

Note: During peak travel season (High Season) there will be an additional charge of approximately 1,000 - 3,000 JPY per day

How to Book ORIX Rent a Car Japan Step by Step

1. Select pickup and return branches: Go to the website https://car.orix.co.jp/eng/ specify whether the pickup and return locations are at the same branch or different branches

1. Set the date and time for pickup and return: Specify the date and time you expect to arrive at the branch (allowing time for immigration if picking up at the airport)

2. Select car type: Choose the car class that matches the number of passengers and luggage

1. Select protection package: The system will let you choose whether to add CDW insurance or the maximum coverage package (recommended to select the most comprehensive option)

2. Select supplementary services: Choose to rent an ETC Card, car seat, or snow tires (if traveling in winter)

1. Enter driver information: Enter the name in English to match your passport and international driving permit exactly

1. Review and confirm booking: Verify the total price and cancellation policy

2. Make payment: Proceed with payment through the website payment methods (some packages allow payment at the counter on the day you pick up the car)

3. Keep confirmation documents: Save or print the Booking Confirmation email to present on the day you pick up the car

Documents Required for Renting a Car in Japan

For Thai tourists, preparing the correct documents is the most important thing. If documents are incomplete or incorrect, the branch will refuse to hand over the car immediately:

• Passport: Original and must not be expired

• Thai driver's license original: Valid Thai personal driving license that has not expired (most branches will ask to see it for verification)

• International Driving Permit (International Driving License): Very important - Thai nationals must use only the format under the Geneva Convention of 1949 (Geneva Convention 1949) It will be a white-covered booklet. Do not under any circumstances use the Vienna Convention format (blue)

• Booking confirmation (Booking Voucher): Either printed or shown on your mobile phone

• Credit card in the name of the primary driver: For payment or security deposit

Learn the document preparation process in detail at: How to Get an International Driving License for Traveling to Japan

How to Pick Up ORIX Rental Car in Japan

On the day you pick up the car, you should allow approximately 30-45 minutes for the process:

• Submit documents to staff: Show your passport and international driving license

• Listen to explanations and sign agreement: Staff will explain traffic regulations, accidents, and insurance

• Inspect the car condition: Walk around the car with the staff, take photos and videos of any existing scratches as evidence to prevent issues when returning the car

• Set up navigation system (GPS): Ask staff to help change the GPS language to English and teach you how to enter destinations using phone numbers or Mapcode

• Check equipment: Verify that the ETC card is inserted into the machine if you rented it, and check that the fuel gauge shows Full before driving off

How to Return a Rental Car in Japan

• Fill up the tank completely (Full-to-Full): You must fill the tank at the nearest gas station to the branch and must keep the fuel receipt to show the staff that you just filled it up

• Return the car on time: If you are late, there will be a penalty according to the company's rate

• Inspect the car after use: Staff will walk around the car with you. If there are no new scratches and the tank is full, staff will proceed to calculate toll charges

• Pay toll charges (ETC): If you rented an ETC card, the branch will retrieve the data and have you pay the total toll charges in cash or by credit card

• Check belongings: Carefully check bags, phone, and items in the car before handing over the keys

What You Need to Know About Driving in Japan

• Drive on the left: Like Thailand, right-hand drive cars keep left

• Stop signs (Tomare): An inverted red triangle sign with the characters 止まれ means you must bring the car to a complete stop, with wheels locked for 2-3 seconds, look left and right, before proceeding. You cannot just slow down and roll through

• Speed limits: Follow the speed limit signs strictly. Generally in cities it is 30-50 km/h, outside cities 50-60 km/h, and on expressways 80-100 km/h

• Expressway system and ETC: Expressways charge tolls. Using an ETC card allows you to drive through automated lanes (purple lanes) quickly

• Parking: Never park on the roadside. Only look for coin parking lots

• Don't drink and drive 100%: Japan has a zero-tolerance policy. You cannot drink any alcohol, not even a sip, if you need to drive

Advantages and Limitations of Renting a Car in Japan

Advantages:

• Flexibility in planning routes, no need to wake up early to catch train schedules

• Suitable for traveling with multiple people. When shared, the cost may be better value than buying a flat-rate train pass

• Easy to travel to natural areas or remote hot springs that buses cannot reach

• Easier to manage large luggage for elderly people and children compared to climbing up and down train station stairs

Limitations:

• There are hidden costs such as car rental, fuel, toll charges, and hourly parking fees

• The driver must have proper documentation ready and understand the strict traffic regulations

• In winter with heavy snow, driving requires special skills and the highest level of caution

• For solo travelers or those visiting only developed areas like Shinjuku or Dotonbori, using trains would be a better solution

Frequently Asked Questions About ORIX Rent a Car Japan (FAQ)

1. What is ORIX Rent a Car Japan? ORIX Rent a Car is a major car rental service in Japan under the ORIX financial group. It has branches throughout the country and offers a variety of car models

2. What is the starting price for ORIX Rent a Car Japan? The rental price for a Compact car for 4-5 seats starts at approximately 8,500 - 10,500 yen per day (excluding additional insurance and High Season Charge). Prices vary by season

3. Do Thai nationals need an international driving license to rent a car in Japan? It is absolutely necessary. Thai nationals must obtain an international driving permit under the Geneva Convention of 1949 only (white-covered booklet)

4. Can you pick up a car at a Japanese airport? Yes, ORIX Rent a Car has branches serving major airports such as Narita, Haneda, Shinchitose, and Kansai with counters and shuttle pickup services

5. Can you return the car at a different branch than pickup? Yes, through the One-Way Drop-off service, but there may be an additional charge calculated based on the distance between branches

6. How far in advance should you book a rental car in Japan? You should book as soon as you have your flight tickets, especially if you want to rent a family Minivan during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage season

7. Does the car rental price include insurance? The basic rental price typically includes legal liability coverage. However, it does not include the deductible amount and Non-Operation Charge (NOC). It is recommended to purchase the additional CDW package

8. Do you need a credit card to rent a car in Japan? Yes, most car rental companies in Japan require the primary renter to present and pay with a credit card in their own name as a security deposit

9. Can you rent a car for a family with children? Yes, ORIX has Minivans available. According to Japanese law, children under 6 years old must use a car seat. You can choose to add a car seat rental during booking

10. Should you rent a car or use trains when visiting Japan? It depends on your route and number of travelers. If visiting nature areas and traveling with 4 or more people, renting a car is more convenient. However, if visiting only city centers, using trains will be more time-efficient and economical

ORIX Rent a Car Japan is Suitable For

ORIX car rental service is especially suitable for:

• Families with lots of luggage: Those with elderly people and young children who find it inconvenient to climb up and down train station stairs

• Groups of friends traveling together: Those who want to split costs and create fun memories while driving

• Nature lovers: Those who want to visit lakes, mountains, or viewpoints that regular buses cannot easily reach

• Those planning flexible itineraries: Those who want to change plans suddenly or stop to take photos along the way at their leisure

Which Car Rental Company is Best in Japan

Choosing which car rental company to use requires comprehensive consideration of pros and cons, whether it's reliability, branch locations, car model selection, cancellation policy transparency, hidden fees, and insurance coverage packages that help manage risks

If you are currently researching and want to know if there are other options besides ORIX to compare, you can visit and read additional recommendations in the article Which Car Rental Company is Best in Japan which provides an in-depth overview of the various options in the Japan car rental market, so you can get a rental car that suits your preferences and fits your trip budget best

Disclaimer: The recommended article is merely an information source for comparison purposes for travel planning. MIDO Car Rental is not a direct car rental service provider in Japan

Summary - Driving Around Japan with Fun and Safety, Prepare Thoroughly Before Traveling

Driving through the routes of the Land of the Rising Sun is a travel experience that creates very different memories compared to taking trains. ORIX Rent a Car Japan is one of the best car rental company options, equipped with service standards, a wide network of branches, and various car types for you to choose from

The most important thing that will make your trip smooth and hassle-free is to prepare thoroughly before traveling. Starting from choosing the right car type for your route, preparing your international driving license correctly (Geneva Convention 1949), budgeting for car rental, fuel, tolls and insurance coverage, and importantly, understanding and respecting Japan's traffic regulations

Once you have compared service providers and thoroughly prepared in all aspects, it's time to go out and collect memorable travel experiences. If you are looking for more travel ideas, car rental techniques, or travel knowledge, you can visit and explore the blog of MIDO Car Rental Have a great trip!

References

• ORIX Rent a Car Official Website (English). Home Page & Car Rental Booking. Available at: https://car.orix.co.jp/eng/

• ORIX Rent a Car Official Website. Rental Sites & Shop Search. Available at: https://car.orix.co.jp/eng/shop/

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Cars & Driving in Japan. Available at: https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/getting-around/cars/

• Department of Land Transport. Application for International Driving License. Available at: https://www.dlt.go.th/th/