Which car rental company is best in Japan? Comparing prices and terms of 5 car rental companies in Japan

Driving a rental car in Japan is considered one of the best ways to experience free-range travel. Whether it's stopping at hidden viewpoints around Mount Fuji, coastal road trips, or family travel to colorful food cities like Osaka without worrying about dragging luggage on trains, for Thai travelers planning a trip, the most popular question that comes up first is "Which car rental company in Japan is best?"

Currently, there are many car rental companies in Japan that offer services to foreign tourists, each with different highlights, prices, and conditions. Looking only at "starting price" on the website may cause you to miss other hidden costs such as insurance (CDW / NOC), winter equipment rental fees, one-way drop off fees, or ETC toll card charges.

This article was written to address those planning to rent a self-drive car in Japan. We will objectively analyze and compare 5 leading car rental companies in Japan so you can decide which car rental company is best and most worthwhile for your travel style, budget, and destination.

Which car rental company in Japan is best?

Before diving into the details of each company, let's get an overview of how each car rental company has different characteristics or highlights to serve as an initial guide for selection:

·         Toyota Rent a Car: Stands out for the most extensive network of branches nationwide, offering vehicles of all types, suitable for driving both in cities and rural prefectures.

·         Nippon Rent-A-Car: Stands out in serving foreign tourists, with an easy-to-use English website and booking system, branches often located near major train stations and airports.

·         ORIX Rent a Car: Japan's second-largest rental company, stands out for prices that often feature promotional campaigns, making for better value.

·         Times CAR RENTAL: Stands out for relatively affordable base rental rates and branches at Times parking lots nationwide, making car pickup and return convenient.

·         Nissan Rent a Car: Stands out in automotive technology, if you want to try driving electric vehicles (EV) or fuel-efficient e-POWER systems, this company is the answer.

Comparison of 5 Japanese car rental companies

Note: Prices and branch numbers are approximate information based on original data provided, not verified information as of 2026. Actual rental prices depend on vehicle model, branch, rental dates, season, and insurance packages. Please check coverage conditions of each company before booking.

Japan Car Rental Market Overview

1. Toyota Rent a Car

Company Overview: Toyota Rent a Car is one of Japan's largest car rental companies with a network of branches covering the entire country. With Toyota brand standards, it's an attractive option for those who value car quality and maintenance.

• Highlights: Extensive network of branches nationwide, making one-way rentals convenient and flexible, depending on route and branch conditions.

• Starting Price: Approximately 7,150 JPY / 24 hours (Economy / Compact class)

• Available Vehicle Models: Range from small cars like Yaris, family cars like Sienta and Alphard, to vans and commercial vehicles.

• Insurance: Offers basic coverage options and additional packages for damage deductibles and NOC charges according to company terms.

• Branches: Large network of branches covering major cities, train stations, and multiple airports nationwide.

• Important Notes: Prices may vary by vehicle type, branch, and timing, especially during peak seasons when cars may fill up quickly. Book in advance.

Summary: Ideal for first-time car renters in Japan, those seeking service reliability, and those planning multi-city trips who want flexibility in car pickup and return.

2. Nippon Rent-A-Car

Company Overview: Nippon Rent-A-Car is a major car rental service provider in Japan popular among foreign travelers. It offers diverse vehicle options with information and support services for foreign customers, making car rental planning and travel in Japan more convenient.

• Highlights: Diverse vehicle options from multiple manufacturers, with customer support available in multiple channels for foreign customers at supported branches, with operating hours depending on each branch.

• Starting Price: Approximately 7,500 JPY / 24 hours, depending on vehicle type, branch, and booking period.

• Available Vehicle Models: Multiple vehicle types from brands like Honda, Toyota, and Subaru, depending on what's available at each branch.

• Insurance: Offers CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) for damage deductible coverage and NOC charge options according to company terms.

• Branches: Network of branches in major cities, airports, and tourist attractions throughout Japan.

• Important Notes: Branch and vehicle options in rural areas may be more limited than in major cities. Check operating hours, pickup/return conditions, and insurance details before traveling.

Summary: Ideal for foreign tourists and families seeking diverse rental options with convenient booking and support services during Japan travel.

3. ORIX Rent a Car

Company Overview: ORIX Rent a Car is Japan's second-largest rental company with partnerships across multiple car manufacturers, offering diverse vehicle styles for rental.

·         Highlights: Rental prices often feature Early Bird or advance booking promotions, offering great deals if booked at the right time.

·         Starting Price: Approximately 6,500 JPY / 24 hours

·         Available Vehicle Models: Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki, and some European models

·         Insurance: Basic insurance system and RAP (Rent-A-Car Assistance Pack) protecting against tire blowouts and NOC

·         Branches: Approximately 1,000+ branches

·         Important Notes: The English website may not feature all promotions available on the Japanese website

Summary: Suitable for budget-conscious travelers who like comparing prices, or families looking for minivans at good value

4. Times CAR RENTAL

Company Overview: Times Car Rental evolved from Japan's largest parking lot service company (Times Parking), so pickup and return locations are typically at yellow Times parking lots, which are easy to find in urban areas.

·         Highlights: Relatively affordable base rental rates with a member program offering additional discounts.

·         Starting Price: Approximately 6,000 JPY / 24 hours

·         Available Vehicle Models: Compact cars from Mazda, Suzuki, and other brands

·         Insurance: Super Safety course covering almost everything at reasonable prices

·         Branches: 400+ branches (focused on train stations and city centers)

·         Important Notes: Some pickup locations may be small booths or kiosks in parking lots without staff standby like larger service centers

Summary: Ideal for short-term city driving or those with limited budgets

5. Nissan Rent a Car

Company Overview: Nissan Rent a Car is a Nissan-branded car rental service. Its most distinctive selling point is offering vehicles with new technology such as electric vehicles (EV) and e-POWER hybrid systems.

·         Highlights: Many e-POWER model vehicles available, which are very fuel-efficient, and nearly every car comes standard with English GPS.

·         Starting Price: Approximately 7,000 JPY / 24 hours

·         Available Vehicle Models: Nissan Note, Serena, X-Trail, Leaf

·         Insurance: NAS (Nissan Full Support) package covering damage waivers and towing charges

·         Branches: 350+ branches

·         Important Notes: Fewer branches than competitors, so in case of emergency in remote areas you may wait longer for assistance

Summary: Suitable for those wanting to save on gas (with hybrid/EV vehicles) and lovers of modern driving technology

Easy-to-understand price comparison (3-day example)

To give you an overview of costs, we've created the following rental scenario:

·         Vehicle Type: Economy / Compact (small 5-seater car, suitable for 2-3 people)

·         Duration: 3 days (72 hours)

·         Location: Pickup and return at Narita Airport (no one-way drop off fee)

·         Insurance: Select maximum coverage insurance package (Full Coverage / Zero Deductible + NOC)

*Remember: Prices are examples and may change by period (such as Golden Week or cherry blossom season when prices may increase 20-30%), vehicle model, branch, and website promotions.

What costs are included in Japanese car rentals?

Budgeting for a Japanese car rental involves more than just the rental fee; you need to consider these expenses:

·         1. Rental Fee (Base Fare): Charged by vehicle type and rental duration (hourly or daily)

·         2. CDW Insurance (Collision Damage Waiver): Covers damage deductible (Excess) if accidents occur, approximately 1,100 - 2,200 JPY/day

·         3. NOC Insurance (Non-Operation Charge): Very important! If your car is in an accident and can't be rented out, you pay the company lost revenue (20,000 JPY if drivable / 50,000 JPY if not drivable). We recommend always purchasing Full Cover insurance that includes NOC.

·         4. ETC Card and Expressway Pass Charges: ETC card rental is approximately 330 JPY per rental. Expressway tolls in Japan are quite expensive; if driving across prefectures, buying a package pass like KEP (Kyushu), HEP (Hokkaido), CEP (Central) is more economical.

·         5. Fuel: Gas in Japan (2026) costs approximately 160-180 JPY/liter. Calculate rough mileage to budget for fuel.

·         6. Parking: Hotels in cities often charge parking fees (1,000 - 2,000 JPY/night), while attractions charge hourly rates.

·         7. One-way Drop Off Fee: If picking up in Tokyo but returning in Osaka, there's an additional fee of tens of thousands of yen!

·         8. Equipment Rental: Such as Snow Tire rental (essential in winter; some companies offer free in certain areas), child car seats.

What do you need to rent a car in Japan? (Important Documents)

To avoid the situation of "booked and paid but can't pick up the car," Thai tourists must strictly prepare these documents:

·         1. Passport: Original, not expired

·         2. International Driving Permit (IDP): Very Important Japan accepts only international driving licenses under the 1949 Geneva Convention (white cover, 1-year validity) exclusively! Do NOT bring the Vienna Convention license (gray cover, 3-year validity) as you won't be able to rent. Or learn about how to get an international driving license and what to prepare

·         3. Thai Driving License: Keep original with you at all times

·         4. Credit Card: Must be a credit card with the renter's/main driver's name to authorize hold or pay rental charges

·         5. Booking Documents (Voucher): Print or show on phone screen

Is driving in Japan difficult?

For Thai people, driving in Japan is "not difficult" because Japan uses right-hand steering wheels and left-side driving, just like Thailand! However, there are important adjustments and precautions:

·         Traffic signs and regulations: Japan strictly enforces traffic laws. The most important sign is the stop sign (Tomare / 止まれ) - red inverted triangle. You must brake until completely stopped (wheels lock) for at least 3 seconds before proceeding. Violations result in heavy fines.

·         Speed limits: City roads 40-50 km/h, expressways 80-100 km/h. Don't exceed limits as speed cameras monitor everywhere.

·         Pedestrians are sacred: At crossings, if pedestrians are crossing, you must stop for them.

·         Winter driving: If visiting Hokkaido or Tohoku regions Dec-Mar, you must use Snow Tires. Drive slowly, maintain distance, avoid sudden braking (black ice risk).

·         Parking: Japan doesn't allow random street parking. Park only in designated areas or coin parking lots.

How do you choose a Japanese car rental company for your trip?

·         For beginners (first time in Japan): Recommend Toyota Rent a Car or Nippon Rent-A-Car for stable systems, foreign-friendly staff, and extensive airport branches, making troubleshooting easier.

·         For budget-conscious: Recommend ORIX or Times CAR RENTAL - compare prices before booking, often 10-20% cheaper than major brands.

·         For Hokkaido trips: All companies are comparable, but recommend 4WD vehicles and ensure Snow Tires are free (winter rates usually include this, but verify).

·         For rural/cross-regional driving: Recommend Toyota Rent a Car - largest service center network means faster assistance if car breaks down in remote areas.

·         For families (elderly, children): Choose minivans (Toyota Sienta, Nissan Serena) from any company with branches near your hotels or train stations to minimize luggage hauling.

·         For fuel-efficient vehicles: Choose Nissan - rent e-POWER or EV models for significantly better fuel economy.

FAQ - Common questions about renting cars in Japan

Q: Which car rental company in Japan is best?

A: Depends on your needs. For most branches choose Toyota, for cheap choose ORIX or Times, for fuel-efficient choose Nissan.

Q: How much does daily car rental in Japan cost?

A: Small cars (Compact) average around 1,500 - 2,000 baht per day (excluding gas and tolls)

Q: Do you need an international driving license to rent in Japan?

A: Required 100% and must be under the 1949 Geneva Convention only

Q: Can Thai people drive cars in Japan?

A: Can drive easily since steering is right-side and driving is left-side, same as Thailand

Q: Do you need a credit card to rent a car in Japan?

A: Most companies require renter's credit card for payment authorization

Q: Is insurance included in Japanese car rentals?

A: Website prices usually include basic insurance, but not CDW and NOC. Recommend adding Full Coverage every time.

Q: Do you have to pay expressway tolls when renting a car in Japan?

A: Yes. Expressway tolls are expensive. Recommend renting ETC card and buying day pass packages for better value.

Q: Can you return rental cars at different branches in Japan?

A: Yes, but if at different prefecture/zone, there may be additional one-way drop off fees.

Q: Is renting a car trip in Japan worth it?

A: Very worthwhile if traveling with 3-4+ people or visiting areas train doesn't reach like Hokkaido, Shikoku, Tohoku, and Kyushu

Q: How far in advance should you book a car rental in Japan?

A: Book 1-3 months ahead, especially peak seasons (cherry blossoms, fall foliage, New Year) as cars fill quickly

Summary: Which car rental company in Japan is best?

Choosing a Japanese car rental company has no single fixed answer for everyone, but based on all information and conditions, we recommend (Recommendation) as follows:

·         Rank 1 for Peace of Mind and Beginners: Toyota Rent a Car – Though slightly pricier, nationwide branch coverage is most extensive with service centers everywhere.

·         Rank 1 for Value and Savings: ORIX Rent a Car / Times CAR RENTAL – Ideal for experienced renters wanting to save on travel costs.

·         Rank 1 for Service and English: Nippon Rent-A-Car – Excellent website and communication make preparation much easier.

Most importantly, regardless of which Japanese car rental company you choose, always "purchase comprehensive insurance (NOC Coverage)" and strictly obey Japan's traffic laws for a fun, safe, and worry-free trip!

Sources / Reference Information

All information based on official company websites as of 2026:

·         Toyota Rent a Car: rent.toyota.co.jp

·         Nippon Rent-A-Car: nipponrentacar.co.jp

·         ORIX Rent a Car: car.orix.co.jp

·         Times CAR RENTAL: rental.timescar.jp

·         Nissan Rent a Car: nissan-rentacar.com

·         International Driving License Information: Thailand Department of Land Transport (dlt.go.th)