Times CAR RENTAL Japan – What Cars Are Available for Rent? A Guide to Selecting the Right Car Type for Your Japan Trip

Self-drive travel to Japan has continued to gain popularity among Thai tourists. Although Japan's public transportation system and railway network are comprehensive and convenient, for traveling outside the capital, visiting distant natural attractions, or traveling as a large family with lots of luggage, renting a car for self-driving is an option that provides much greater freedom and flexibility, without comparison. And one of the car rental service providers that tourists can consider as a top choice is Times CAR RENTAL Japan

This article will take you to get to know Times CAR RENTAL Japan in depth, covering everything from the types of vehicles available, convenient branches that meet the needs of tourists, approximate rental prices, correct booking procedures, important documents to prepare, and things to know before driving in Japan, to help you plan your trip carefully. Whether you are listing 40 attractions in Japan in your travel plan, preparing coordinates for 40 Tokyo attractions, organizing a food tour to Osaka cuisine or looking for ideas for 20 Japanese souvenirs, you can travel seamlessly. And for anyone comparing which car rental company in Japan is best?, this article will help you prepare with the utmost confidence before starting the engine

Who is Times CAR RENTAL Japan

Times CAR RENTAL Japan is one of Japan's leading car rental service providers, operated by Times Mobility company under the PARK24 GROUP, which owns the distinctive yellow parking lot network "Times Parking". The company fully expanded into the car rental business through the acquisition of MAZDA CAR RENTAL in 2009. Currently employing over 1,130 employees with a network of hundreds of branches located throughout airports and major train stations, covering all 47 prefectures across the country, with approximately 28,700 vehicles available for short-term rental (and over 112,000 vehicles total when including the car-sharing system). The key highlight is offering vehicles from various brands in one place, such as Mazda, Suzuki, Toyota, Nissan and Honda equipped with GPS navigation systems that support English. For foreign tourists, it is recommended to book in advance through the official English-language website or through reliable travel agent platforms (OTA) for transparency in selecting maximum coverage insurance packages (such as Super Safety Package) and to check shuttle bus pickup points (Shuttle Bus) in advance, which will greatly help reduce language misunderstandings and increase efficiency when processing car pickup at the counter

5 Times CAR RENTAL Japan branches that are popular and convenient for tourists

Choosing to pick up a rental car at an airport branch or major train station will help save time and reduce the exhaustion of dragging luggage across the city significantly. Times CAR RENTAL has branches at important strategic points throughout Japan. Here are 5 popular branch locations that meet the travel plans of foreign tourists:

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

• Booking link and branch information: Times Car Rental Narita Airport

• Location and service area: Serves passengers arriving at Narita Airport, Chiba Prefecture

• How to get there: Contact the car rental counter on the 1st floor (available in both Terminal 1 and 2), then the staff will arrange a shuttle bus to take you to the car pickup center in the airport perimeter area (approximately 20-40 minutes travel time)

• Suitable for travel plans: Tourists who want to rent a car to explore the Kanto region or visit suburban areas before heading to Nikko or Tohoku

2. Haneda Airport Branch (Haneda Airport - Tokyo)

• Booking link and branch information: Times Car Rental Haneda Airport

• Location and service area: Car rental center in the Haneda area for those who want to depart from southern Tokyo

• How to get there: Contact the car rental counter on the 1st floor of the airport to use the shuttle bus service to the car pickup point (approximately 20-40 minutes travel time as well)

• Suitable for travel plans: Those who fly directly to Haneda and want to head to the Chubu region towards Lake Kawaguchi, Hakone, or Yokohama immediately without crossing city traffic

3. Tokyo Station Branch (Tokyo Station)

• Booking link and branch information: Times Car Rental Tokyo Station

• Location and service area: Around Tokyo's main railway station for those starting a trip from the city center

• Suitable for travel plans: Tourists who have already visited or shopped in Tokyo and want to rent a car on the last day to go to other prefectures without having to return to the airport to pick up a car

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

• Booking link and branch information: Times Car Rental Shin-Osaka Station

• Location and service area: Located near Shin-Osaka Station, the center of the Shinkansen network

• Suitable for travel plans: Those who take the high-speed Shinkansen from another city and want to rent a car to explore the Kansai region, such as driving to Nara, Kobe, or Kyoto

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

• Booking link and branch information: Times Car Rental New Chitose Airport

• Location and service area: Large car rental center near New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Hokkaido

• How to get there: There are counters in the international passenger terminal (1st floor) and domestic passenger terminal with shuttle bus service to take you to the car pickup point outside the airport (approximately 10-15 minutes)

• Suitable for travel plans: A road trip exploring Hokkaido, where driving is considered the best way to access various natural scenic spots that trains cannot reach

Why should you choose Times CAR RENTAL in Japan

When deciding which company to choose, here are the factors that make Times CAR RENTAL Japan an interesting option:

• Variety of car brands: Complete selection of Japan's leading vehicles, from compact cars that are easy to drive to family minivans

• Extensive network: Has service branches throughout the country, including airports, train stations, and city centers

• Comprehensive supplementary services: Available to rent ETC cards (similar to Easy Pass) for expressway entry, child car seats, and car options with winter tires for areas with snow

• Easy-to-understand insurance packages: Offers transparent liability deductible options, allowing tourists to drive with peace of mind

Overview of the car rental market in Japan

What types of cars does Times CAR RENTAL Japan have to choose from

The type of vehicle is an important factor in your journey. Times CAR RENTAL has organized vehicle categories clearly. Before deciding to book, you should check the vehicle types and car classes in detail:

• Compact Vehicles (C-Class): Small, maneuverable vehicles (such as MAZDA2, SUZUKI Solio, TOYOTA Roomy, NISSAN Note e-POWER) accommodating up to 5 passengers, suitable for traveling with 2-3 people with medium luggage, economical for city driving or short to medium distances

• Sedans (S-Class): 4-door sedans that clearly separate the interior space and trunk area, comfortable seating, suitable for trips requiring comfort

• Minivans and Multi-Purpose Vehicles (W-Class & M-Class): Medium to large vans (such as 7-8 seaters), spacious interior, most suitable for family trips with children, elderly passengers, or groups of friends with multiple large suitcases

• Station Wagons and SUVs: Vehicles with elevated height or exceptionally long rear cargo space, excellent visibility, suitable for adventure seekers or driving to natural attractions

• Sports Cars: For those who want a fun and stylish driving experience

Note: The actual vehicle received on the day of travel will be an equivalent model in the same class. The company will not guarantee selection of a specific vehicle model, unless specified in a special campaign

How much does Times CAR RENTAL Japan cost

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

• Car class: Compact vehicles are naturally cheaper than minivans

• Rental duration: Times CAR RENTAL typically charges by duration, such as 6-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour packages, and additional daily rates for extended rentals

• Travel season (Seasonality): May have additional charges (High Season Charge) during major holiday periods

• Supplementary services and equipment: Renting child car seats, ETC cards for toll roads, or winter tires

• One-way drop-off fee: If picking up a car in one city and returning in another, there will be a fee calculated based on distance

Car rental insurance in Japan that you need to know

Times CAR RENTAL's insurance system is basically divided as follows:

1. Deductible: In case of an accident, if using a basic package, the renter may need to pay the first portion of damage up to 50,000 yen (for regular vehicles)

2. NOC (Non-Operation Charge): If the car is in an accident and needs repair, causing the company to lose income, the renter will need to 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 needs to be towed)

We recommend considering upgrading to Safety Package or Super Safety Package from Insurance & Compensation System to waive Deductible liability or to get coverage for NOC, tire bursts, and wheel cover loss for maximum peace of mind

Sample Daily Expense Estimate Table (excluding fuel and expressway fees)

Preliminary reference information for C-1 Class (Compact) from the official website. Prices may vary by promotion, branch, and season. Please verify with the website before booking

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Times CAR RENTAL Japan

1. Select pickup and return branch: Visit the official website and specify whether pickup and return are at the same location or different branches

1. Set pickup and return date and time: Specify the date and time you expect to arrive at the branch clearly

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

1. Select coverage package: The system will let you choose what insurance package to add (we recommend the package with maximum risk coverage)

2. Select additional services: Choose to rent an ETC Card or car seat

3. Fill in information and make payment: Enter your name as it appears on your passport and complete the process

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

Documents Required to Rent a Car in Japan

Preparing the correct documents is the most important matter. If documents are incomplete, the branch will refuse to deliver the vehicle immediately:

• Passport: Original and must not be expired

• International Driving Permit (International Driver's License): Very important! Thai nationals must use only the format according to the Geneva Convention of 1949. It is a white-cover booklet (never use the blue Vienna Convention format). You can learn more preparation steps in the guide International Driving License

• Original Thai driver's license: Keep it on you for status verification

• Credit card: Must be in the same name as the primary driver to be used as a security deposit or payment method

How to Pick Up a Times CAR RENTAL Rental Car in Japan

On pickup day, you should allow approximately 30-45 minutes for the procedures:

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

• Listen to explanations: The staff will explain the terms, conditions, and insurance

• Inspect the vehicle: Walk around the car with the staff member. You should take photos and videos of any existing scratches or damage as evidence for your peace of mind

• Check equipment: Check the ETC card (if rented) and fuel gauge to ensure the tank is full before driving away

How to Return a Rental Car in Japan

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

• Return the car on time: Allow time to drive back to the branch, especially airport branches where you need to take a shuttle bus back to the terminal building

• Pay expressway fees (ETC): If you rented an ETC card, the branch will retrieve the data and have you pay the total expressway charges at the return point

• Inspect the vehicle and belongings: Check the trunk, phone, and items in the car carefully before handing over the keys

What You Need to Know About Driving in Japan

• Drive on the left side: Like Thailand, with right-hand drive, keep to the left

• Stop signs (Tomare / 止まれ): An inverted red triangle sign means you must brake to a complete stop, wheels locked for 2-3 seconds, look left and right before proceeding. Never coast or roll through

• Speed limits: Strictly follow the speed limit signs

• No drinking and driving 100%: Japanese law is extremely strict (Zero Tolerance). Do not consume any alcoholic beverage, not even a sip

Advantages and Limitations of Renting a Car to Travel in Japan

Advantages:

• Flexibility in route planning, breaks, and sightseeing as you wish

• Suitable for traveling with multiple people; sharing costs is worthwhile

• Easy access to remote natural attractions

• Easier to manage luggage for elderly people and children compared to climbing stairs at train stations

Limitations:

• Additional hidden costs such as fuel, relatively high expressway fees, and parking fees

• The driver must understand and strictly comply with traffic rules

• Driving in winter with snow requires special skills and maximum caution

Frequently Asked Questions About Times CAR RENTAL Japan (FAQ)

You can refer to additional answers from Times CAR RENTAL's FAQ page as follows:

1. What type of international driving license must Thai nationals use to rent a car in Japan? You must obtain an International Driving Permit under the Geneva Convention of 1949 only (white cover booklet)

2. Are there age restrictions for renters? Anyone with a valid driver's license can rent (typically in the age range of 18-70 years according to general rental regulations), and even beginner drivers can rent if documents are complete

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

4. Will I be charged if I need to cancel a booking? According to Times' policy, you can cancel with no fees if you do so at least 7 days in advance of your pickup date

Times CAR RENTAL Japan is Suitable For

Times car rental service is especially suitable for:

• Groups of friends and families: Who want to share costs and create a Road Trip memory

• Nature enthusiasts: Those who want to visit lakes, volcanoes, or hard-to-reach viewpoints

• Flexible travelers: Those who want to adjust plans and stop for photos along the way

Conclusion: Drive Around Japan for Fun and Safety - Prepare Well Before Traveling

Driving through the Land of the Rising Sun is an exceptional travel experience that creates wonderful memories. Times CAR RENTAL Japan is one of the car rental company options equipped with service standards, a wide network of branches, and a variety of vehicle types for you to choose from.

The most important thing that will make your trip smooth and trouble-free is to prepare thoroughly before traveling. Start from choosing the right vehicle type for your route, preparing accurate documents, and understanding the insurance package. Once you've prepared carefully in all aspects, it's time to go out and collect travel experiences worth remembering. Visit MIDO Car Rental's blog to find travel ideas, car rental tips, and great travel updates. Have a great trip!