How to find a cheap car hire deal in Tokyo
Pick up a cheap rental car in Tokyo for around 136 € a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, so you can easily compare prices and book.
Daily rental prices in Tokyo start from just 12 €.
Thinking of staying longer? Grab a weekly rental from 81 € and explore more than just the top attractions.
If you like to plan with precision, book about three weeks ahead to score yourself the best price on a Tokyo car hire.
Check out the offers available with JDM Rent a car, Nissan Rent a Car and Airport Car Hire. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Tokyo car hire policy, whether with JDM Rent a car or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Tokyo.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with prices averaging 49 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 49 €, this provider is next in line.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly 35 € a day.
If you're having trouble deciding what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle in Tokyo.
Flying to Tokyo? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Tokyo, make tracks sooner by picking up a car hire at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 19 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes.
Flying in somewhere else? You can get a car hire from Tokyo Narita Airport just as easily. The centre is 56 kilometres or so away and takes roughly 1 hour to reach by car.
Compare car hire types in Tokyo
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Tokyo car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Tokyo is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Tokyo car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Tokyo by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car rental in Japan. Rules can differ, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your Tokyo car rental reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to travel.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get used to its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the left side of the road in Japan.
Local speed limits are usually about 55kph through built-up areas and around 85kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03% applies in Japan. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) on your trip here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Tokyo for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time making the most of Petit Bali Ikebukuro. About 8 kilometres from central Tokyo, it comes with parking, air conditioning and a hot spring.
Hotel Gran Villa is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features parking, along with air conditioning and internet access. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more places to choose from? Browse through the full list of hotels in Tokyo. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in Tokyo and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Tokyo Skytree, Sensho-ji and Ginza Central Street are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Tokyo
Buckle up and make tracks to Kawasaki. Around 18 kilometres southwest of central Tokyo, you'll find must-sees like Tofuku-ji Temple and Kawasaki Daishi.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Kawasaki include HOTEL Mystays Premier Omori and Tmark City Hotel Tokyo Omori.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Tokyo and travel around 27 kilometres north to Saitama. Featuring The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama and Omiya Bonsai Village, its highlights live up to the hype.
Take it easy after a day spent exploring Saitama at Royal Pines Hotel Urawa or Palace Hotel Omiya. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Kasugai, around 257 kilometres west of Tokyo. Kick things off at Rokugaike Park, then follow it up with Greenpia Kasugai.
Next up: catching some z's. Kasugai Station Hotel and Hotel Plaza Kachigawa have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Kasugai.
