Rent a car in Japan, international driver's license, ETC, parking and snow tires.

Rental cars, trains and luggage at Japanese airports — Original illustrations for MjourneyGo

Required documents

An original Thai driver's license that has not expired.
Original international driving license according to the 1949 Geneva Convention
Original passport and entry information
Payment card according to the rental company's conditions
Names of all drivers on the contract

The wrong type of document may mean the car cannot be picked up and insurance may not cover it.Verify the international driver's license format with the document issuer and rental company before paying.

Expenses that are often forgotten

ExpresswayETC charges can be high when traveling across long distances.

ParkingBig cities charge based on time and hotels may not have parking.

Insurance/NOCCheck the opportunity cost of using the car and the amount that the renter is responsible for.

Compare total prices It's not just the daily rent, plus gas, toll roads, parking, car seats, winter tires, and the cost of returning the car to different branches.

Road rules that need to be adjusted

Drive to the left and yield to pedestrians at the crossing.
Stop completely at a stop sign. And don't turn at a red light unless there's a signal giving permission.
Cell phones are prohibited while driving and everyone must wear a seat belt.
Don't park on the side of the road because you see other cars parked next to each other. Use the specified parking space.
Set the navigation system from a phone number or Map Code when an address is difficult to find.

Driving in winter

Confirm winter tires Don't just look at the word 4WD.
Increase braking distance and avoid sudden steering turns.
Do not use Cruise Control on slippery roads.
Check road closures and forecasts before leaving every section.
Ready to change to a train or cancel a route when conditions are unsafe.

When picking up and returning the car

Take video around the carRecord tracks, wheels, glass, and oil levels.
Test equipmentLights, wipers, navigation, ETC and brakes.
Asking how to refuelFuel type and full tank return policy
In case it's time to returnIncluding gas refueling, vehicle inspection, transfers, and airport queues.

Driver's license rules from Japanese police →JAF information

Frequently asked questions

What type of international driver's license is used to drive in Japan?

Japan accepts international driver's licenses in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention for those who meet the conditions. You must carry the original along with your driver's license and passport. Not just a photo

Do I need an ETC card to rent a Japanese car?

It is not necessary for all routes, but it helps to pass through the express lanes and pay the expressway fees conveniently. You should reserve with the car and ask how to charge the toll.

Can I drive in Hokkaido in winter?

This can be done when the vehicle and driver are ready. But there are risks from black ice, snow and low visibility. You should choose a car with winter tires, reduce the distance, and have a plan to cancel the route.