Renting a Car in Japan 2027: IDP, Insurance, and Rules

You cannot rent a car in Japan without a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit. The 1968 Vienna version is NOT accepted. Japan has no in-country IDP issuance — you must have it before you fly. Here is the 2027 playbook: IDP acquisition, rental comparison, insurance, and the biggest left-side-driving traps.

Quick facts: driving in Japan 2027

The 4 rental companies compared

Where you actually need a car

• ●Hokkaido — Trains limited outside Sapporo. Niseko ski, Furano lavender, Shiretoko — car is practical.
• ●Okinawa — Only one JR line (short monorail). Car is essentially required for island exploring.
• ●[Hakone](https://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?ss=Hakone&aid=8095781&label=auto-hakone-autolink&nflt=review_score%3D80&order=popularity) / Fuji Five Lakes — Trains work but car gives access to viewpoints trains don't reach.
• ●Kyushu rural (Yufuin, Kurokawa Onsen) — Trains cover main cities; car for mountain onsen.
• ●Shikoku pilgrimage route — Car for ohenro cycle; or JR Shikoku pass for buses.
• ●Don't rent for — Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto city centers. Parking is ¥500–1,500/hour; trains are better.

Step-by-step: get the IDP before Japan

• ●US — AAA office (walk-in): $20, 15 minutes. Need passport-size photo + home license + $20.
• ●UK — Post Office: £5.50 same-day; must be 1949 version (specify).
• ●Canada — CAA: $25; walk-in or mail-order.
• ●Australia — AA state branches: $42; same-day in most states.
• ●EU (non-exemption countries) — Each country has its own authority; typically €15–30.
• ●Confirm it's the 1949 Geneva version — Front cover says 'International Driving Permit' + reference to '1949 Convention'. If it says '1968' or 'Vienna', it's wrong for Japan.

Insurance options at the rental counter

Rental companies offer three tiers. The 'basic' included insurance usually has a ¥50,000 deductible — add CDW to zero it out.

• ●Basic insurance (included) — ¥50,000 deductible on any damage; vehicle only.
• ●CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) — ¥1,000–1,500/day. Reduces or eliminates deductible.
• ●Non-Operation Charge waiver — ¥500/day. Covers 'lost income' fee if car can't be rented out while repaired.
• ●Credit card CDW — Some premium cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum) cover rentals in Japan. Confirm BEFORE arrival; Japan is excluded on some cards.
• ●Travel insurance CDW — Allianz AllTrips Premier covers CDW abroad; cheaper than counter CDW over 3+ days.

FAQ

• ●Can I rent in [Tokyo](https://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?ss=Tokyo&aid=8095781&label=auto-tokyo-autolink&nflt=review_score%3D80&order=popularity) and return in Osaka? Yes — one-way fee ~¥10,000–20,000 depending on distance.
• ●Do I need a Japanese GPS? Rentals include navi (set to English). Google Maps also works.
• ●Highway toll cost? Tokyo → Osaka ~¥10,000 one-way including ETC discounts.
• ●ETC card included? Yes with Toyota, Nippon, Times — included with your rental.
• ●Child car seat? Mandatory for under-6. Rent at counter for ¥500–1,000/day.
• ●What if I don't speak Japanese? English-friendly counters at Narita, Haneda, KIX, Sapporo. Smaller rural stations may need translation app.
• ●Where to park overnight? Hotels: ¥500–1,500/night in cities, free in rural ryokan. Coin parking is ¥500/hour center Tokyo.
• ●Snow driving in Hokkaido? Winter rentals include studless (snow) tires December–March; snow chains for extreme routes.
• ●Can I drive to Mt Fuji 5th Station? Yes except July–September restriction (shuttle only during climbing season).
• ●Accident procedure? Call police (110) + rental company. Both are legally required before moving the vehicle.