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Car hire in Tokyo – the beating heart of Japan
With the snow-capped of Mount Fuji as a glorious backdrop, the bustling neo-lit streets and futuristic skyscrapers of the Japanese capital, Tokyo, comprise one of the most striking cityscapes in the entire world. Home to the famous Imperial Palace, this awe-inspiring yet rather overwhelming city is one of the world's top tourist destinations on account of its stylish museums, stunning modern architecture and immersive art installations. Its highlights include the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the 634-metre-high Skytree (for the best city views) and the Tokyo National Museum which houses the largest collections of historic Japanese clothing and pottery from across the Far East.
At the same time, Tokyo has deeply traditional roots, as seen by the great number of centuries-old shrines and temples dotted around the city, as well as the regular sumo wrestling tournaments, colourful street festivals and ancient theatrical productions run throughout the year. It is also a dream come true for the kids who can fully immerse themselves in anime, a popular film genre which was born in the city, most notably Totoro and the world-famous Pokémon series created in the local studios. In addition to that, they won't want to miss National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, which is full of hands-on exhibits portraying everything from robotics and earthquakes to energy and the weather, etc.
Tokyo and its environs is also ideal for people looking to drive around exploring the enchanting Kanto Region of central Japan. With an affordable car hire in Tokyo from Auto Europe you can see all the city's magnificent sights before discovering the many natural and cultural treasures on the city's doorstep, such as Mount Fuji (known locally as Fujisan) which is located approximately 100 kilometres south-west of the capital. About a three-hour drive north of Tokyo lies the amazing Nikkō National Park where you can relax in a world of wild moorland, soaring mountain peaks, crashing waterfalls and ancient forests before visiting Rinnō-ji, a preserved Japanese temple founded in the 9th century AD.
A strong leader of the international car rental industry for over 70 years, Auto Europe's main objective is to provide the widest possible choice of vehicles and locations with the best customer service and at the cheapest rates on the market. With more than 26,000 convenient pick-up and drop-off point in over 190 popular destinations (including Japan), no other company offers travellers such a solid guarantee of quality and value for money. You can book online booking now using our state-of the-art search engine at the top of this page or reach out to our award-winning rental specialists for assistance and will be more than happy to find you the best deal for your car rental in Tokyo.
For more information about renting a vehicle in Tokyo, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Where to pick up a Car hire in Tokyo
Travellers in need of a value-added car rental in Tokyo have a plethora of excellent options from which to choose when travelling around Japan. As a top car hire provider, Auto Europe offers its many clients the best pick-up points in and around the city, such as Tokyo's two largest airports and its many train stations, including Shinjuku. Our high-tech booking engine couldn't be easier to operate and the map function enables you to locate all the rental deals in Tokyo quickly and easily, vehicle by vehicle and supplier by supplier. If you're searching for a specific supplier, then all you need to do is click on their logo in the search results to discover exactly where they are located. If you are arriving to Tokyo by airplane or by train, please refer to the two following sections dedicated to information on where to pick-up your Auto Europe car rental.
Tokyo's airports
Tokyo has two major airports serving the city, Narita and Haneda. Located 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) from the city centre, Tokyo Haneda Airport is the busier of the two with annual traffic of over 80 million passenger movements, while Tokyo Narita Airport (located 60 kilometres or 37 miles east of the Japanese capital) handles around 32 million passengers and 165,000 flights every year.
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
Website: narita-airport.jp
Address: 1-1 Furugome, Narita, Chiba 282-0004, Japan
Telephone: +81 476 34 8000
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Website: tokyo-haneda.com
Address: Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan
Telephone: +81 357 57 8111
Tokyo's train stations
Tokyo has several large railway station, but the biggest (and busiest) of them all is Shinjuku Train Station used by a approximately 3.6 million people every day, thus making it the world's busiest railway station! The list of other train stations of note in Tokyo includes Shinagawa, Ueno, Oimachi, Akabane, Hikifune, Toyosu Ekimae, Morishita, Iidabashi, Shimoigusa, Takadanobaba and Otorii.
Shinjuku Train Station
Website: Shinjuku Train Station
Address: 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022, Japan
Telephone: +81 50 2016 1603
Book with the Best Car Hire Suppliers in Tokyo
Established over seventy years ago in 1954, Auto Europe has established long-standing partnerships with all the world's most renowned and reliable car hire companies, both local and international. In turn, we are able to offer the best deals on car hire in Tokyo and all other top destinations across Japan, in addition to the widest choice of vehicles available. For more information about each respective supplier, please click on the logo below. Should you have any questions regarding which car will be most suitable for your trip, please feel free to call our rental specialists who will recommend the most appropriate car for your itinerary and find you the cheapest deal on the market.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Renting a Car in Tokyo
In this section we have included the most important FAQs concerning car rental procedures for your trip to Japan, including essential information on coverage, parking in Tokyo, credit cards, tolls, etc.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Tokyo?
Yes. Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners, etc. are a mandatory requirement for travellers arriving to collect their car hire in Tokyo, or anywhere else in Japan for that matter. The main reason for this is the fact that the local rental company will need to place a hold on the credit card for the duration of the rental contract, the amount of which will be promptly returned once the vehicle has been returned in the same condition it was in when it left the pick-up point. Please note that the credit card must be in the name of the main driver and have sufficient credit for the deposit block (note that cash and debit cards will not be accepted by the vehicle provider). In order to check which credit card (and type of card) will be accepted for your car hire in Japan, just make a quick search through our state-of-the-art booking engine and after selecting your preferred car hire category and supplier please click on the blue and white info icon (i) where you'll find all the credit card information in the Supplier Payment Policy Information section. More information can be found by following the link to our special page about credit cards and deposits.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Tokyo?
The good news is that all the car rental rates offered on our website incorporate the minimum amount of legally-required car hire coverage, including Theft Protection (TP) and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), with or without excess depending on the terms of the local car rental provider you selected when making your reservation. CDW doesn’t cover the entire vehicle, which is why we normally recommend Auto Europe's very popular Full Damage Protection product which you can easily add to your reservation with a single click of the mouse for a little bit more money. It's easy to find out exactly what's included in the rate; all you need to do is click on the blue and white info icon (i) to access the Additional Information section where all the relevant details are clearly stated about all the coverage included in the rate.
It's important to note that when you arrive to collect your car hire in Tokyo, the chances are that a member of the local check-in staff might try to up-sell you with their own products including (but not restricted) to PAI (Personal Accident Insurance), PEC (Personal Effects Coverage), Super CDW, Seguro Relax Insurance, Road Assistance etc. Auto Europe will not be able to refund the money for any locally-purchased insurance charges/fees (or any other products) even if it is deemed unnecessary once the vehicle has been returned.
How is the traffic in Tokyo?
The morning and evening rush-hours (from around 7.30-9-30am and 5.30-7.30pm) can lead to slower speeds and increased congestion on many of the roads in and out of Tokyo. The local drivers in Tokyo tend to be well-mannered and considerate compared with many other big cities around the world. Look out for careless cyclists, especially those who ride on the wrong side of the road. Petrol stations are found all across Japan and they traditionally provide a full service, although self-service stations have greatly increased in recent years. Many petrol stations close during the night, while a growing number are staying open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the case of an accident or breakdown, you should dial 110 for the police, 119 for an ambulance and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) in Tokyo on 03-5730-0111 in for road-side assistance.
In Japan, cars are driven on the left side of the road and the legal speed limit is 60kph on main roads, 100kph on motorways, 40kph in cities and other urban areas and 30kph in Tokyo's side streets. Be sure to observe Japanese traffic rules when driving. All the vehicle's occupants (ie in all seats) must wear seatbelts and any children under the age of 6 must be seated in a child seat. The legal minimum age for driving is 18 years although this might vary according to the terms of the local supplier. Drink driving is strictly forbidden by law and any passenger who knowingly gets into a car with an intoxicated driver will also be held liable. Using your mobile phone or smartphone to talk or send messages while driving is extremely dangerous and subject to severe punishment.
Where can I park my car hire in Tokyo?
As you might expect, parking your car hire in Tokyo can be expensive in the city centre, with the cost decreasing in the outlying areas. Some car parks are located near the main tourist attractions while many of Tokyo's hotels offer parking for their guests at a flat rate. Good options for parking in Tokyo include the Tokyo Tower Parking Centre (an underground parking garage located next to the south side of Tokyo Tower) and the famous Daikoku Futo (Daikoku Parking Area) car park in the Yokohama district. It's worth knowing that many shopping centres in Tokyo offer free parking for a certain amount of time in exchange for making purchases (for example, the Atre Ebisu shopping centre allows free parking for a limited time if you spend a specific amount of money in the store). Besides standard car parks, you may consider other more unique types of parking options in Tokyo, such as elevator car parks in which cars are stored in towers (drivers are directed to park their car onto a lift which will automatically store the car in the tower). Another parking possibility well worth considering is the car park that uses low barriers underneath the car which raise up to physically block in each individual vehicle. Once you have paid your parking fee (either at a central payment machine or at the parking space), the barrier lowers and you can safely drive away.
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Tokyo?
Yes. You will always require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you want to visit the country with a car hire in Tokyo. The IDP will need to be presented at the car rental check/in desk along with your regular driving licence in order to be able to collect your vehicle. please note that your driving licence will need to be written in the roman alphabet nd have been held for at least one full year prior to the beginning of the rental period. The good news is that it is very easy to obtain an International Driving Permit in your home country prior to departing for Japan; they are usually issued in person in certain shops that have PayPoint but no longer in Post Offices since the 31st of March 2024. Foreign national are permitted to drive in Japan with a recognised IDP for a maximum of one year. Note that Japan only recognises countries that adhere to the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Tokyo?
Yes, many of the motorways in and around the Japanese capital have tolls, including the Shuto Expressway which is a network of tolled expressways in the Greater Tokyo Area, such as the Daiba Route Shibaura JCT–Ariake JCT across the Tokyo Rainbow Bridge (Route 11) and Kohoku JCT–Kawaguchi JCT along the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway (Route C2). As with many toll-road systems around the world, there are two ways to pay, either with cash /credit card or by electronic toll collection (ETC), the latter of which is fast, automatic and perfect for travellers taking frequent toll road journeys in the Tokyo area. It's worth noting that visitors from outside of Japan are able to use expressway passes that allow drivers to pay a one-time fee for unlimited motorway use in the capital and its environs, which is a boon for travellers using their car hire in Tokyo to visit all the nearby attractions. Note that some vehicle rental companies are official distributors of these passes, thus making it easy for drivers to access the motorways of Japan without it becoming too expensive.
Tokyo Travel Guide
A city of high fashion, fine cuisine and awe-inspiring architecture, Tokyo effortlessly blends modern life with all the blessings of Japan's unique tradition and culture. Look beyond the neon signs and you'll find old temples, peaceful shrines and dozens of idyllic gardens scattered across the city, in addition to some of the worlds top tourist attractions. Don't miss the chance to visit the Imperial Palace and the amazing Yomiuriland, an amusement park with hundreds of cherry trees, rides and water attractions.
Best day trips with my car rental in Tokyo
Tokyo enjoys a central location in the very heart of Japan, making it the ideal base from which to explore this incredible country they call the Land of the Rising Sun. But if you only have time for one day-trip from the capital, make sure it's to Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic mountain which lies just a little over 100 kilometres south-west of the city centre.
Mount Fuji
Standing an impressive 3,776 metres tall, Mount Fiji needs to be visited to be believed, and the best way to do that is with an affordable Auto Europe car rental from Tokyo. Visible from the capital on clear days, the mountain (which is normally snow-capped) is the beating heart of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a vast expanse of prime verdant terrain covering more than 1,200 square-kilometres. Estimated to take up to 8 hours, the climb to the summit of Mount Fuji can be physically demanding, so take plenty of food, water, sun lotion and warm clothing for when the temperature begins to drop nearer the top.
Atami
The enchanting seaside town of Atami offers the perfect day-trip opportunity for travellers who choose to pick up their car hire in Tokyo. Located approximately one hundred kilometres south-west of the capital, this lovely resort is set around a sheltered bay surrounded by mountains, making it one of the most idyllic spots in the region. Besides its wonderful sandy beach, Atami boasts many interesting attractions, most notably the MOA Museum of Art where visitors can admire thousands of pieces of rare Japanese art, as well as works by Rembrandt and Monet.
Nikkō National Park
Few places in Japan are as spectacular as the Nikkō National Park, a vast area of towering peaks and pristine countryside some 180 kilometres to the north of Tokyo. A major highlight for visitors is the chance to climb to the top of Mount Oku-Shirane, which has an altitude of 2,578 metres and is reachable by well-marked hiking trails. The park is also popular for its many historic temples, chief amongst them Rinnō-ji (founded in 848 AD) and the spectacular Nikkō Tōshō-gū complex, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
Kamakura
Just fifty kilometres south-west of Tokyo lies Kamakura, one of the most charming cities within easy reach of the Japanese capital. As the home town of one of the country's first Shogunate governments in the early 12th century, it has many important sites to offer, like the Kotokuin Buddhist temple whose striking Buddha statue dates right the way back to 1252. Besides shopping along Komachi Dori (the city's high-street), in Kamakura you can also admire the many cherry blossoms in springtime and relax on the beach under a warm sun through the summer months.
What to do in Tokyo
Tokyo is not only a shopping mecca but it also offers its many travellers from around the world so much more in terms of art and culture. Every visit to this exciting city should start at its core, namely the Imperial Palace where Ota Dokan built the city's first fortress in 1457. After that, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to museums (Tokyo has dozens) and first-rate visitor attractions, because the Japanese capital has spent the past few decades metamorphosing into a world-class tourist destination beyond compare.
- Imperial Palace: A tour of the amazing Imperial Palace is an absolute must, especially for first-time visitors looking to gain an insight into the country long history. Located in the heart of Tokyo's Marunouchi district, it is most famous for the Nijubashi (Double) Bridge, the name of which derives from its striking reflection in the water. The Imperial Palace has many other notable features, including the Inner Gate, Seimon-Tetsubashi Bridge and the Fujimi-yagura Keep affording unparalleled views of Mount Fuji in the distance.
- Tokyo Disneyland: A top attraction for families visiting the Japanese capital with young children is Tokyo Disneyland, a huge leisure and entertainment complex located to the south-east of the city centre. Offering travellers a truly memorable experience during their stay in Japan, TDL (as it is known to the locals) has all the regular Disney attractions, plus a few more unique to the country. Some of the features are truly unmissable, such as Pinocchio's Daring Journey, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and the World Bazaar where some 300 entertainers (including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, etc.) appear in stage shows, musical performances and fun parades throughout the day.
- National Museum of Nature and Science: You can't visit Tokyo without spending a few hours at the National Museum of Nature and Science which first opened in 1871 in the city's Ueno Park district. Recently fully renovated and improved, it houses one of the world's best collection of more than 250,000 exhibits on the subjects of science and natural history, including a life-size model of a blue whale, a D51 steam locomotive and the stuffed fur of Hachiko, the loyal dog celebrated in the 2009 blockbuster starring Richard Gere.
- Yomiuriland: Opened in 1964, Yomiuriland is a huge theme park offering over forty fantastic on-site attractions, including roller-coasters (don't miss The Bandit!), dozens of exciting rides, spectacular light shows, a bungee jump and a year-round programme of seasonal entertainment and related activities. Operating throughout the whole year, the park also caters for its many visitors with a number of large pools, waterslides, shops and restaurants specialising in both international and Japanese cuisine.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: After visiting Tokyo's many first-class museums and fun-filled family attractions, there's nothing better than a relaxing stroll through the city's Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to recharge the batteries. Considered one of the most beautiful spaces of its kind in the Far East, it is owned by the country's Imperial Family and blends three different styles of horticultural design, namely Traditional Japanese, English Landscape and French Formal. Besides 1,500 beautiful cherry trees, the garden features a large greenhouse, a number of ponds, several pavilions and some rare Himalayan cedar trees.
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