Specialist Services

• Luxury vehicles – Lexus, Audi, and BMW models are available through ORIX, Toyota Premium, or Sixt.
• Van and MPV hire – 7 to 10-seater minivans are common for family or group travel.
• Long-term leasing – Monthly contracts are offered by Times and Toyota for visitors on extended stays.
• One-way rentals – Available between Haneda and major cities like Kyoto, Osaka, or Nagoya, with varying return fees.
• Foreign language satnavs – English, Chinese, and Korean navigation units are typically available upon request.

Booking Tips

1. Reserve Early Book at least two weeks ahead during peak travel seasons (spring cherry blossom period, summer holidays, New Year). Demand is particularly high during Golden Week (late April–early May).
2. Online vs In-person Online bookings not only offer discounted rates but also guarantee vehicle categories and language options (e.g., English satnav, automatic transmission). Walk-ins may face limited availability.
3. Understand Local Policies Japanese car hire systems often differ from Western norms – mileage is generally unlimited, but insurance excesses can be high without proper coverage. Always confirm inclusions such as ETC cards (for toll roads) and child seats if needed.
4. Loyalty & Membership Programmes Registering with providers like Times Club or Toyota Rent-a-Car Membership can offer free upgrades, discount coupons, or priority assistance.
5. Credit Card Compatibility Most providers accept major credit cards, but it’s wise to double-check acceptance of foreign-issued cards during booking.

Pickup & Drop-off Locations

Haneda Airport Terminals

• Terminal 3 (International): Rental counters are located on Level 2 near the arrivals exit. Staff are typically bilingual.
• Terminal 1 & 2 (Domestic): Signposted car hire desks are within the arrivals areas; free shuttle buses transport clients to the vehicle lots.

City Centres & Stations

• Tokyo Station / Shinagawa / Shinjuku: Many providers maintain depots here for travellers who begin their journey from central Tokyo.
• Yokohama & Kawasaki: Excellent for returning vehicles after visiting the Tokyo Bay Area.
• Hotels & concierge drop-offs: Premium services allow drop-off at partner hotels or arranged concierge locations for additional fees.

Connectivity & Transport

• Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail connect Haneda with downtown Tokyo in under 25 minutes.
• Parking facilities at Haneda are signposted and well lit, though often require advance booking during weekends and holidays.

Driving Conditions & Regulations

Key Laws & Requirements

• Driving Side: Left-hand side of the road.
• Driving Licence: International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention is required, alongside your national licence.
• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers.
• Mobile Phones: Handheld use is prohibited; hands-free kits required.
• Drink-driving: Zero tolerance – any alcohol in your system is strictly illegal.

Speed Limits

• Urban areas: 40–50 km/h
• Suburban roads: 50–60 km/h
• Expressways: 80–100 km/h

Signs are generally in Japanese and English, with clear road markings and coloured guidance on expressways.

Tolls & Road Networks

• ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) cards are commonly used for motorways and offered as optional rentals.
• Expressways are generally pay-per-use, and costs can accumulate quickly – especially when driving to regional areas.
• No congestion charges currently apply in Tokyo; however, parking fees in central areas can be steep and limited in duration.

Popular Destinations & Routes

Scenic Drives

• Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line – A surreal route including a tunnel beneath the sea and an island rest stop.
• Mt Fuji Circuit – Drive around the base through the five lakes region.
• Irohazaka Winding Road – Famous 48-curve ascent near Nikko, ideal for autumn drives.

Additional Considerations

Insurance Options

• Basic Cover: Usually included but comes with high excess (~100,000–200,000 yen).
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces or removes excess; often recommended.
• Non-Operation Charge (NOC) waiver: Protects against downtime charges if vehicle is damaged.
• Personal Accident Insurance: Often optional and varies by provider.

Fuel & Refuelling

• Regular Petrol (Unleaded) is standard; Diesel is used in some vans and commercial vehicles.
• Refuelling is mostly self-service; select “full” service in Japanese (“mantan”) for full tank.
• Return vehicles with the same fuel level – charges for refuelling by rental companies are typically high.

Age Requirements

• Minimum age: Generally 18, though most companies require 20–23 for rentals.
• Young driver surcharges may apply for those under 25.
• Additional drivers must be listed on the rental contract, often at extra cost.

Deposit & Documentation

• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required.
• Expect deposits of around 50,000–100,000 yen blocked during the rental period.

Conclusion

Renting a car at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) offers a seamless blend of urban efficiency and regional freedom. Whether you’re aiming to explore Mount Fuji’s serene flanks, the temples of Nikko, or coastal hideaways in Shizuoka, having your own vehicle enhances every aspect of your journey. Japan’s well-maintained roads, polite driving culture, and multilingual signage make for a surprisingly relaxed driving experience – especially outside the metropolitan hustle.

Final Tips for a Smooth Rental:

• Bring both your passport and IDP for verification at pick-up.
• Plan your route and understand toll charges in advance using apps like Japan Expressway Pass simulators.
• Confirm return times and drop-off instructions, particularly if your flight is outside normal operating hours.
• Finally, enjoy the ride – few countries blend tradition, nature, and modern convenience on the road quite like Japan.

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