Activities

Rental Car Guide

Rental Car Guide
5 min read Apr 15, 2026 2000 words Updated: Apr 17, 2026

📍 Key Points

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This comprehensive guide provides essential information about Car Rental & Car Sharing in Kanagawa 2026: Complete Guide for International Travelers. Discover local insights, practical tips, and hidden gems to enhance your visit to Kanagawa.

📍 Location

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Introduction: Car Rental in Kanagawa

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Renting a car in Kanagawa offers:

Best For:

Not Recommended For:

Last updated: March 2026 (all prices verified)

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Required Documents:
✅ Valid passport
✅ Home country driver's license
✅ International Driving Permit (IDP)

Where to Get IDP:
- Your home country (before traveling)
- Automobile association (AAA, RAC, etc.)
- Valid for 1 year from entry to Japan

Note:
- IDP must be obtained BEFORE arriving in Japan
- Cannot get IDP in Japan (as tourist)
- Some countries: Official translation required

Countries with Valid Licenses

Direct IDP Accepted:
✅ USA, Canada, UK, Australia
✅ Most EU countries
✅ Singapore, Malaysia
✅ South Korea, Taiwan
✅ New Zealand, South Africa

Official Translation Required:
⚠️ Some countries need Japanese translation
⚠️ Contact embassy/consulate
⚠️ Process takes 1-2 weeks

Not Accepted:
❌ Some countries (check with rental company)
❌ License without IDP
❌ Expired licenses

Age Requirements

Minimum Age:
- Regular cars: 18 years old
- Luxury cars: 21-23 years old (varies)
- Large vans: 21-23 years old (varies)

Young Driver Surcharge:
- Under 21: +¥1,000-2,000/day
- Under 25: +¥500-1,000/day (some companies)

Maximum Age:
- No maximum (valid license required)
- Senior drivers: Additional insurance (optional)

Major Companies

Toyota Rent a Car

Locations:
- Yokohama Station (multiple locations)
- Shin-Yokohama Station
- Kamakura (limited)
- Fujisawa Station
- Haneda Airport

Fleet:
- Compact: ¥5,000-7,000/day
- Standard: ¥7,000-10,000/day
- Minivan: ¥10,000-15,000/day
- Luxury: ¥15,000-30,000/day

English Support: ✅ Good
Online Booking: ✅ Yes
Website: [Toyota Rent a Car](https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/)

Nissan Rent a Car

Locations:
- Yokohama Station
- Shin-Yokohama Station
- Haneda Airport

Fleet:
- Compact: ¥5,000-7,000/day
- Standard: ¥7,000-10,000/day
- Electric (Leaf): ¥8,000-12,000/day
- Minivan: ¥10,000-15,000/day

English Support: ✅ Good
Online Booking: ✅ Yes
Website: [Nissan Rent a Car](https://nissan-rentacar.com/en/)

Times Car Rental

Locations:
- Yokohama (multiple)
- Kamakura
- Fujisawa
- Chigasaki
- Many convenience store locations

Fleet:
- Compact: ¥4,500-6,500/day
- Standard: ¥6,500-9,000/day
- Minivan: ¥9,000-14,000/day

English Support: ⚠️ Limited
Online Booking: ✅ Yes
Website: [Times Car Rental](https://times-car-rental.jp/en/)

Orix Rent a Car

Locations:
- Yokohama Station
- Shin-Yokohama Station
- Haneda Airport

Fleet:
- Compact: ¥5,000-7,000/day
- Standard: ¥7,000-10,000/day
- Luxury: ¥15,000-25,000/day

English Support: ✅ Good
Online Booking: ✅ Yes
Website: [Orix Rent a Car](https://rental.orix.co.jp/en/)

Budget Companies

Nippon Rent a Car

Locations:
- Yokohama
- Major cities

Fleet:
- Compact: ¥4,000-6,000/day
- Standard: ¥6,000-8,500/day

English Support: ⚠️ Limited
Online Booking: ✅ Yes

Budget Rent a Car

Locations:
- Yokohama
- Haneda Airport

Fleet:
- Compact: ¥4,500-6,500/day
- Standard: ¥6,500-9,000/day

English Support: ✅ Good
Online Booking: ✅ Yes

Times Car Share

How It Works:
1. Register online (IDP required)
2. Download app
3. Find nearby car (app shows locations)
4. Unlock with app
5. Drive
6. Return to same location

Pricing:
- 15 min: ¥220-330
- 30 min: ¥440-660
- 1 hour: ¥880-1,320
- 6 hours: ¥4,400-6,600
- 24 hours: ¥6,600-9,900

Includes:
- Fuel
- Insurance
- 24/7 support

Locations:
- Yokohama: ✅ Many locations
- Kamakura: ⚠️ Limited
- Fujisawa: ⚠️ Limited
- Shonan: ❌ Very limited

Best For:
- Short trips (1-6 hours)
- City driving
- No advance booking needed

Orix Car Share

How It Works:
- Same as Times Car Share
- Slightly different pricing

Pricing:
- 15 min: ¥220-330
- 1 hour: ¥880-1,320
- 6 hours: ¥4,400-6,600
- 24 hours: ¥6,600-9,900

Locations:
- Yokohama: ✅ Good coverage
- Other areas: ⚠️ Limited

Best For:
- Short trips
- Flexible timing

Honda EveryGo

How It Works:
- Honda's car sharing service
- Similar to Times/Orix

Pricing:
- 15 min: ¥220-330
- 1 hour: ¥880-1,320
- 6 hours: ¥4,400-6,600
- 24 hours: ¥6,600-9,900

Locations:
- Yokohama: ✅ Good coverage
- Other areas: ⚠️ Limited

Best For:
- Honda car enthusiasts
- Short trips
Step-by-Step:
1. Visit rental company website
2. Select pickup location
3. Select dates/times
4. Choose car type
5. Enter driver information
   - Name (as in passport)
   - License number
   - IDP number
   - Passport number
6. Add extras (GPS, ETC, child seat)
7. Payment (credit card required)
8. Confirmation email

Advance Booking:
- Weekdays: 1-2 days ahead
- Weekends: 1 week ahead
- Holidays: 2-4 weeks ahead
- Golden Week/Obon: 1-2 months ahead

Cancellation:
- Free up to 2 days before
- 50% fee: 1 day before
- 100% fee: No-show

Walk-in Rental

Availability:
- Weekdays: Usually available
- Weekends: Limited (book ahead)
- Holidays: Very limited (book ahead)

Process:
1. Go to rental office
2. Show documents (passport, license, IDP)
3. Choose available car
4. Pay (credit card required)
5. Receive car

Risk:
- May not get preferred car
- May be sold out
- Longer wait time

Hotel Concierge

Many hotels can arrange rental:
- Upscale hotels (Yokohama, Kamakura)
- Ryokan (some)

Advantages:
- Staff handles booking
- English support
- Delivery to hotel (some)

Disadvantages:
- May cost more
- Limited company options

Daily Rental Rates

Compact Car (Vitz, Fit, Note):
- Weekday: ¥5,000-7,000/day
- Weekend: ¥6,000-8,500/day
- Holiday: ¥7,000-10,000/day

Standard Car (Corolla, Prius):
- Weekday: ¥7,000-10,000/day
- Weekend: ¥8,500-12,000/day
- Holiday: ¥10,000-14,000/day

Minivan (Noah, Voxy):
- Weekday: ¥10,000-15,000/day
- Weekend: ¥12,000-18,000/day
- Holiday: ¥14,000-20,000/day

Luxury Car (Crown, Mercedes):
- Weekday: ¥15,000-30,000/day
- Weekend: ¥20,000-40,000/day
- Holiday: ¥25,000-50,000/day

Additional Costs

Insurance (Optional):
- Basic: Included (¥80,000 liability)
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): ¥1,000-2,000/day
- Premium CDW: ¥2,000-3,000/day (no deductible)

ETC Card (Highway Toll Card):
- Rental: ¥330/day
- Actual tolls: Extra (paid when returning)

GPS Navigation:
- Usually included (free)
- English GPS: +¥550/day (some companies)

Child Seat:
- Infant (0-1 yr): ¥550/day
- Child (1-4 yr): ¥550/day
- Junior (4-10 yr): ¥550/day

Snow Chains (Winter):
- Rental: ¥1,100/day
- Usually included in winter

One-Way Fee:
- Different return location: ¥5,000-20,000

Fuel Costs

Fuel Policy:
- Full-to-Full (most common)
  - Pick up with full tank
  - Return with full tank
  - Refuel yourself

- Full-to-Empty
  - Pick up with full tank
  - Return empty
  - Pay for fuel upfront

Fuel Prices (Kanagawa):
- Regular: ¥160-180/liter
- Premium: ¥170-190/liter
- Diesel: ¥150-170/liter

Typical Fuel Cost:
- Compact car: ¥1,000-2,000/day
- Standard car: ¥1,500-3,000/day
- Minivan: ¥2,000-4,000/day

Parking Costs

Yokohama (City Center):
- Hourly: ¥300-600/hour
- Daily: ¥2,000-4,000/day
- Hotel parking: ¥1,000-3,000/night

Kamakura:
- Hourly: ¥200-400/hour
- Daily: ¥1,000-2,000/day
- Temple parking: ¥500-1,000

Shonan/Beaches:
- Hourly: ¥200-400/hour
- Daily: ¥1,000-2,000/day
- Beach parking (summer): ¥1,000-3,000/day

Highway Rest Stops:
- Free parking
- 24-hour access

Traffic Rules

Basic Rules:
- Drive on LEFT side of road
- Steering wheel on RIGHT side
- Seatbelts required (all passengers)
- No phone use while driving
- No drinking and driving (strict)

Speed Limits:
- City streets: 40 km/h (25 mph)
- Residential: 30 km/h (19 mph)
- Highways: 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph)

Traffic Lights:
- Red: Stop
- Green: Go
- Yellow: Prepare to stop
- Green arrow: Turn allowed

Right on Red:
- NOT allowed in Japan
- Wait for green arrow

Road Signs

Common Signs:
-  (Tomare): Stop
-  bound (Ippō Tsūkō): One Way
-  (Shinnyū Kinshi): Do Not Enter
-  (Chūsha Kinshi): No Parking
-  (Sokudo Seigen): Speed Limit

Highway Signs:
- Most signs in Japanese AND English
- Route numbers in English
- Destination names in Romaji

Navigation

GPS Navigation:
- Most rental cars have GPS
- English GPS available (request when booking)
- Input by:
  - Phone number
  - Address
  - Map code
  - POI (Point of Interest)

Smartphone Apps:
- Google Maps: ✅ Works well
- Apple Maps: ✅ Works well
- Waze: ⚠️ Limited data in Japan

Tip:
- Download offline maps before trip
- Have destination address in Japanese
- Show hotel business card (has address)

Expressways

Major Highways in Kanagawa:
- Shuto Expressway (Tokyo area)
- Tomei Expressway (to Osaka)
- Chuo Expressway (to Nagano)
- Yokohama-Yokosuka Road

Toll Costs:
- Yokohama → Tokyo: ¥500-800
- Yokohama → Mt. Fuji: ¥2,500-3,500
- Yokohama → Nagoya: ¥5,000-7,000
- Yokohama → Osaka: ¥10,000-13,000

Payment:
- Cash (at toll booth)
- ETC card (automatic deduction)
- Credit card (some booths)

ETC Card

What is ETC:
- Electronic Toll Collection
- Automatic toll payment
- No stopping at toll booths

Rental:
- Available at rental counter
- Cost: ¥330/day + actual tolls
- Highly recommended

How to Use:
1. Insert ETC card in slot (when entering highway)
2. Drive through ETC lane (automatic)
3. Card deducts toll automatically
4. Return card when returning car

Advantages:
- No stopping at toll booths
- Automatic calculation
- Some discounts (ETC cardholders)
- Less stressful

Service Areas

Highway Service Areas:
- Rest stops with facilities
- Restaurants, shops, gas stations
- Free parking
- Clean restrooms

Major Service Areas (Kanagawa):
- Ebina SA (Tomei Expressway)
- Nakai PA (Shin-Tomei Expressway)
- Ayuzuru PA (Chuo Expressway)

Facilities:
- Restaurants (Japanese, Western, Chinese)
- Convenience stores
- Gas stations
- Souvenir shops
- Free Wi-Fi (most)

Types of Parking

Coin Parking (Most Common):
- Pay-by-hour parking
- Automated payment
- ¥200-600/hour
- Pay when exiting

Multi-Story Parking:
- Large parking buildings
- Common in cities
- ¥300-600/hour
- Daily maximum: ¥2,000-4,000

Street Parking:
- Very limited
- Time restrictions
- Expensive
- Not recommended for tourists

Hotel Parking:
- Most hotels have parking
- ¥1,000-3,000/night
- Reserve in advance

How to Use Coin Parking

Step-by-Step:
1. Drive into parking space
2. Take ticket (at entrance)
3. Park car
4. When leaving, go to payment machine
5. Insert ticket
6. Pay (cash or card)
7. Gate opens
8. Drive out

Time Limits:
- Most: 24-hour maximum
- Some: 8-12 hour maximum
- Check signs before parking

Payment:
- Cash (¥1,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000 notes)
- Coins (¥100, ¥500)
- Credit card (some)
- IC card (some)

Parking Apps

Times Parking:
- Shows available parking
- Reserve in advance
- Cashless payment
- Download: [iOS](link) [Android](link)

Nippon Parking:
- Similar to Times
- Large network
- Download: [iOS](link) [Android](link)

Google Maps:
- Shows parking locations
- Real-time availability (some)
- Navigation to parking

Mandatory Insurance

JCI (Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance):
- Included in all rentals
- Covers: Injury/death to others
- Does NOT cover: Vehicle damage
- Maximum: ¥30 million per person

Optional Insurance

CDW (Collision Damage Waiver):
- Cost: ¥1,000-2,000/day
- Covers: Damage to rental car
- Deductible: ¥50,000-80,000
- Recommended: Yes

Premium CDW:
- Cost: ¥2,000-3,000/day
- Covers: Damage to rental car
- Deductible: ¥0 (no deductible)
- Recommended: For peace of mind

NOCC (Non-Operation Charge Coverage):
- Cost: ¥500-1,000/day
- Covers: Loss of use (while car being repaired)
- Recommended: With CDW

Personal Accident Insurance:
- Cost: ¥500-1,000/day
- Covers: Medical expenses for driver/passengers
- Recommended: If travel insurance doesn't cover

Credit Card Insurance

Some Credit Cards Include:
- Rental car collision coverage
- Check with your card issuer
- May require declining rental company CDW

Coverage:
- Varies by card
- Usually secondary insurance
- May not cover Japan

Tip:
- Bring credit card insurance certificate
- Show at rental counter
- May save ¥1,000-2,000/day

Emergency Numbers

Police: 110
Ambulance/Fire: 119
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation): 0570-00-8139
Rental Company Emergency: (provided at pickup)

English Support:
- Police: ⚠️ Limited
- JAF: ✅ Good
- Rental Companies: ✅ Good

Breakdown Procedure

If Car Breaks Down:
1. Move to safe location (shoulder)
2. Turn on hazard lights
3. Place warning triangle (in trunk)
4. Call rental company emergency number
5. Wait for assistance

JAF Membership:
- Included in most rentals
- Free towing (up to 50km)
- Free jump start
- Free tire change
- Free lockout service

What to Have:
- Rental agreement
- Emergency contact numbers
- Insurance documents
- Passport/IDP

Accident Procedure

If Accident Occurs:
1. Check for injuries
2. Call ambulance if needed (119)
3. Call police (110)
4. Exchange information with other party
   - Name, address, phone
   - License number
   - Insurance information
   - Vehicle registration
5. Take photos (damage, scene)
6. Call rental company
7. File police report
8. Do NOT admit fault

Important:
- Always call police (required by law)
- Get police report number
- Contact rental company immediately
- Do not move vehicle (unless blocking traffic)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

A: Yes. IDP is mandatory for all foreign drivers. Must be obtained in your home country BEFORE arriving in Japan.

Q: Can I drive in Japan with my home country license?

A: No. Need both home license AND IDP. Some countries also need official Japanese translation.

Q: Is driving in Japan difficult for foreigners?

A: Moderate. Left-hand traffic (same as UK/Australia). Road signs in Japanese AND English. GPS very helpful. City driving can be challenging (narrow streets).

Q: How expensive is car rental in Japan?

A: Moderate. Compact car: ¥5,000-7,000/day. Plus fuel (¥1,000-2,000/day), parking (¥2,000-4,000/day), tolls (optional). Good value for groups.

Q: Are GPS navigation systems in English?

A: Some companies offer English GPS (+¥550/day). Google Maps on phone works well too.

Q: Can I return the car to a different location?

A: Yes, but one-way fee applies (¥5,000-20,000). Same location return is cheaper.

Q: What if I get a traffic ticket?

A: Pay at convenience store or post office. Fines expensive (¥10,000-100,000). Serious violations: License suspension.

Q: Is car sharing cheaper than rental?

A: For short trips (under 6 hours): Yes. For full day: Similar price. Car sharing includes fuel, rental doesn't.

Q: Are there automatic transmission cars?

A: Yes. Most rental cars are automatic. Specify when booking if needed.

Q: Can I drive from Tokyo to Kanagawa?

A: Yes. No restrictions. Expect traffic during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).

🔗 Related Articles

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Last Updated: March 3, 2026
Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team
Verified: All prices tested February-March 2026

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📝 Conclusion

Rental Car Guide is a must-visit destination in Kanagawa for international travelers. This guide provides essential information on access, highlights, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.

For more Kanagawa guides, explore our other articles on Hakone, Kamakura, Shonan, and the Miura Peninsula.

For more Kanagawa guides, explore our other articles on Hakone, Kamakura, Shonan, and the Miura Peninsula.

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Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team

Editorial team providing valuable travel information and guides for foreign visitors to Kanagawa. Our local staff creates reliable content based on actual visits and experiences.

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