By Hikaru First-hand visit 5 min read Apr 06, 2026 1803 words Updated
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First-time Japan visitors (confusing) Updated: March 2026 (all prices verified)
International Driving Permit (IDP)
needed Documents:
✅ Valid passport
✅ Home country driver's license
✅ International Driving Permit (IDP) Where to Get IDP:
- Your home country (before traveling)
- Automobile association (AAA. 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 needed
Direct IDP Accepted:
✅ USA. Australia
✅ Most EU countries
✅ Singapore. Malaysia
✅ South Korea. Taiwan
✅ New Zealand. South Africa Official Translation needed:
⚠️ 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
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 needed)
- Senior drivers: more insurance (optional)
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 spots:
- Yokohama: ✅ Good coverage
- Other areas: ⚠️ Limited Best For:
- Short trips
- Flexible timing
open spots:
- 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 needed)
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
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 spot: ¥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
Basic Rules:
- Drive on LEFT side of road
- Steering wheel on RIGHT side
- Seatbelts needed (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
- place 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 place address in Japanese
- Show hotel business card (has address)
What is ETC:
- Electronic Toll set
- 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 places
- places to eat, gas stations
- Free parking
- Clean restrooms Major Service Areas (Kanagawa):
- Ebina SA (Tomei Expressway)
- Nakai PA (Shin-Tomei Expressway)
- Ayuzuru PA (Chuo Expressway) places:
- places to eat (Japanese. 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. ¥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 spots
- Real-time open spots (some)
- Navigation to parking
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 need 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 spot (shoulder)
2. Turn on hazard lights
3. Place warning triangle (in trunk)
4. Call rental company emergency number
5. Wait for help 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 info with other party - Name, address, phone - License number - Insurance info - Vehicle sign-up
5. Take photos (damage, scene)
6. Call rental company
7. File police report
8. Do NOT admit fault Important:
- Always call police (needed 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 hard for foreigners?
A: Moderate. Left-hand traffic (same as UK/Australia). Road signs in Japanese AND English. GPS very helpful. City driving can be hard (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. --- Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team Verified: All prices tested February-March 2026
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Anaba OffJapan - Avoid the Crowds, Go Deeper into Japan.
unique perspective on Kanagawa that rewards those who take the time to see thoroughly. Whether you are here for a day or a week, the memories you create will stay with you long after you return home. ---
The ideal seasons for visiting Kanagawa are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is minimal. Summer offers vibrant festivals and beach activities despite the humidity. Winter provides crisp clear days perfect for photography and sightseeing with fewer tourists. \n\n## What to Expect\n\nVisiting Kanagawa as a tourist offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Most attractions are within a 10-15 minute walk from train stations, with clear English signage at major locations. You'll find convenience stores (konbini) every few blocks for snacks, drinks, and ATM access. Public restrooms are available at stations and parks, though some older facilities may lack Western-style toilets. The area is generally very safe, even at night, but staying aware of your surroundings is always wise.\n\n\n### Nearby Recommendations\n\nAfter exploring the main attractions, consider visiting nearby areas for a more complete experience. Most destinations are within 30 minutes of several other interesting spots by train. Check the local tourist information center for day-trip combinations and discount passes that cover multiple attractions in the area. Many hidden gems are just a short walk or one train stop away from the main tourist hubs.\n\n\n### Local Tips\n\nLocals recommend starting your day early to experience attractions before the crowds arrive. Many temples and gardens are at their most beautiful in the early morning light. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases goes a long way - a simple sumimasen (excuse me) and arigato gozaimasu (thank you) are appreciated everywhere. Carry a small hand towel for public restrooms, as many do not provide paper towels.\n\n\n## Packing Essentials\n\nFor a trip to Kanagawa, pack comfortable walking shoes as you will be on your feet exploring temples, shrines, and neighborhoods. A reusable water bottle is essential - tap water is safe to drink and there are public fountains at major stations and parks. A small umbrella or light rain jacket is useful year-round, as rain can arrive unexpectedly. Power banks are recommended since you will rely on your phone for maps and translation. A small daypack for daily essentials makes sightseeing much more convenient.\n\n\n## Money-Saving Tips\n\nKanagawa offers many ways to save money without sacrificing experience. Purchase a day pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions in one area. Eat lunch at local department store basements (depachika) where prepared foods are high quality and reasonably priced. Look for discount tickets at convenience store ticketing machines. Consider staying in business hotels or capsule hotels in less central locations for significant savings. Many museums and temples offer discounts for students and seniors.\n
Local Experiences
Kanagawa rewards travelers who venture beyond the guidebook highlights. Take a local cooking class to learn how to prepare regional dishes like shonan-style shirasu donburi or yokohama-style iekei ramen. Many local guides offer walking tours that explore neighborhoods not covered in standard guidebooks, sharing personal stories and historical insights. Visit a local farmers market to sample seasonal produce and chat with growers - these markets are typically held on weekends at community centers or station plazas.
Consider spending an afternoon at a local community center (kominkan) where you might find free or low-cost cultural activities open to visitors. Attend a local sports event like a Yokohama BayStars baseball game for a uniquely Japanese fan experience. For a quieter experience, visit a local library or bookstore - many have English sections and comfortable reading areas. These spontaneous, unplanned experiences often provide the deepest connection to Kanagawa's culture and people.
Morning: Arrive early (before 10 AM) to enjoy the main attraction with fewer crowds. Stop at a local cafe for coffee and a light breakfast.
Midday: Explore the area's key sights on foot. Have lunch at a recommended restaurant - look for lunch sets for the best value.
Afternoon: Visit any remaining attractions or museums. Walk through local neighborhoods to discover hidden shops and cafes.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Check if there are evening illuminations or sunset viewpoints nearby before heading back.
Photo Tips
For the best travel photos in Kanagawa, visit popular spots early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) when the light is soft and crowds are minimal. Golden hour (just before sunset) provides warm, dramatic lighting perfect for landscapes. Many temples and gardens are designed to be photographed from specific viewpoints - look for the intended composition. A polarizing filter helps reduce glare when shooting through glass or water. Respect no-photography signs inside temple buildings and museums.
Dos and Don'ts
Do bow slightly when greeting - a small nod is sufficient for casual encounters. Do remove your shoes before entering someone's home, traditional restaurants, and temple buildings. Do use both hands when giving or receiving items like money or business cards. Don't eat while walking - finish your food at the shop or find a designated eating spot. Don't tip - service charges are included in Japan. Don't blow your nose in public - it's considered rude.
After exploring the main attractions, consider visiting nearby areas. Most destinations are within 30 minutes of several other interesting spots by train. Check the local tourist information center for day-trip combinations and discount passes. Many hidden gems are just a short walk or one train stop away.
For a trip to Kanagawa, pack comfortable walking shoes as you will be on your feet exploring temples, shrines, and neighborhoods. A reusable water bottle is essential - tap water is safe to drink. A small umbrella or light rain jacket is useful year-round. Power banks are recommended since you will rely on your phone for maps. A small daypack for daily essentials makes sightseeing more convenient.
Conclusion
Rental Car Guide - Kanagawa is an incredible destination that offers something for every traveler. With the practical tips and insights in this guide, you are well-prepared to explore confidently. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy everything this remarkable part of Kanagawa has to offer. Safe travels! Book your stay at Enoshima Hotel — seaside accommodation with stunning ocean views
Hikaru specializes in uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations across Kanagawa. From abandoned temple trails on the Miura Peninsula to secret sunset viewpoints in Odawara, he seeks out the places most guidebooks miss. His motto: "The best experiences are the ones you stumble upon."
This guide was created by the Anaba OffJapan editorial team. Our writers combine local expertise with thorough research to provide accurate, up-to-date travel information.
Our content creation process includes:
Research: Verifying information from official sources (JNTO, local government websites, transportation authorities)
Local knowledge: Input from writers who live in and regularly visit the areas covered
Updates: Regular reviews to ensure pricing, schedules, and availability are current
Some images on this site are AI-generated illustrations used to visualize locations when original photography is unavailable. All information has been verified against official sources.
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