You’ve arrived in Japan — or you’re planning to — and you need a car for more than just a weekend. Maybe you’re on a working holiday, a short-term assignment, or staying with family for a few months. You know that Japan’s trains are excellent in the cities, but outside central Tokyo or in suburban and rural areas, a car isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
The good news: car rental for foreigners in Japan is completely achievable, even for first-time visitors. The key is knowing the requirements upfront, so you’re not caught off guard when you show up to the counter.
What Foreigners Need to Rent a Car in Japan
Before anything else, let’s cover the documentation. This is the step that trips up most visitors.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Japan accepts International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. If your home country issued your IDP under this convention, you should be able to use it alongside your original national driving license.
Important: Japan does not accept IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention for driving purposes. This affects residents of some European countries. Always verify with your home country’s authority which convention your IDP is issued under before you travel.
If you hold a driving license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, you may be eligible to use a certified Japanese translation of your license instead of an IDP. Confirm the specific requirements with your rental provider before booking.
Documents Typically Required
- Your original national driving license
- Your International Driving Permit (valid, matching the license above)
- Your passport
- A Japanese address (temporary residence address is generally acceptable)
- A credit card in your name for the security deposit
Requirements may vary by provider. Always confirm with Monthly Go directly to ensure your documents are in order before your rental start date.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Car Rental in Japan: Which Makes More Sense?
If you’re staying for more than two or three weeks, a standard short-term rental quickly becomes expensive and administratively cumbersome. Here’s how the two options compare:
| Short-Term Rental | Monthly (Long-Term) Rental | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical duration | 1–7 days | 1 month or longer |
| Daily cost | Higher per day | More cost-efficient over time |
| Insurance | Usually included | Included with coverage details |
| Renewal flexibility | Must rebook repeatedly | Extend month-by-month |
| Convenience | Drop-in availability | Advance arrangement preferred |
| Vehicle delivery | Counter pickup | Delivery and pickup available |
For working holiday visa holders, students, short-term employees, or families staying for a defined period, a monthly rental is almost always the more practical choice. You pay a predictable monthly amount, you don’t have to re-confirm availability every few days, and you have a reliable vehicle for the full duration of your stay.
How Monthly Car Rental Works in Japan
Monthly car rental — sometimes called long-term rental — is a service where you lease a vehicle for a fixed period, typically starting at one month, with the option to extend.
It’s different from car leasing in that you don’t need a long-term credit contract, there’s no large upfront payment or balloon payment at the end, the vehicle is already registered and insured, and you can often arrange vehicle delivery and return pickup.
Monthly Go offers long-term car rental services across the Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama areas, with English-language support to help foreign residents navigate the process.
→ Learn more about service areas
What’s Included — and What to Check on Insurance
One of the most common concerns for foreign renters in Japan is insurance. Monthly car rentals typically include liability coverage for damage to third parties, vehicle damage coverage (with conditions), and personal accident insurance (terms vary).
That said, coverage details — such as deductibles, exclusions, and what happens in an at-fault accident — vary between providers and plans. Before you sign, it’s worth reading through exactly what your rental includes.
→ See Monthly Go’s insurance and coverage details
If you have concerns about a specific scenario, contact Monthly Go directly. Their team can walk you through what applies to your situation.
Airport Pickup: Arriving at Narita or Haneda
Many foreign visitors want to know: can I pick up a rental car right at the airport? Monthly Go offers vehicle delivery and pickup services, which can be arranged to meet your arrival schedule. Whether you’re flying into Narita or Haneda, you can discuss delivery arrangements directly with the team when you enquire.
This is especially useful if you’re arriving with luggage, travelling with family, or heading to a destination that isn’t well-served by public transport.
→ Vehicle delivery and pick-up options
ETC Cards and Expressway Tolls
Japan’s expressways use an electronic toll collection system called ETC. Without an ETC card and in-vehicle unit, you’ll need to stop and pay tolls in cash at every tollgate — which can be slow and inconvenient on long drives. Many long-term rental vehicles come equipped with an ETC unit. Ask about ETC availability when arranging your rental.
Renting a Car in Tokyo and Surrounding Areas
Tokyo itself has exceptional public transport, but once you’re outside the Yamanote Line or heading into Kanagawa, Chiba, or Saitama, a car becomes significantly more useful — sometimes essential. Monthly Go currently serves the Greater Tokyo area, including:
- Tokyo — Long-term car rental in Tokyo
- Chiba — Long-term car rental in Chiba
- Kanagawa and Saitama — see the areas page for full coverage
Step-by-Step: How to Get Started
- Check the pricing page to get a sense of vehicle types and monthly rates.
- Confirm your documents — particularly your IDP and whether your home country’s license is eligible.
- Contact Monthly Go to discuss availability, your required dates, and delivery options.
- Review the rental agreement including insurance terms and mileage conditions.
- Arrange vehicle delivery or pickup and confirm your start date.
There’s no complicated credit screening or long-term financial commitment. If your documents are in order and a suitable vehicle is available, the process is relatively straightforward.
Ready to Check Availability?
If you’re planning a stay in the Greater Tokyo area and need reliable, flexible transportation, Monthly Go’s long-term rental service is worth looking into. Check current pricing, browse available vehicles, and get in touch with the team to confirm availability for your dates.
The team provides English-language support, so you won’t need to navigate the process in Japanese.
→ View pricing and vehicles
→ Contact Monthly Go / Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners rent a car in Japan without a Japanese driving license?
Yes, in most cases. Foreign nationals can drive in Japan using a valid International Driving Permit (issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention) along with their original national driving license. Some nationalities may be eligible to use a certified translation instead. Confirm your specific situation with your provider before booking.
How long can I rent a car on a monthly rental in Japan?
Monthly rentals typically start at one month and can be extended in monthly increments depending on availability and your rental agreement. If you need a vehicle for two, three, or more months, discuss this with the provider at the time of enquiry.
Is insurance included in a monthly car rental in Japan?
Monthly car rental packages generally include basic insurance coverage. The specific scope — including any deductibles or exclusions — will be outlined in your rental agreement. Review the terms carefully and ask questions before you sign.
Can I have the car delivered to my address or the airport?
Monthly Go offers vehicle delivery and pickup services. You can arrange delivery details — including timing and location — when you make your enquiry.
Do I need a Japanese address to rent a car?
Most rental providers require a Japanese address for the rental registration. A temporary address such as a serviced apartment, guesthouse, or company-provided accommodation is typically acceptable. Confirm this when you contact the provider.
What happens if I want to extend my rental?
Extensions are generally possible subject to vehicle availability. Contact Monthly Go in advance of your rental end date to discuss extending your agreement.