Conditions for renting a vehicle with rentmejp

Our prices are all-inclusive; there are no additional paid options.

Minimum age: 26 years old
Insurance covers both the passengers and the vehicle, except for the wheels and the interior.
Japanese electronic toll collection system (ETC) is used.
Charging is included for electric vehicles.
Gasoline vehicles are delivered with a full tank. There is no need to refill upon return.
There is no limit on the number of drivers, provided that each additional driver is registered at the time of contract signing.

If you do not need the ETC system or charging services, please contact us for a custom quote.

Useful information

Our Answers

contact

Interesting video about rent car in Japan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDfB7wOejZA

How far in advance should you reserve a vehicle?

the reservation as well as the payment of the deposit must be made at least 72 in advance!

bail :

payment by credit card or by transfer for pleasure and electric vehicles excluding subscription

The deposit will be returned after checking the following possible problems:

fine for speeding

parking almonds

Recovery Times

from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in principle (with the possibility of overflowing by appointment)

Additional Fees

Beyond the included kilometers for each vehicle, additional kilometers cost between ¥100 and ¥600.

All damages caused to the vehicle’s interior and rims are the renter’s responsibility.

All fines issued by Japanese authorities are also the renter’s responsibility.

Penalties for cancellation

same day: 100% of the rental amount

1 day before (24h): 50%

2 days before (48h): 25%

what should I provide

For Foreign Residents Living in Japan / Temporary Residents

Residence permit / visa
Japanese driver's license if you have one, or an official translation of your driver's license from your home country
Proof of address issued within the last 3 months
Valid credit card for the entire rental period

For Japanese Residents

Japanese driver's license
My Number card
Proof of residence issued within the last 3 months
Valid credit card for the entire rental period

For Companies

Please contact us

Key Information

✅ “To drive in Japan, you need either an International Driving Permit (IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention) or an official Japanese translation of your national license.”
⚠️ “Be sure to get the 1949 version of the IDP. Japan does not accept the 1968 version.”
📝 “If you are from countries like France or Germany, an IDP is not needed, but an official Japanese translation (from JAF or your embassy) is required.”
❌ “Digital licenses or untranslated licenses are not accepted.”

📌 Simplified Summary:

🟢

Can drive easily in Japan:

🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇦🇺 🇰🇷 🇹🇭 → National License + IDP (1949 version only)
🇫🇷 🇩🇪 🇹🇼 🇧🇪 🇨🇭 → National License + Official Japanese Translation

🔴

Cannot drive directly in Japan:

🇨🇳 🇭🇰 → Must obtain a Japanese driver’s license (not suitable for short-term visitors)

🇫🇷 France

Authority: Prefecture or sub-prefecture (via the ANTS website)
Link: https://permisdeconduire.ants.gouv.fr
Processing time: Around 10–15 business days
Validity: 3 years (but only valid for 1 year in Japan)
💡 Note: Be sure to request the version in compliance with the 1949 Geneva Convention

🇨🇦 Canada

Authority: CAA (Canadian Automobile Association)
Link: https://www.caa.ca
How to apply: Online or at a local agency
Processing time: A few days
💡 Provide a passport-sized photo + a copy of your Canadian driver’s license

🇺🇸 United States

Authorized organizations:
- AAA (American Automobile Association)
- AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)
Links:
- https://www.aaa.com
- https://www.aataidp.com
Processing time: 1 to 2 weeks
⚠️ Caution: Some U.S. states issue only the 1968 IDP version by default — make sure to request the 1949-compliant IDP

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Authority: Post Office
Link: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/international-driving-permit
Requirements: Bring your UK driver’s license and a passport photo
Cost: Around £5.50

🇦🇺 Australia

Authorities: State or territory automobile associations (e.g., RACV, NRMA)
Example (Victoria): https://www.racv.com.au
How to apply: Online or in person
Processing time: Usually issued within 1–2 days

🇰🇷 South Korea

Authority: Korea Road Traffic Authority or local police office
Link (EN): https://www.safedriving.or.kr
How to apply: In person or sometimes via Korean consulates abroad

🇹🇭 Thailand

Authority: Department of Land Transport (DLT)
Link: http://www.dlt.go.th
IDP issued upon presentation of Thai driver’s license + passport

✅ 2. For countries requiring a

JAF Translation

(No IDP needed)

🇫🇷 France

Translation Authority: JAF (Japan Automobile Federation)
Link: https://english.jaf.or.jp/use-jaf-more/jaf-services/translation-services
How to request:
- Through the Embassy of Japan in France
- Or directly online (fees apply + delivery in Japan or abroad)

🇩🇪 Germany

Same procedure as France, via:
- JAF
- Embassy or Consulate of Japan in Germany

🇹🇼 Taiwan

Authority: Directorate General of Highways
Procedure: Request an official Japanese translation recognized by Japan

🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇸🇮 Slovenia

Official translation must be obtained via:
- Embassy or Consulate of Japan
- Or at a JAF office in Japan

📝 Common Required Documents:

Original national driver’s license
Passport (copy)
Application form
Passport-sized photo (often required for IDP)
Payment (varies by country, approx. €10–€30 or equivalent)

Rental car trip in japan

Driving rules in Japan

For payments made by cash, electronic money, or QR code, we kindly ask that you provide either (1) or (2) below for verification:

(1) Validity of your credit card

(2) A document that verifies your current address or identity

Please present one of the following documents to verify your current address or identity:

• Utility bill*¹ (electricity, gas, water, landline phone, NHK)

• Certificate of residence*¹

• Health insurance card

• Basic Resident Register Card (with name, date of birth, and address)

• Residence card*² (for foreign residents)

• Social insurance payment receipt*¹

• National or local tax payment receipt*¹

• Tax certificate*¹

• Certificate of seal registration

• Pension book

• Passport

• Employee or student ID (with photo)

*¹ Documents marked with an asterisk must have been issued within the last 2 months.

*² Foreign nationals may be asked to present this document.