Renting a car in Japan opens up a whole new side of the country. You’ll be able to drive through hidden mountain villages, stop at small seaside towns, and take in scenic roads that trains can’t reach. Driving here is straightforward once you get the hang of it, but there are a few quirks worth knowing. To help you feel confident behind the wheel, here are some practical tips for navigating Japan’s roads.
Getting Comfortable with GPS
Most major rental companies provide cars with GPS systems that can switch between languages. In most cases, the rental car company will change the language to match your reservation information. If they don’t, before you drive off, ask the staff to show you how to change the language and input a destination.
MAPCODEs
Instead of typing in an address, Drive Japan provides MAPCODEs—a short number that pinpoints an exact location. The MAPCODE entry field may be hard to locate, so check with the rental company staff before you leave.
Learn more about MAPCODEs here!
Parking Like a Local
Parking is usually straightforward, but there are some things first-time visitors often miss.
Don’t park in 月極 (Tsukigime) lots
These are monthly rental spaces only, and parking there can result in heavy fines. There are no free parking lots in the city, so if there is no sign indicating the fee or if there is no payment machine, it is almost certainly a monthly parking lot.
Attendant-managed lots
Some parking areas have staff who guide you where to park and handle payment—simple and stress-free.
Mechanical parking systems
Paid parking lots don’t always have attendants. However, you can easily recognize they are paid lots if you see『P』,『金額』, or『時間帯』.
Common in cities, these futuristic-looking car parks work in two ways:
Gate-style: A small barrier rises under your car once you park. Pay at the machine before you leave, and the barrier lowers.
Plate-style: Your car rests on a locking metal plate. Once you pay, the plate releases and you can drive away.
For more detailed tips about using mechanical parking lots, check out this helpful article:
How to Use Mechanical Parking Lots in Japan
Tip: Many machines only take coins or ¥1,000 bills, so it’s smart to keep a stash of small notes and change in the car. Free parking is rare in cities, so budget for it—it’ll save you time and frustration.
Filling Up the Tank
Gas stations in Japan are either full-service or self-service:
Full-service
If the sign doesn’t say anything special, it’s probably full-service. Just roll down your window and say, “Regular, mantan” (or show them “レギュラー満タン” on your phone) (regular gas, full tank). Payment by credit card is usually fine.
Self-service (セルフ)
These are more common. You’ll pump your own gas, but staff are always around if you need help.
CAUTION: While most gas stations in cities are open 24 hours, many gas stations in the countryside and suburbs close overnight (usually around 7pm, then reopen around 8am).
Fuel reminder: Make sure you know your rental car’s fuel type before driving off—regular, high-octane, or diesel. Unless you’re renting a sports car or unique vehicle, it will most likely use regular gas.
| Japan | USA | Europe | South Korea | Taiwan | Hong Kong | Singapore | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular レギュラー (RON 90–92) | Regular (87 AKI) | Regular 95 | Unleaded 91–92 | 92 Unleaded | (Not sold) | 92 | 91 |
| High-Octane ハイオク (RON 96–100) | Premium (91–93 AKI) | Premium 98–100 | Unleaded 94–97 | 95 Unleaded/ 98 Unleaded | Unleaded 98 | 95 / 98 | 95 / 98 |
| Diesel 軽油 | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel (경유) | Diesel (柴油) | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel |
Handy Rest Stops
Japan makes road trips comfortable with plenty of clean, well-equipped rest stops.
Michi-no-Eki (roadside stations)
These are much more than a convenience store – these stops along the highway are part of what make road trips in Japan so fun! Beyond the average convenience store drinks & snacks, they feature local snacks, produce, and souvenirs, making it great for discovering regional flavors and getting gifts for friends that you can only get there! Plus, there’s 24-hour access to parking and restrooms!
Convenience Stores
A road-trip staple, perfect for coffee, quick meals, and spotless bathrooms. While the stores won’t charge you to use the bathroom, it is common manners to purchase something if you use their facilities.
When driving through rural areas, convenience stores are a lifesaver – you might go long distances without many shops. Plus, its a fun road trip tradition to try out the options from each brand of convenience store and pick your favorites! Our recommendation: try out the fried chicken and the egg salad “sando” (sandwich) from each! Egg salad from a convenience store might seem a little crazy, but this is one of the most famous and popular items! Our personal favorite is the one from 7-Eleven, but we encourage you to make your own judgement! As for the fried chicken, it is famously a massive rivalry between these chains and hot debate among locals as to which has the best!
Service Areas (SA)
Large facilities with gas stations, restaurants, souvenir shops, and sometimes even hot springs!
Parking Areas (PA)
Smaller stops with vending machines and restrooms. Some even have convenience stores/snack shops!
Navigating the Expressways
Japan’s expressways are smooth and reliable, but they come with a few rules:
Speed Limits
Usually 80 km/h, though they can change with weather. If the speed sign on the expressway is blank/doesn’t list a maximum speed, it is 100 km/h. Trucks are typically slower and capped at about 90 km/h.
Lanes and Exits
The right lane is for passing only. Most exits are on the left, but in big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, some are on the right—so keep an eye out. And remember: no U-turns, even if you miss your exit.
Tolls and ETC Cards
An Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card allows you to drive through toll stations without stopping (it pays the toll automatically). Rental cars often come with an ETC card reader. You can rent a card directly from the rental car company. With a card inserted, you can breeze through the purple ETC gates at toll booths. Without it, stick to the green “一般” lanes and pay in cash or by card.
Travel tip: You may find information online about an Express Pass, which is sold by the expressway operating company. This is an unlimited expressway pass, meaning you can go through as many tolls as you want. It is used by inserting it into the ETC card reader. To purchase this, you have to apply for the card ahead of time. However, you usually don’t need it—most scenic itineraries avoid heavy highway use anyway.
Final Road-Trip Tips
- Keep a few thousand yen in ¥1,000 notes and coins handy.
- Don’t waste time looking for cheaper parking—the price difference will be negligible. In fact, experts calculate that traveling internationally costs you $12-20/hour per person, so your time is much more valuable.
- Ask the rental staff to walk you through using the GPS and MAPCODEs, fuel type for your vehicle, and using ETC cards before you leave.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be set for an easy, enjoyable driving experience in Japan. Take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and don’t forget to stop for roadside treats along the way!