How to find a cheap car hire deal in Tokyo
Pick up a cheap rental car in Tokyo for around R 1,889 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, so you can easily compare prices and book.
Daily rental prices in Tokyo start from just R 490.
Thinking of staying longer? Grab a weekly rental from R 1,286 and explore more than just the top attractions.
If you like to plan with precision, book about three weeks ahead to score yourself the best price on a Tokyo car hire.
Check out the offers available with JDM Rent a car, Nissan Rent a Car and Airport Car Hire. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Tokyo car hire policy, whether with JDM Rent a car or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Tokyo.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with prices averaging R 1,637 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,110, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/%e3%82%ab%e3%83%bc%e3%82%b9%e3%82%bf%e3%83%ac%e3%83%b3%e3%82%bf%e3%82%ab%e3%83%bc/1728)) is next in line.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly R 1,045 a day.
If you're having trouble deciding what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle in Tokyo.
Flying to Tokyo? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Tokyo, make tracks sooner by picking up a car hire at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 19 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes.
Flying in somewhere else? You can get a car hire from Tokyo Narita Airport just as easily. The centre is 56 kilometres or so away and takes roughly 1 hour to reach by car.
Compare car hire types in Tokyo
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Tokyo car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Tokyo is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Tokyo car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Tokyo by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your rental in Japan.
Kids coming with you? Car seat requirements vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Be sure to add the right one to your Tokyo car hire reservation.
Come prepared to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in Japan.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03% applies in Japan. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
The Japanese yen (JPY) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with your card when it's possible, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't an option.
Best hotels in Tokyo for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time making the most of Petit Bali Ikebukuro. About 8 kilometres from central Tokyo, it comes with parking, air conditioning and a hot spring.
Hotel Gran Villa is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features parking, along with air conditioning and internet access. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more places to choose from? Browse through the full list of hotels in Tokyo. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in Tokyo and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Tokyo Skytree, Sensho-ji and Ginza Central Street are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Tokyo
Buckle up and make tracks to Kawasaki. Around 18 kilometres southwest of central Tokyo, you'll find must-sees like Tofuku-ji Temple and Kawasaki Daishi.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Kawasaki include HOTEL Mystays Premier Omori and Tmark City Hotel Tokyo Omori.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Tokyo and travel around 27 kilometres north to Saitama. Featuring The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama and Omiya Bonsai Village, its highlights live up to the hype.
Take it easy after a day spent exploring Saitama at Royal Pines Hotel Urawa or Palace Hotel Omiya. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Kasugai, around 257 kilometres west of Tokyo. Kick things off at Rokugaike Park, then follow it up with Greenpia Kasugai.
Next up: catching some z's. Kasugai Station Hotel and Hotel Plaza Kachigawa have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Kasugai.
