Key Points
- Top attraction in Rental Car Guide
- Best time to visit: Morning or evening
- Access: Easy access from Tokyo/Yokohama
- Facilities: Restrooms, parking available
- Best for: Sightseeing, photography
Quick Links
This comprehensive guide provides essential information about Car Rental & Car Sharing in Kanagawa 2026: Complete Guide for International Travelers. Discover local insights, practical tips, and hidden gems to enhance your visit to Kanagawa.
Location
- International Driving Permit (IDP) required
- Book in advance (especially weekends)
- Left-hand traffic (same as UK, Australia)
- Expensive parking (¥300-600/hour in cities)
- ETC card recommended (highway tolls)
Introduction: Car Rental in Kanagawa
Renting a car in Kanagawa offers:
- Flexibility: Go anywhere, anytime
- Comfort: Air conditioning, luggage space
- Efficiency: Reach remote areas easily
- Cost-effective: For groups (3-4 people)
Best For:
- Exploring Miura Peninsula
- Visiting multiple beaches in one day
- Traveling with luggage
- Groups/families
- Early morning/late night travel
Not Recommended For:
- Yokohama city center (traffic, parking)
- Kamakura (very crowded, limited parking)
- Solo travelers (expensive)
- First-time Japan visitors (confusing)
Last updated: March 2026 (all prices verified)
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Required Documents:
✅ Valid passport
✅ Home country driver's license
✅ International Driving Permit (IDP)
Where to Get IDP:
- Your home country (before traveling)
- Automobile association (AAA, RAC, 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 requiredCountries with Valid Licenses
Direct IDP Accepted:
✅ USA, Canada, UK, Australia
✅ Most EU countries
✅ Singapore, Malaysia
✅ South Korea, Taiwan
✅ New Zealand, South Africa
Official Translation Required:
⚠️ 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 licensesAge Requirements
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 required)
- Senior drivers: Additional insurance (optional)Major Companies
Toyota Rent a Car
Locations:
- Yokohama Station (multiple locations)
- Shin-Yokohama Station
- Kamakura (limited)
- Fujisawa Station
- Haneda Airport
Fleet:
- Compact: ¥5,000-7,000/day
- Standard: ¥7,000-10,000/day
- Minivan: ¥10,000-15,000/day
- Luxury: ¥15,000-30,000/day
English Support: ✅ Good
Online Booking: ✅ Yes
Website: [Toyota Rent a Car](https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/)Nissan Rent a Car
Locations:
- Yokohama Station
- Shin-Yokohama Station
- Haneda Airport
Fleet:
- Compact: ¥5,000-7,000/day
- Standard: ¥7,000-10,000/day
- Electric (Leaf): ¥8,000-12,000/day
- Minivan: ¥10,000-15,000/day
English Support: ✅ Good
Online Booking: ✅ Yes
Website: [Nissan Rent a Car](https://nissan-rentacar.com/en/)Times Car Rental
Locations:
- Yokohama (multiple)
- Kamakura
- Fujisawa
- Chigasaki
- Many convenience store locations
Fleet:
- Compact: ¥4,500-6,500/day
- Standard: ¥6,500-9,000/day
- Minivan: ¥9,000-14,000/day
English Support: ⚠️ Limited
Online Booking: ✅ Yes
Website: [Times Car Rental](https://times-car-rental.jp/en/)Orix Rent a Car
Locations:
- Yokohama Station
- Shin-Yokohama Station
- Haneda Airport
Fleet:
- Compact: ¥5,000-7,000/day
- Standard: ¥7,000-10,000/day
- Luxury: ¥15,000-25,000/day
English Support: ✅ Good
Online Booking: ✅ Yes
Website: [Orix Rent a Car](https://rental.orix.co.jp/en/)Budget Companies
Nippon Rent a Car
Locations:
- Yokohama
- Major cities
Fleet:
- Compact: ¥4,000-6,000/day
- Standard: ¥6,000-8,500/day
English Support: ⚠️ Limited
Online Booking: ✅ YesBudget Rent a Car
Locations:
- Yokohama
- Haneda Airport
Fleet:
- Compact: ¥4,500-6,500/day
- Standard: ¥6,500-9,000/day
English Support: ✅ Good
Online Booking: ✅ YesTimes Car Share
How It Works:
1. Register online (IDP required)
2. Download app
3. Find nearby car (app shows locations)
4. Unlock with app
5. Drive
6. Return to same location
Pricing:
- 15 min: ¥220-330
- 30 min: ¥440-660
- 1 hour: ¥880-1,320
- 6 hours: ¥4,400-6,600
- 24 hours: ¥6,600-9,900
Includes:
- Fuel
- Insurance
- 24/7 support
Locations:
- Yokohama: ✅ Many locations
- Kamakura: ⚠️ Limited
- Fujisawa: ⚠️ Limited
- Shonan: ❌ Very limited
Best For:
- Short trips (1-6 hours)
- City driving
- No advance booking neededOrix Car Share
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
Locations:
- Yokohama: ✅ Good coverage
- Other areas: ⚠️ Limited
Best For:
- Short trips
- Flexible timingHonda EveryGo
How It Works:
- Honda's car sharing service
- Similar to Times/Orix
Pricing:
- 15 min: ¥220-330
- 1 hour: ¥880-1,320
- 6 hours: ¥4,400-6,600
- 24 hours: ¥6,600-9,900
Locations:
- Yokohama: ✅ Good coverage
- Other areas: ⚠️ Limited
Best For:
- Honda car enthusiasts
- Short tripsOnline Booking (Recommended)
Step-by-Step:
1. Visit rental company website
2. Select pickup location
3. Select dates/times
4. Choose car type
5. Enter driver information
- Name (as in passport)
- License number
- IDP number
- Passport number
6. Add extras (GPS, ETC, child seat)
7. Payment (credit card required)
8. Confirmation email
Advance Booking:
- Weekdays: 1-2 days ahead
- Weekends: 1 week ahead
- Holidays: 2-4 weeks ahead
- Golden Week/Obon: 1-2 months ahead
Cancellation:
- Free up to 2 days before
- 50% fee: 1 day before
- 100% fee: No-showWalk-in Rental
Availability:
- 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 required)
5. Receive car
Risk:
- May not get preferred car
- May be sold out
- Longer wait timeHotel 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 optionsDaily Rental Rates
Compact Car (Vitz, Fit, Note):
- Weekday: ¥5,000-7,000/day
- Weekend: ¥6,000-8,500/day
- Holiday: ¥7,000-10,000/day
Standard Car (Corolla, Prius):
- Weekday: ¥7,000-10,000/day
- Weekend: ¥8,500-12,000/day
- Holiday: ¥10,000-14,000/day
Minivan (Noah, Voxy):
- Weekday: ¥10,000-15,000/day
- Weekend: ¥12,000-18,000/day
- Holiday: ¥14,000-20,000/day
Luxury Car (Crown, Mercedes):
- Weekday: ¥15,000-30,000/day
- Weekend: ¥20,000-40,000/day
- Holiday: ¥25,000-50,000/dayAdditional Costs
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 location: ¥5,000-20,000Fuel 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/dayParking Costs
Yokohama (City Center):
- Hourly: ¥300-600/hour
- Daily: ¥2,000-4,000/day
- Hotel parking: ¥1,000-3,000/night
Kamakura:
- Hourly: ¥200-400/hour
- Daily: ¥1,000-2,000/day
- Temple parking: ¥500-1,000
Shonan/Beaches:
- Hourly: ¥200-400/hour
- Daily: ¥1,000-2,000/day
- Beach parking (summer): ¥1,000-3,000/day
Highway Rest Stops:
- Free parking
- 24-hour accessTraffic Rules
Basic Rules:
- Drive on LEFT side of road
- Steering wheel on RIGHT side
- Seatbelts required (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 arrowRoad 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
- Destination names in RomajiNavigation
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 destination address in Japanese
- Show hotel business card (has address)Expressways
Major Highways in Kanagawa:
- Shuto Expressway (Tokyo area)
- Tomei Expressway (to Osaka)
- Chuo Expressway (to Nagano)
- Yokohama-Yokosuka Road
Toll Costs:
- Yokohama → Tokyo: ¥500-800
- Yokohama → Mt. Fuji: ¥2,500-3,500
- Yokohama → Nagoya: ¥5,000-7,000
- Yokohama → Osaka: ¥10,000-13,000
Payment:
- Cash (at toll booth)
- ETC card (automatic deduction)
- Credit card (some booths)ETC Card
What is ETC:
- Electronic Toll Collection
- 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 stressfulService Areas
Highway Service Areas:
- Rest stops with facilities
- Restaurants, shops, gas stations
- Free parking
- Clean restrooms
Major Service Areas (Kanagawa):
- Ebina SA (Tomei Expressway)
- Nakai PA (Shin-Tomei Expressway)
- Ayuzuru PA (Chuo Expressway)
Facilities:
- Restaurants (Japanese, Western, 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 advanceHow 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, ¥5,000, ¥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 locations
- Real-time availability (some)
- Navigation to parkingMandatory Insurance
JCI (Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance):
- Included in all rentals
- Covers: Injury/death to others
- Does NOT cover: Vehicle damage
- Maximum: ¥30 million per personOptional 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 coverCredit Card Insurance
Some Credit Cards Include:
- Rental car collision coverage
- Check with your card issuer
- May require 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/dayEmergency 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: ✅ GoodBreakdown Procedure
If Car Breaks Down:
1. Move to safe location (shoulder)
2. Turn on hazard lights
3. Place warning triangle (in trunk)
4. Call rental company emergency number
5. Wait for assistance
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/IDPAccident Procedure
If Accident Occurs:
1. Check for injuries
2. Call ambulance if needed (119)
3. Call police (110)
4. Exchange information with other party
- Name, address, phone
- License number
- Insurance information
- Vehicle registration
5. Take photos (damage, scene)
6. Call rental company
7. File police report
8. Do NOT admit fault
Important:
- Always call police (required 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 difficult for foreigners?
A: Moderate. Left-hand traffic (same as UK/Australia). Road signs in Japanese AND English. GPS very helpful. City driving can be challenging (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.
Q: Can I return the car to a different location?
A: Yes, but one-way fee applies (¥5,000-20,000). Same location return is cheaper.
Q: What if I get a traffic ticket?
A: Pay at convenience store or post office. Fines expensive (¥10,000-100,000). Serious violations: License suspension.
Q: Is car sharing cheaper than rental?
A: For short trips (under 6 hours): Yes. For full day: Similar price. Car sharing includes fuel, rental doesn't.
Q: Are there automatic transmission cars?
A: Yes. Most rental cars are automatic. Specify when booking if needed.
Q: Can I drive from Tokyo to Kanagawa?
A: Yes. No restrictions. Expect traffic during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
Related Articles
Last Updated: March 3, 2026
Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team
Verified: All prices tested February-March 2026
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Conclusion
Rental Car Guide is a must-visit destination in Kanagawa for international travelers. This guide provides essential information on access, highlights, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
For more Kanagawa guides, explore our other articles on Hakone, Kamakura, Shonan, and the Miura Peninsula.
For more Kanagawa guides, explore our other articles on Hakone, Kamakura, Shonan, and the Miura Peninsula.
Related Reading
Related Reading
Extended Visitor Strategy for Rental Car Guide
A better visit starts when you stop treating Rental Car Guide as a single checklist stop and instead design your day in layered modules. Use one primary objective, one backup objective, and one recovery path. The primary objective is what matters most for your trip story. The backup objective gives flexibility when weather, waiting lines, or transport delays reduce your available hours. The recovery path is a practical reset option such as a nearby station area, indoor gallery, or quiet cafe where your group can rest and re-plan without stress. This structure prevents itinerary collapse and helps visitors preserve curiosity instead of rushing.
Timing matters as much as destination choice. Many Kanagawa routes feel dramatically different by hour because commuter waves, school schedules, and day-trip bus arrivals overlap unevenly. If you can start earlier, you usually gain cleaner sidewalks, better light, and shorter wait times. When late starts are unavoidable, compress your route by focusing on a single district and one adjacent extension rather than forcing a wide-area sprint. A smaller route executed well consistently produces higher-quality memories and less fatigue.
How to Read Place Context More Deeply
Visitors often photograph surfaces while missing context. For Rental Car Guide, context comes from observing how local life and visitor flow share the same streets at different tempos. Look for signs of daily rhythms: delivery timing, school crossings, neighborhood shopping cycles, and evening quiet zones. These details explain why some viewpoints feel balanced at one hour and overwhelming later. Understanding those rhythms helps you pick better routes, avoid friction with residents, and see the area as a living system rather than an attraction set.
If you spend money locally, prioritize small independent businesses where possible. Short interactions in family-run shops often deliver better local nuance than anonymous chain stops. Keep requests concise, queue clearly, and respect compact seating turnover at peak times. Courtesy is not just etiquette; it directly affects the quality and warmth of your travel experience.
Operational Checklist You Can Reuse
- Pre-trip: confirm weather alerts, opening hours, and one alternative route.
- Navigation: save two bailout points and one restroom anchor before leaving your hotel.
- Comfort: carry water, coins, and a lightweight extra layer for temperature shifts.
- Documentation: capture one wide, one medium, and one detail photo per segment.
- Etiquette: avoid blocking narrow paths and never film private homes closely.
Recovery Patterns for Real-World Travel Days
Good travel execution is measured by recovery speed, not perfect conditions. If rain intensifies, switch to covered segments and indoor visits. If crowds surge, move your meal earlier and return later for calmer light. If transit disruption appears, shrink scope and protect the core objective. These recovery moves preserve momentum and prevent the common pattern of rushed decisions that degrade both safety and enjoyment.
Why Repeat Visits Improve Faster with Structure
First visits often optimize for completion, while second and third visits optimize for depth. A structured method works for both. On first contact with Rental Car Guide, it prevents confusion. On repeat visits, it creates room for micro-discoveries such as side-lane food counters, local exhibition rotations, and seasonal street atmosphere changes. That shift from checklist travel to context-aware travel is where destinations become meaningful over time.
Responsible Use Notes
Use official local advisories for closures and hazard notices. Treat social media route claims as unverified until checked against municipal or operator sources. When in doubt, choose the slower and safer option. A controlled route with clear exits is always better than an overextended day that ends in rushed transit and avoidable mistakes.
