Transportation - Driving a Car

• Because of urban traffic congestion, driving within Japan's major cities is not recommended for foreign visitors. However, driving on main roads between cities is a viable alternative to public transportation. Visitors who intend to drive in Japan should note the following:
  
  On main roads most major destinations are sign-posted in English. In rural areas this may not be the case. If you are planning to drive in more remote areas, it is advisable to purchase a reliable English-Japanese road atlas before you depart. Companies such as Shobunsha and Kodansha publish these atlases.
  
  Driving in Japan is on the left.
  
  Parking can be difficult to find in some urban areas.
  
  An International Driving Permit is required.
  
  Tolls are levied on expressways and other major routes. Toll charges will depend on how far you wish to travel and which roads you intend to take. Example: Tolls for one route from Tokyo to Kyoto cost approximately ¥4,770.
  
  The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) publishes an English guide to driving in Japan called "Rules of the Road". These are available at JAF offices throughout Japan. For further information go to the JAF website or contact the International Affairs Department of JAF on Tel.
  +81 (0)3 3436 2811 /Fax. + 81 (0)3 3588 6055.
  
  A Metropolitan Expressway map in English is available within Japan from the Metropolitan Expressway Public Corporation:
  
  Metropolitan Expressway Public Corporation
  Nittochi Bldg 9F
  1-4-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
  Tokyo 100-8930
  Tel. (03) 3539 9259
  Fax. (03) 3503 7678
  

• INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT

  If you wish to drive a car while in Japan, you must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to departure. You will also need to be in possession of your national license while driving in Japan.
  
  International Driving Permits are generally issued by the national Automobile Association in your country. Some countries, such as Germany & Switzerland, do not have a reciprocal agreement with Japan to honour the permits. Please check with your automobile association when applying.
  

• VEHICLE RENTAL

  
  You will be required to produce your International Driving Permit when renting a car in Japan.
  
  Price
  Rental prices may vary from company to company. Average rates for 24 hours rental with unlimited mileage are as follows:
  
  

  Size	¥ / Day
  Sub - Compact (1000 - 1300 cc)	5,000 - 11,100
  Compact (1500 - 1800 cc)	9,000 - 13,500
  Intermediate (2000 cc)	14,000 - 30,000
  Standard (3000 cc)	29,500 - 31,000

   
  
  Fuel costs
  The above rental charges do not include fuel costs. Fuel in Japan costs approximately 100 yen per litre.
  
  Rental Companies
  Companies offering vehicle rental at various locations throughout Japan include:
  
  Budget
  UK - Tel 08701 565 656
  www.budget.com
  
  Avis
  www.avis.com
  
  Hertz
  UK - Tel. 08708 44 88 44
  www.hertz.com
  
  Japaren Co., Ltd
  4th Fl Ogikubo Kangyo Bldg
  202 Amanuma 3-chome
  Suginami-ku 167-8578
  Tokyo
  Tel. (03) 5397 8811
  Fax. (03) 5397 8816
  Reservations outside Japan can be made through Avis.
  
  Mazda Rent-A-Lease
  2-12 Takadanobaba
  1-chome
  Shinjuku-ku 169-0075
  Tokyo
  Tel. (03) 5286 0740
  Fax. (03) 5292 0236
  www. mazda-rentacar.co.jp
  
  Nippon Rent-A-Car
  5-5 Kamiyama-cho
  Shibuya-ku
  Tokyo
  Tel. (03) 3468 7126
  Fax. (03) 3485 7105
  www.freeroad.co.jp
  
  Reservations outside Japan should be made through National Car Rental.
  
  Toyota Rent-A Lease
  3rd Floor, Q Dan Bldg
  12-1 Fujimi 1-chome
  Chiyoda-ku 102-0071
  Tokyo
  Tel. (03) 3264 0100
  Fax. (03) 3239 0857