Japan Road Trip - Preparation

Driver's License
Firstly, you need to apply for a Japan-recognized driver's license.

Car Rental
If you are certain about self-driving in Japan, it is highly recommended to book a rental car as soon as possible. During peak seasons, many travelers have experienced last-minute cancellations, which can be disappointing. Here are some commonly used car rental websites:

Japanese Car Rental Booking Platforms:

• Tabirai: https://tc.tabirai.net/car/

• Tocoo: https://www2.tocoo.jp/cn/

Official Car Rental Websites:

• TOYOTA: https://rent.toyota.co.jp/zh-tw/

• NISSAN: https://nissan-rentacar.com/tc/

• TIMES: https://www.timescar-rental.com/zh_tw/

• NIPPON: https://www.nrgroup-global.com/tw/

In case you need to rent a car at the last minute, you can refer to this article on how to rent a car spontaneously.

Car Model

It is recommended to choose a hybrid car because they are fuel-efficient. Overall, fuel expenses for hybrid cars in Japan will be much cheaper than driving a conventional gasoline car.

Optional Extras for Rental Cars

Insurance: It is advisable to purchase the rental car website's comprehensive insurance option, which is usually not expensive.
ETC PASS: If you plan to drive long distances and use the expressways, consider adding the local ETC PASS. With this, you can use the expressway without additional toll fees for the day (unlimited usage).

Understanding Basic Traffic Rules

Japan is a right-hand drive country, which means everything is opposite to Taiwan. The driver's seat is on the right, turn signals are on the right side, and windshield wipers are on the left side. The most important rule to remember while driving is to keep to the left. Stay on the left side while driving straight, making left turns, and making right turns (the instruction is usually "left turns are small bends, right turns are big bends").

At railway crossings, always stop (wheels must be completely still), check for incoming trains, and proceed only when it is safe to do so. At toll gates on the expressway, maintain a safe distance from the car in front and reduce your speed.

When renting a car, the rental office will provide a guide on traffic signs, so you can confirm the rules once again. Usually, if you don't rush, avoid speeding, and follow the rules, you won't encounter significant issues.

Collecting the Rental Car

Upon collecting the rental car, make sure to inspect the exterior and take photos of any existing damages. Inform the rental staff about any issues, and they will record them. These photos can be useful in case of any disputes during the return process. If you've rented an ETC device, make sure it is inserted correctly and functioning before hitting the expressway. Most rental staff will help you set it up. With the ETC device set up, you can use the ETC toll gates on the expressway.

Returning the Car - Refuel

If you have rented a hybrid car and haven't driven long distances, you may not have refueled throughout the trip. However, when returning the car, remember to fill up the tank with fuel. Some rental offices may ask for the refueling receipt as proof that you have filled the tank (they might want to ensure you've used the correct fuel). If you refuel yourself, remember to choose the option for a printed receipt – don't make the same mistake I once made by accidentally not printing the receipt.

If you're concerned about getting used to right-hand driving in Japan or still considering it, you can refer to this article on self-driving in Japan - How to Practice Driving at Home.