This guide explains the documents, procedures, and costs for foreign residents renting a car in Japan. SOUKYO Rent-a-Car offers free delivery within Tokyo's 23 wards and full Chinese-language support for a worry-free experience.
Reserve by phone, LINE, or our web form. Let us know the vehicle type, rental period, and pick-up/drop-off location. Reservations in Chinese are welcome.
You need a Japanese driver's license, or an International Driving Permit (issued by a Geneva Convention signatory country) plus your passport. A Chinese license does not qualify as an IDP, so a license conversion in Japan is required.
Pick up at our shop, or enjoy free delivery anywhere within Tokyo's 23 wards. We will walk you through a vehicle condition check and explain all controls.
Fuel and highway tolls are at your expense. Optional insurance is included in the rental fee. We will also explain what to do in case of an accident.
A no-refuel-needed plan is available. Free return to any location within the 23 wards. After a vehicle inspection, the final payment is settled.
| Vehicle Class | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kei (Mini) Car | ¥4,400~ | ¥22,000~ | ¥55,000~ |
| Compact | ¥5,500~ | ¥27,500~ | ¥66,000~ |
| Sedan | ¥6,600~ | ¥33,000~ | ¥77,000~ |
| Minivan / SUV | ¥8,800~ | ¥44,000~ | ¥99,000~ |
* Rates vary by model and year. Long-term and corporate discounts available. Contact us for details.
| Nationality | IDP | What You Need to Drive in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳 China | ✕ | Not a Geneva Convention signatory. Must convert to a Japanese license (gaimen kirikae) at a driver's license center — written and practical exams required. |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | ○ | Geneva Convention signatory. A Korean-issued IDP + passport allows driving (valid for 1 year). |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ○ | Geneva Convention signatory. A US-issued IDP + passport allows driving (valid for 1 year). |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | ✕ | Not a Geneva Convention signatory. License conversion (gaimen kirikae) required. A Japanese translation of the Vietnamese license (e.g., from JAF) must also be prepared. |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | ○ | Geneva Convention signatory. An IDP + passport allows driving. |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | ○ | Geneva Convention signatory. A Philippine-issued IDP + passport allows driving. |
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | ✕ | Not a Geneva Convention signatory. License conversion (gaimen kirikae) required. |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan | △ | Not a signatory, but a bilateral agreement exists. A JAF-issued Japanese translation of a Taiwanese license + the original Taiwanese license + passport allows driving. |
We deliver and pick up for free at your home, hotel, or office anywhere within Tokyo's 23 wards. No need to visit our shop.
We also provide transfer services to and from Narita and Haneda airports. Early-morning and late-night flights can be accommodated.
Rentals of one month or longer receive a special discount — great for commuting or extended business trips. Corporate plans also available.
From reservation to return, we offer full support in Chinese. Rent with confidence even if your Japanese is limited.
| Coverage | Details | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Party Bodily Injury | Unlimited per person | ○ |
| Third-Party Property Damage | Unlimited per accident | ○ |
| Vehicle Damage | Up to market value (¥50,000 deductible) | ○ |
| Personal Injury | Up to ¥30,000,000 per person | ○ |
| Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) | Waives the property/vehicle deductible to ¥0 | △ |
| NOC Waiver | Waives the business loss charge (¥20,000 drivable / ¥50,000 non-drivable) | △ |
Available in Chinese and Japanese. Reach us by phone, in person, or online.
