Whoever said Japan cannot give you smooth rides despite the world’s fears of volcanoes and earthquakes erupting without warning? Of course, this is the argument many would love to put forward as a hindrance to coming over and enjoying the warm reception the highly ‘digitalized’ country gives its visitors but those who have used the Asian Giant’s quick and efficient car rental service will attest to the fact that the world-class services are second to none; ranking among the top five of the best in the world. Car rental is an option worth considering if you plan to explore rural Japan, where access by public transportation can be inconvenient and service infrequent. A rental car can also be an economical alternative, if you are traveling in groups. Exploring Japan's big cities by car, however, is not recommended, as traffic tends to be heavy, orientation difficult and parking fees high. Trains, subways and buses are generally a better choice in metropolitan areas.
Car rental service in Japan, requires obtaining Japanese driving license or an international driving permit. In case of France, Germany and Switzerland, an official translation of your home country's driving license is accepted. International driving permits must be obtained in your home country, usually through the National Automobile Association, before you leave for Japan. Foreigners can drive in Japan with a recognized international driving permit for up to one year after entering the country. Japan recognizes only international driving permits, which are based on the Geneva Convention of 1949. A few countries, including Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland, however, issue international driving permits, which are based on different conventions. The permits issued by those countries are not valid in Japan. Instead, holders of a French, German or Swiss driver's license can drive in Japan for up to one year with an official Japanese translation of their driving licenses to be obtained from the respective country's embassy or consulate in Japan.
People from other countries, whose international driving permits are not recognized by Japan, must attain a Japanese driving license in order to drive in Japan. Among Japan's leading car rental companies are Mazda Rent a Car, Nissan Rent a Car, Toyota Rent or Lease, Nippon Rent a Car and Orix Rent a Car. They operate hundreds of outlets across Japan, offering cars in all sizes and, in some cases, large vans, buses and RVs. Most Japanese car rental companies do not provide English websites, and service in English is not usually available. International car rental companies such as Budget, Avis and Hertz also offer car rental in Japan, typically in cooperation with one of the leading Japanese car rental companies, however, their rates are usually not very competitive. A recommended service for car rental in Japan is ToCoo Car Rental Company whose world-class service surpassed those of its close competitors. The discount travel service does not only offer lower rates on car rental, but also provides an English website and support in English. Car Rentals in Japan works out to be a better value and a lot more fun.
In lieu of any other transportation, renting a car is a great way to travel around Japan. It is especially good for people traveling in small groups. Although driving in Tokyo or Osaka can be challenging if you are not used to it, driving in most parts of Japan is very easy and the best way to travel. Large cities such as Sapporo, Nagoya and even Kyoto are easy to get around in by car. Other areas such as Northern Honshu, Central Japan and Hokkaido are all best seen by car, as many natural treasures are off the beaten track. Car rental in Japan is the most likely alternative. The advantages include: Car rentals in Japan can work out much cheaper than taking the train. Car rentals in Japan offer you a wide scope of features so that you can enjoy the freedom to explore areas of Japan that wouldn't be possible by train. You can enjoy the beautiful Japanese countryside only if you have a car rental service that is ready to give you more than the value for your money by ensuring that in each rental package that they offer you, there are exclusive attractions that are included for a nice and memorable trip to the popular Asian country.