What was the total cost for renting a light car, a Suzuki Wagon R, for a day in Sapporo?

According to the article, renting a Suzuki Wagon R light car for a day in Sapporo cost a total of ~$76. This sum includes ~$48 for car rental, ~$17 for additional insurance, ~$7 for parking fees, and ~$3 for fuel.

If I book a rental car in Japan through Klook, when and how is the payment processed?

Even if you book through Klook, payment is not made at the time of reservation. Instead, you pay on-site when you visit the rental car company. You can pay with a credit card in the driver's name, such as Visa or Mastercard.

What essential items must I bring when driving a rental car in Japan?

Essential items for driving a rental car in Japan are your passport, Korean driver's license, international driving permit, and a credit card in your name if paying by card. An international driving permit can be issued in one day at a police station.

How long did it take to adapt to left-hand traffic driving in Japan?

According to the article, the author and her husband surprisingly adapted to Japan's left-hand traffic driving in just 10 minutes. It's mentioned that experienced drivers tend to adapt quickly, and the prevalence of straight roads also helped.

Japan Car Rental Guide 2026: Booking, Costs, & Driving Tips

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Japan Car Rental Guide 2026: Booking, Costs, & Driving Tips | TRVLOGUE

When planning my recent trip to Japan, my husband and I spent ages debating whether to rent a car or rely on tour buses. Ultimately, his persuasion won, and we opted for a rental car.

To my surprise, driving in Japan wasn't nearly as challenging as I'd imagined, and adapting to left-hand traffic was much quicker than expected!

Today, I'm excited to share a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about renting a car in Japan: what's required for booking, essential driving tips, and, of course, the costs involved!

Japan Car Rental Costs

Japan car rental prices vary depending on the company, vehicle type, and region, but you can generally expect to pay **around ~$35 to ~$48 per day** for a basic model.

For my trip, I booked a compact Suzuki Wagon R in Sapporo, and it cost me ~$48 for a day's rental.

However, it's crucial to remember that the rental fee isn't your only expense. You'll also need to factor in insurance, parking, and gas. Here's a breakdown of my total costs for a single day:

✔️ Car Rental Fee: ~$48

✔️ Additional Insurance: ~$17

✔️ Parking Fee: ~$7

✔️ Fuel: ~$3

**☑️ Total Cost: ~$76**

How to Book Your Rental Car

Book on Klook for the Lowest Price

(↑This is where I made my reservation)

After comparing several rental car websites, I found that **Klook offered the best prices** and was incredibly user-friendly for comparing different companies, vehicle types, and costs.

Once on the site, simply select your pick-up and drop-off locations and dates, and it will display a list starting from the lowest prices.

You'll often see multiple rental companies for the same car model. I personally went with Nippon Rent-A-Car – no complicated reasons, just great reviews and the most affordable option, haha!

If you're traveling as a pair of adults like us, even the smallest compact (kei) car will be perfectly sufficient.

My suitcase is quite large, but the rental car agent folded down the back seats, and there was still plenty of room leftover.

**Basic insurance is typically included in your rental fee.** While the basic coverage might be enough, I opted to upgrade to Klook Protect for extra peace of mind.

You can also enjoy **free cancellation up until your pick-up time** on the day of your reservation, so feel free to choose with confidence.

Payment isn't made when you book online; instead, you'll pay on-site when you pick up your car at the rental company.

Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted, but ensure the card is in the main driver's name.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan

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✔️ Passport

✔️ Your Home Country's Driver's License

✔️ International Driving Permit (IDP)

✔️ Credit Card in the Driver's Name (for payment)

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✔️ Sunglasses, Sunscreen (Japanese cars often have lighter window tinting)

✔️ ETC Card (similar to an electronic toll pass)

✔️ Phone Mount (the in-car navigation can sometimes be clunky or have glitches)

International Driving Permit: What You Need, How to Get It at Police Stations or Onlineblog.naver.com

You can typically get an International Driving Permit issued within a day at a police station. The linked article above provides helpful details!

Driving Precautions in Japan

Unlike many countries, Japan observes **left-hand traffic**. This means everything is mirrored: the gear shift, parking brake, even the wiper and turn signal stalks are on the opposite side – it's a complete flip!

My husband and I initially thought we'd struggle to adjust, but surprisingly, we adapted within about 10 minutes! While it helped that we were on mostly straight roads, experienced drivers often find it quite easy to get used to.

A quick heads-up: absolutely no illegal parking or stopping, and always adhere to the speed limits.

Japan has very strict traffic laws, and getting caught violating them as a foreigner can lead to a lot of unnecessary hassle. So, play it safe and follow the rules!

While both tours and rental cars have their pros and cons, I truly believe choosing a rental car was the right decision for us.

The convenience and freedom to explore at our own pace were invaluable. Even if you've never driven in Japan before, it's definitely doable, so don't be afraid to give it a try!

**🔻Book Japan Car Rental at the Lowest Price🔻**