What documents are absolutely necessary when renting a car in Tsushima?

To rent a car in Tsushima, an International Driving Permit and your passport are essential. These two documents must be submitted to the car rental company for identity verification.

Why is a car sunshade recommended as an essential item for a Tsushima car rental trip?

Japanese cars often have very little window tinting, and many older cars in Tsushima can quickly heat up when parked. A sunshade helps lower the interior temperature and contributes to maintaining comfort, even in older vehicles with weaker air conditioning.

What are the specific reasons why a car phone mount is needed when driving a rental car in Tsushima?

Tsushima has many mountain roads and narrow alleys, making it confusing to drive without navigation. Rental car navigation systems often don't support Korean or are outdated. Since you'll likely use a phone map, and Japan has right-hand drive (opposite to Korea), a mount at eye level will help you view the navigation comfortably.

Tsushima Rental Car Essentials 2026: What to Pack & What I…

A scenic road in Tsushima, Japan, with a car driving on the left side of the road.

Hey there, fellow adventurers! This is MoaRang, and I'm excited to share some insights from my recent 2-day trip to Tsushima (also known as Daema Island), Japan.

During my visit, I opted to rent a car to explore the island, and let me tell you, driving there was an experience!

Once I was on the road, I quickly realized there were a few things I wished I had packed beforehand.

Japanese rental cars typically don't come with tinted windows, and in Tsushima, you'll often find older models. Without proper sun protection, the intense sun can make for a pretty uncomfortable ride.

So, for anyone planning a rental car adventure in Tsushima, I've put together a list of must-have essentials based on my firsthand experience. Get ready to make your trip much more comfortable!

Tsushima Rental Car: Recommended Essentials

A car parked on a scenic road in Tsushima, Japan, with lush greenery.

Here are a few items I found would have significantly improved my Tsushima rental car experience:

✅ International Driving Permit & Passport

This might seem obvious, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is absolutely non-negotiable for renting a car in Japan. It's not an option; it's a requirement!

You'll need to present both your IDP and your passport to the rental car agency, so make sure to get your IDP issued before you leave.

For detailed information on how to obtain an International Driving Permit, you can check out this post:

International Driving Permit: Police Station Visit, Online Application, Fees, and Requirementsblog.naver.com

And don't forget your passport! It's essential for identity verification when picking up your rental car. It's easy to get caught up with rental paperwork and accidentally leave your passport back at your accommodation. So, always keep your IDP and passport together as a set!

✅ Car Windshield Sunshade

Unlike many cars in the US, Japanese vehicles often have little to no window tinting. In the summer, the sun streams right in, causing the interior temperature to skyrocket surprisingly fast.

A windshield sunshade is an absolute must-have for a Tsushima rental car trip. Even after a short stop, the car can turn into an oven, and it takes a while for the AC to cool it down.

Given that Tsushima often has older rental car models, the air conditioning might not be as powerful as you'd expect. A simple sunshade can make a huge difference in keeping the interior cooler. I highly recommend bringing one!

A foldable sunshade is convenient for storage and can easily be tucked away in the trunk.

👉 Recommended Foldable Car Sunshade

✅ Rear Window Curtains

A car's rear side window with a black mesh sunshade attached, seen from the interior.

If you're bringing a front windshield sunshade, I also suggest packing some rear side window curtains. The sun can be surprisingly strong from the side, even while driving.

This is especially important if you're traveling with children or have passengers in the back seat, as the AC doesn't always circulate quickly to the rear.

Suction cup curtains are ideal as they're easy to attach and remove from the windows, simple to install, and can be folded compactly into your bag.

👉 Recommended Rear Window Curtains

✅ Car Phone Mount

A smartphone mounted on a car dashboard, displaying a navigation app.

Tsushima's roads can be quite tricky, with many winding mountain paths and narrow alleys. Navigating without a GPS can get confusing quickly.

However, many rental cars in Japan come with older navigation systems that might not support English or are simply outdated. You'll likely end up relying on your smartphone's Google Maps or other navigation apps.

Without a phone mount, you'll be trying to prop your phone up somewhere or have your passenger constantly hold it, which is far from ideal.

Also, remember that Japan drives on the left side of the road, so the driver's seat is on the right. This means looking down to the bottom left for navigation on an in-car system can feel quite unnatural.

A car phone mount that places your phone at eye level, or an air vent mount if you're in an older rental, will make your driving experience much smoother!

👉 Recommended Car Phone Mount

Wrapping Up Your Tsushima Drive

A car parked by a scenic coastal road in Tsushima, Japan, with ocean views.

Renting a car in Tsushima is truly the best way to explore the island freely and reach those hidden gems that public transportation can't easily access.

However, the local vehicle conditions are a bit different from what you might be used to. By knowing these differences and preparing ahead of time, you can ensure a much more comfortable and enjoyable rental car journey.

Packing the essentials I've listed will undoubtedly make your trip smoother and more pleasant!

I hope this guide helps all of you planning a Tsushima rental car adventure in 2026!