Rent, lease or buy? Getting a car for a 1–6 month stay in Japan
Spending a season or a few months in Japan? You have three ways to get a car. Here is what each one needs, and which works for a visitor.
Renting, leasing and buying compared
A general comparison. Lease and purchase conditions vary by company.
Why buying is hard on a short stay
Resident registration
To register a car in your name you normally need a residence card and a resident record (住民票). Stays of three months or less are not registered as residents.
Parking certificate
Before registration, the police must certify that you have a parking space (車庫証明). This takes about a week.
Running costs
You pay for compulsory insurance (自賠責), the vehicle inspection (車検), car taxes and your own voluntary insurance.
Selling before you leave
The buyer needs their own parking certificate, and some of your documents are only valid for three months. A quick sale before your flight can be difficult.
Get a total price within one business day
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Your quote includes delivery.
What about leasing?
- Most car leases in Japan run for three, five or seven years.
- A few companies advertise short plans, but they are mainly for people who live in Japan.
- Leasing companies check your credit, and ending a lease early usually costs extra.
What a month costs with us
Monthly prices include tax, insurance and the required CDW (¥20,000 per month). Rentals are from one week, and you can extend by the month.
Fuel, tolls and parking are extra. This winter, winter tyres are a flat ¥20,000 however many months you rent (rentals starting November to March). See all rates and cars.
Your licence on a long stay
Valid for up to one year
You can drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or with a licence from an approved country and an official Japanese translation. Either is valid for up to one year from the day you arrive. Since October 2025, short-term visitors can no longer convert a foreign licence to a Japanese one. See our licence guide.
RECOMMENDED CARS
Cars for this kind of stay
Every car is 4WD, with a dashcam, GPS navigation and an ETC reader. Prices include tax and insurance.
Kei car
Suzuki Hustler, Daihatsu Taft · 4 seats
- 1 week
- from¥27,700
- 1 month
- from¥73,700
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this car
Compact car
Toyota Yaris, Toyota Roomy · 5 seats
- 1 week
- from¥30,250
- 1 month
- from¥80,250
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this car
SUV
Toyota Yaris Cross · 5 seats
- 1 week
- from¥38,700
- 1 month
- from¥112,200
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this carSee all cars and rates →Car images show the class, not the exact car.
Questions about getting a car for a long stay
Q. Can a tourist buy a car in Japan?
It is difficult. Registering a car normally needs a residence card, resident registration and a police parking certificate. Visitors staying three months or less are not registered as residents.
Q. Can I lease a car in Japan for a few months?
Most leases run for three years or more. A few companies offer short plans, but they are mainly for people who live in Japan.
Q. How much does it cost to rent a car for a month in Japan?
With us, a kei car costs from ¥93,700 for one month, including tax, insurance and the required CDW. Fuel, tolls and parking are extra.
Q. Can I rent a car for six months?
Yes. Rentals start from one week and you can extend by the month.
Q. Which licence do I need for a long stay?
An International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or an approved licence with an official Japanese translation. Either is valid for up to one year from your arrival.
Need a car for a few months?
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. We reply with a total price, including delivery, within one business day.
You are welcome to write to us in English through our web form or LINE. We reply in Japanese, so please use a translation tool to read our reply.