Touring Tokyo can be worthwhile if you know where to go and what to do. The busy city is home to attractions, such as Hamarikyu Gardens, Meiji Jingu and Olympic sites like New National Stadium, which are suitably accessible with car rentals in Tokyo. Alighting from the Tokyo Narita Airport and Tokyo Haneda Airport, it's best to use rental cars in Tokyo to visit close sites like Tokyo Big Sight. For easy navigation around the capital, it’s essential to note the three main roads, namely, Tokyo Outer Ring Road, Tokyo Metro Expressway Circular Route and Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway. Finding parking in Tokyo can be a sport; however, there are visible parking signs that will help you find available parking. Also, watch out for stipulated parking times and parking rentals commonly marked as "tsukigime." With more than 70 car rental locations in Tokyo, you’re guaranteed to save time renting one.
While visiting, is it worthwhile to rent a car while visiting Tokyo?
Parking spaces usually indicate the number of parking spaces available, so it’d be best to look out for such signs. Moreover, with the many parking lots and garages, it’s illegal to park in the street. Traffic in Tokyo can be unbearable due to the multi-lane roads and countless streetlights on main roads. To escape traffic, it’d be best to drive car rentals in Tokyo on two-lane expressways that’ll get you into different parts of the city faster. By using a simple car like an economy car rental, you can visit nearby cities like Chofu with sites like Jindaiji Temple where you can participate in festivals. Tokyo is a walkable city with most sites and facilities at a close distance. Car rentals in Tokyo are the most convenient and affordable transportation option for long-distance destinations like Izu Island and Sado Island. All in all, you’ll find a cheap car rental in Tokyo, a better solution for saving money so you can spend more on memorabilia and exploring the city.
What different driving laws should I keep in mind while driving in Tokyo?
It’s important to stay safe while in Tokyo, and the city’s laws will help you accomplish this. Note that on freeways, the speed limit is different from urban areas and the speed measurements are in kilometers per hour. The Japan Expressway Pass is mandatory for visitors, and you can purchase it at Tokyo car rental offices. Additionally, all drivers must possess car insurance in their car while driving. Because roads in Tokyo are considerably narrower, it’s illegal to turn on a red light unless indicated otherwise. Driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level more than the legal limit is strictly illegal. Any passenger in the same vehicle with such a driver is equally at fault. It’d be wise to check with Tokyo’s department of motor vehicles for recent law changes.
Will I need a special driver’s license or permit to drive a rental car in Tokyo if I’m visiting from another country?
As a foreigner, you must have an IDP and your driver’s license from your country to drive rental cars ranging from a passenger van rental to a luxury car rental in Tokyo. You can only use your IDP for one year, even when its validity is for longer than one year. For foreign residents, you’ll need to exchange your country’s license with Japan’s by applying for a permanent driver’s license. Documents like your residency certificate are important for the application. Locals who want to upgrade from their learner’s permit can apply for a permanent driver’s license with a resident card, a current headshot photo, a learner’s permit and a residence certificate.