Frequently Asked Questions
Planning to rent a JDM sports car in Japan? Here are answers to the most common questions we receive from international guests. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact our team directly.
1. Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Japan?
Yes, visitors from most countries need an IDP issued in their home country before arriving in Japan. Japan does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan residents can use their home license with an official Japanese translation. Check with your local automobile association before your trip.
2. What is the minimum age to rent a JDM car?
The minimum age to rent is 21 years old. All drivers must present a valid IDP and passport at the time of pickup.
3. Is insurance included in the rental?
Yes, basic insurance is included with every rental. We also offer optional premium coverage for additional peace of mind. Our team will explain all insurance options clearly in English at pickup so you can make an informed decision.
4. Do you have English-speaking staff?
Yes! Our team speaks English and has extensive experience working with international guests from around the world. You won’t need to worry about language barriers — from your first inquiry to the moment you return the car, all communication can be handled in English.
5. Do I need a special license to drive a GT-R or sports car?
No special license is required. A standard car driving license (Class B) together with a valid International Driving Permit is sufficient to drive all vehicles in our fleet, including the Nissan GT-R.
6. Which side of the road do Japanese people drive on?
Japan drives on the LEFT side of the road, similar to the UK, Australia, and many other countries. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Most visitors adapt quickly, and our team will provide a thorough orientation before your drive to make sure you feel confident.
7. What documents do I need to bring?
You must bring all three of the following: a valid passport, your International Driving Permit (IDP), and your original home country driver’s license. All three documents are required at the time of pickup. We are unable to complete the rental without all three.
8. Where is the pickup location?
Our base is located in Shibuya, Tokyo — one of the most convenient and well-connected locations in the city. Exact pickup instructions, including address and directions, will be provided after your booking is confirmed.
9. Can I drive to other cities or take the car on expressways?
Yes! You are welcome to drive on expressways and explore beyond Tokyo. Popular destinations include Hakone, Nikko, and the Fuji Five Lakes area — all accessible by expressway and offering spectacular driving roads. ETC (electronic toll collection) cards can be arranged to make expressway toll payment seamless.
10. Are toll road charges included in the rental fee?
Toll road charges are not included in the rental fee and are the renter’s responsibility. We can provide an ETC card for convenient, cashless toll payment on expressways. Our team will explain how to use it before you depart.
11. What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is as follows: cancellations made more than 72 hours in advance receive a full refund. Cancellations made between 24 and 72 hours before the rental start time incur a 50% charge. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before are charged at 100%. If your plans change, please contact us as soon as possible so we can assist you.
12. How do I book?
The easiest way to book is to visit our booking page at https://japantripsguides.com/jdm-car-rental-japan/ where you can view available cars and select your preferred dates. You can also reach us by sending a DM on Instagram @samurai_car_japan_jdm or by emailing us at [email protected].
13. What JDM cars are available?
Our fleet includes some of the most iconic Japanese sports cars ever produced, such as the Nissan GT-R (R35), Toyota GR Supra, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Silvia S15, Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno, and more. Availability varies by season and current bookings, so we recommend checking our booking page for up-to-date options.
14. What happens if I get in an accident?
Safety always comes first. If you are involved in an accident, contact the police by dialing 110 and then contact our team immediately. Our English-speaking staff will guide you through the entire process step by step. Basic insurance is included with every rental, and premium coverage options are available for additional protection at the time of pickup.
15. Is there a mileage limit?
Yes, a daily mileage limit applies to our rentals. Limits vary depending on the vehicle. Please ask our team for specific details when making your booking so you can plan your route accordingly.
16. Can I drive at night?
Yes, night driving is fully permitted. In fact, Tokyo’s illuminated expressways and the famous wangan (bayside highway) routes are especially spectacular after dark — a truly memorable experience for any car enthusiast. Just be aware of standard traffic rules and drive responsibly.
17. Are there restricted areas where I cannot drive?
Some mountain roads and passes may be seasonally restricted or temporarily closed due to weather conditions, particularly in winter. Our team will advise you on any current restrictions relevant to your planned routes at the time of your rental.
18. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Payment is typically processed at the time of pickup. Please contact us in advance if you have any specific questions about payment arrangements.
Have more questions? Contact us — our English-speaking team is happy to help! Or go straight to our booking page to check availability.