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.

Get in Touch

We're happy to help! Our English-speaking team is ready to answer your questions — whether you're planning your trip, deciding which car to rent, or need advice on driving in Japan. Don't hesitate to reach out.

Contact Information

Business Hours

Monday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Japan Standard Time / JST, UTC+9)

We are open every day of the week to serve international guests across all time zones. If you're contacting us from overseas, please keep Japan Standard Time in mind when expecting a reply.

English Support

Our team speaks English and is experienced with international customers. You won't need to worry about language barriers — from your first inquiry to the day you pick up your keys, all communication can be handled in English.

Response Time

We aim to reply within 24 hours. For the fastest response, send us a DM on Instagram @samurai_car_japan_jdm — this is typically the quickest way to reach us for urgent inquiries.

Ready to Book?

If you're ready to choose your car and confirm dates, head straight to our booking page. You'll find our full fleet of iconic JDM sports cars along with availability and pricing details.

Visit our booking page to check availability and reserve your car

What to Include in Your Message

To help us assist you as quickly as possible, please include the following when you get in touch:

  • Your intended rental dates
  • Which car(s) you're interested in
  • Your nationality and IDP status
  • Any specific questions or requests

We look forward to welcoming you to Samurai Car Japan and helping you experience Japan's legendary sports car culture firsthand.

Welcome to Samurai Car Japan

Samurai Car Japan is a JDM sports car rental and tour company based in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo. We exist for one reason: to put car enthusiasts behind the wheel of the most legendary Japanese sports cars ever built — the machines that defined generations, starred in iconic video games, and launched a global love affair with Japanese automotive culture.

Whether you grew up playing Gran Turismo, watching Initial D, or dreaming about the cars you saw in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, we're here to turn that dream into reality. This isn't just a rental — it's an experience you'll never forget.

Our Story & Passion

Japan has produced some of the most thrilling sports cars in automotive history. The Nissan GT-R — known around the world as "Godzilla" — earned its legendary status on the Nurburgring. The Toyota Supra became a symbol of raw tuning potential. The Mazda RX-7 rewrote the rulebook with its rotary engine. The Nissan Silvia S15 and Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno became cultural icons through motorsport and the streets of Japanese mountain passes.

At Samurai Car Japan, we share your passion for these cars. Every vehicle in our fleet has been carefully selected and maintained to deliver an authentic, exhilarating JDM experience. We know these cars inside and out — their history, their character, and what makes each one special.

Designed for International Guests

We are proud to serve car enthusiasts from around the world. Our English-speaking team has extensive experience working with international guests — from North America, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and beyond. We understand that traveling in a foreign country can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to driving. That's why we go out of our way to make the process simple, clear, and stress-free.

From the moment you contact us to the moment you return the keys, our team is with you every step of the way. We'll walk you through documentation requirements, explain the rules of the road in Japan, and ensure you leave our Shibuya base feeling confident and excited.

Our Services

We offer two core services tailored for car enthusiasts visiting Japan:

  • JDM Car Rentals — Choose from our fleet of iconic Japanese sports cars and take to the streets of Tokyo and beyond at your own pace. Explore the city, hit the expressways, or plan a scenic drive to Hakone or Mount Fuji.
  • Guided Car Culture Tours — Immerse yourself in Japan's rich automotive culture with a guided tour experience. Visit legendary spots, meet local car enthusiasts, and discover a side of Japan that most tourists never see.

Why Choose Samurai Car Japan?

There are plenty of car rental companies in Tokyo — but none of them offer what we do. Ordinary rental companies give you a sensible sedan. We hand you the keys to a Nissan GT-R.

Here's what sets us apart:

  • Authentic JDM fleet — Every car is the real thing. No compromises, no substitutions.
  • English-speaking team — Full support in English from inquiry through to return. No language barrier, no confusion.
  • International experience — We've hosted guests from dozens of countries and know exactly what international visitors need.
  • Prime Shibuya location — Perfectly situated in central Tokyo, with easy access from major hotels, train stations, and tourist areas.
  • Transparent and friendly service — Clear pricing, honest advice, and a team that genuinely loves cars as much as you do.
  • Safety first — All vehicles are thoroughly maintained, and we provide a thorough briefing before every rental to ensure you drive with confidence.

Our Location: Shibuya, Tokyo

Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most vibrant and well-connected districts. Our base here means you're minutes from the city's best hotels, public transport links, and tourist attractions. Whether you're staying in Shinjuku, Roppongi, or anywhere else in central Tokyo, getting to us is easy — and getting out on the road is even easier.

Ready to Experience Japan's Greatest Cars?

There has never been a better time to visit Japan and experience JDM car culture firsthand. From the legendary machines to the iconic roads — this is something every car enthusiast deserves to do at least once.

View our JDM car fleet and book your experience — our team is ready to welcome you to Samurai Car Japan.

About Us
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