One-Way Car Rental from Kobe to Tokyo | Compare Prices & Fees

Can I rent a car from Kobe to Tokyo?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Kobe to Tokyo. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for JP residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical Italy national photo ID.
Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

Notes: If you are renting a Citroen DS7 CROSSBACK or similar, Nuova C5 X Hybrid or similar, Jeep Compass or similar, AUDI Q5 or similar, or Q5 S-Tronic or similar, please ensure that both your driving license and ID document are issued by the same country.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, UnionPay, JCB, DinersClub, and Discover. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 18 to 25 may incur a fee of US$ 28.25 per day. Older drivers aged 76 to 85 may incur a fee of US$ 17.65 per day.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
• EU Driving Licence
• Full driver's license issued in Italy.

Notes: If you are renting a Citroen DS7 CROSSBACK or similar, Nuova C5 X Hybrid or similar, Jeep Compass or similar, AUDI Q5 or similar, or Q5 S-Tronic or similar, please ensure that both your driving license and ID document are issued by the same country.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, UnionPay, JCB, DinersClub, and Discover. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 18 to 25 may incur a fee of US$ 28.25 per day. Older drivers aged 76 to 85 may incur a fee of US$ 17.65 per day.

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Be aware that most rental companies charge a one-way fee for different drop-off locations.
Location Restrictions: Confirm if cross-prefecture travel is allowed, as some rentals have geographic limitations.
Rental Duration: Ensure your rental period aligns with the car company's policy to prevent additional charges.
Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy—whether to return the car with a full tank or pay for the pre-purchased option.
Vehicle Availability: Request your desired vehicle type in advance as certain models may be limited for one-way trips.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route: Familiarize yourself with the route from Kobe to Tokyo and plan for fuel stops along the way.
Book Early: Secure your booking early to ensure availability and potentially lower rates.
Pack Accordingly: Travel light to avoid issues with luggage space in the vehicle.
Account for Traffic: Allocate extra time for potential traffic conditions, especially near Tokyo.
Confirm Drop-off Details: Double-check the address and operating hours of the Tokyo drop-off location.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car to the same level as when picked up to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last refueling receipt as proof of refueling.

Plan refueling stops in advance to avoid delays or high prices.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost for this route is approximately 160 JPY per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and use cruise control where possible.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to improve mileage.

Minimize the use of air conditioning to reduce fuel consumption.

Kobe Parking

Parking near Kobe Airport is available starting at 300 JPY per hour.

Overnight parking options are available at designated lots.

Consider using online booking for cheaper rates.

Tokyo Parking

Tokyo offers multi-level parking options starting at 500 JPY per hour.

Parking is more expensive in central districts; plan accordingly.

Utilize parking apps to find available spaces in advance.

Recommended Parking Apps

Times Parking App for real-time availability.

NaviTime for comprehensive parking solutions.

Park24 for affordable and convenient parking options.

Tolls and FasTrak

Tolls are applicable on the Shin-Tomei Expressway, costing approximately 10,000 JPY for the route.

The Hanshin Expressway tolls start at 900 JPY.

Ensure you have sufficient cash or an ETC card for seamless toll payment.

Toll Payment Options

ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) cards are widely accepted.

Manual payment via cash is possible at toll booths.

Credit card payment is available at select toll gates.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between Kobe and Tokyo:

Scenic Coastal Route

Scenic Drive 9-10 hours

This route takes you through picturesque coastal landscapes via Route 1.

Osaka , Kyoto , Nagoya

Mountain Adventure Route

Adventure Drive 10-11 hours

Experience the beauty of Japanese mountains via Route 19 and enjoy scenic views.

Gifu , Shizuoka

Express Highway Route

Fast Lane 6-7 hours

A quick route via the Tōmei Expressway, ideal for direct travel.

Hamamatsu , Yokohama

Exciting Journey Plans in the Region:

Kyoto Cultural Exploration

1-2 hours from Kobe

Visit the historic temples and gardens of Kyoto.

Nagoya Foodie Tour

4-5 hours from Kobe

Explore the local culinary scene in Nagoya.

Mount Fuji Getaway

3-4 hours from Tokyo

Enjoy breathtaking views and outdoor activities around Mount Fuji.

Tokyo City Highlights

Direct destination

Discover the vibrant culture and attractions of Tokyo's dynamic cityscape.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Selection: Choose a car suitable for your group size and route conditions.

Fuel Awareness: Plan fuel stops in advance to avoid running low in remote areas.

Route Familiarity: Familiarize yourself with the specific routes and highlights before starting your journey.

Cost Management: Understand toll costs and consider acquiring an ETC card for expressways.

Packing Essentials: Carry the required essentials, considering the weather and attractions.

Navigational Tools: Use reliable navigation tools with offline maps available to avoid discrepancies.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection for one-way rentals between Kobe and Tokyo.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Nippon Rent-A-Car	$$$	High	Wide	Many locations across Japan , Convenient services for international travelers
Toyota Rent-A-Car	$$	Extensive	Very Wide	Comprehensive fleet of Toyota vehicles , Exclusive services like hybrid options
Times Car Rental	$$	Moderate	Large	Affordable pricing , Technologically advanced systems
ORIX Rent-A-Car	$$	Wide	Wide	Diverse rental options , Eco-friendly car options

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Car Rental Center Details for Travelers

Operating Hours:

Most car rental centers operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Rental Car Center Locations:

Car rental centers can be found near Kobe and Tokyo city centers and major stations.

Shuttle Frequency:

Free shuttle services run every 15–20 minutes to and from designated pickup/dropoff points.

One-Way Dropoff Information:

Ensure your rental company supports hassle-free one-way drop-offs at your Tokyo destination.

Pro Tips for Kobe Airport(UKB) Car Rentals

Book your rental car in advance during peak holiday seasons to ensure vehicle availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical costs involved in renting a car one-way from Kobe to Tokyo?

Costs typically include the base rental fee, fuel charges, and a possible one-way drop-off fee. Prices may vary by rental company and specific vehicle type.

How long does it take to drive from Kobe to Tokyo?

Driving from Kobe to Tokyo usually takes 5-7 hours depending on traffic and the chosen route. Major highways like the Tōmei Expressway are commonly used.

Are there specific restrictions for one-way rentals from Kobe to Tokyo?

While most companies allow one-way rentals, some may have restrictions on vehicle types or require prior arrangements. It's recommended to confirm the details while booking.

Where should I refuel before reaching Tokyo?

There are numerous service areas along the route where you can refuel. It's a good idea to fill up before entering metropolitan Tokyo to avoid city congestion.

What documents do I need to rent a car for this route?

You will need a valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit (if required), and a credit card for the deposit. Check with the rental company for specific requirements.

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