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

Can I rent a car from Osaka to Tokyo?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Osaka 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 Japan 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).
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are accepted. Payment methods include cash, credit cards, and deposit cards. Supported credit card brands are UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported debit card brands are UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 65 years old to rent a vehicle.

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:
• Full driver's license issued in Japan
• Taiwan Driving License in China + Japan Translation (For customers with driver's licenses issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, and Taiwan, a Japanese Translation issued by JAF, or foreign embassies or consular offices in Japan is required)
• Original driving licence + IDP (issued under the 1949 Convention) (Only IDP issued under the 1949 Convention will be accepted. IDP issued under the Paris Convention (1926), Washington Convention (1943), and Vienna Convention (1968) will not be accepted!)
• Hongkong Driving License in China + IDP (issued under the 1949 Convention) (Only IDP issued under the 1949 Convention will be accepted. IDP issued under the Paris Convention (1926), Washington Convention (1943), and Vienna Convention (1968) will not be accepted!). Driving License of the People's Republic of China are not allowed for rentals in Japan.
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are accepted. Payment methods include cash, credit cards, and deposit cards. Supported credit card brands are UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported debit card brands are UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 65 years old to rent a vehicle.

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

Key Consideration：

Be Prepared for One-Way Rental Fees: Understand that most rental companies charge a one-way drop-off fee that varies depending on the distance and locations.
Check Cross-Border Restrictions: Ensure the rental allows travel across prefectural boundaries or regions without extra charges or permissions.
Know the Drop-Off Points: Confirm the specific location in Tokyo where the car must be returned as rental companies offer limited drop-off offices.
Plan Rental Duration Carefully: Shorter rentals might result in higher per-day costs; consider a duration that balances cost and convenience.
Fill Up Before Returning: Most rental services require a full fuel tank return; locate a gas station near the drop-off location in Tokyo.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Itinerary Ahead: Decide on waypoints between Osaka and Tokyo to fully utilize the flexibility of a one-way rental.
Familiarize Yourself With Japanese Driving Laws: Make sure you have the required driving permits and understand road signs in Japan.
Make Stops at Scenic Spots: Take advantage of the route flexibility to visit landmarks such as Mount Fuji or Kyoto.
Schedule Plenty of Travel Time: Avoid feeling rushed by allocating adequate time for potential traffic or sightseeing.
Verify Insurance Coverage: Check what is included in your insurance and consider additional protection if necessary.
Compare Rental Options: Research various rental agencies to find the best rate and vehicle that suits your needs.

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 vehicle before returning it to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use nearby gas stations to save on fuel costs compared to rental company rates.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel price in Tokyo is approximately ¥160 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Minimize air conditioning usage to decrease fuel consumption.

Osaka Parking

Parking near major stations like Osaka Station costs around ¥300-¥500 per hour.

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to save on parking fees.

Many parking lots in Osaka accept electronic payments for convenience.

Tokyo Parking

Parking in central Tokyo can cost ¥600-¥1000 per hour.

Look for parking facilities near your drop-off point to save time.

Mobile apps can help locate available parking spots in Tokyo.

Recommended Parking Apps

Times Parking app provides real-time availability and pricing.

Navitime offers detailed parking lot information.

Park24 app allows advance booking for parking spaces.

Tolls and FasTrak

The toll fee for the route from Osaka to Tokyo via the expressway is approximately ¥13,000.

Expressways in Japan are well-maintained and provide convenient rest stops.

Ensure you have an ETC card for seamless toll payment.

Toll Payment Options

ETC cards are accepted for automatic toll collection.

Cash payment is available at toll booths without ETC.

Credit cards are accepted at some toll booths.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Scenic Routes from Osaka to Tokyo:

Coastal Highway Route via Ise and Nagoya

Scenic Drive Approximately 6-8 hours

This route takes you through the scenic coastal highways, offering picturesque views and key stops in cities like Nagoya.

Ise Grand Shrine , Nagoya Castle , Hamamatsu

Mountain Route via Nagano

Nature Retreat Approximately 8-10 hours

Experience the serene landscapes and cultural sites by driving through the mountainous regions.

Kiso Valley , Matsumoto Castle , Nagano City

Direct Route via Tokaido Expressway

Quickest Route Approximately 5-6 hours

The fastest route connecting the two metropolitan areas for travelers with limited time.

Shizuoka , Mount Fuji , Yokohama

Highlights for Travelers:

Osaka to Kyoto

1 hour

A short journey filled with historical landmarks and cultural experiences in Kyoto.

Nagoya to Mount Fuji

2-3 hours

Admire the iconic views of Mount Fuji while exploring the region's natural beauty.

Shizuoka to Hakone

1-2 hours

Known for its serene landscapes and hot springs, this is a relaxing trip.

Yokohama to Tokyo

30 minutes to 1 hour

Explore Yokohama before heading into the heart of Tokyo.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey:

Car Rental Conditions: Ensure you understand the rental terms including fuel policies and return conditions.

Plan Your Route: Choose a route based on your interests, budgeting enough time for sightseeing and rest.

Refueling Information: Locate gas stations along your route to avoid running out of fuel in remote locations.

Cost Planning: Estimate expenses like tolls, fuel, and food to avoid budget shortfalls.

Navigation Tools: Prepare GPS or map applications as backup navigation systems.

Safety Check: Inspect your rental car for any damage and verify the emergency support contact details.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right car rental company is crucial for a seamless one-way drive from Osaka to Tokyo. Below are options that specifically provide one-way rental services, allowing pickups in Osaka and drop-offs in Tokyo.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Nippon Rent-A-Car	$$	High	Very High	24/7 roadside assistance , English-friendly booking system
Toyota Rent a Car	$$	Medium	Very High	Eco-friendly vehicle options , Comprehensive GPS support
Times Car Rental	$	Medium	High	Competitive pricing , Multiple pickup and drop-off points
Europcar Japan	$$$	High	High	Luxurious car options , Advanced insurance coverage

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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

Rental Car Centers in Osaka and Tokyo

Operation Hours:

Rental centers in Osaka and Tokyo operate from 8 AM to 8 PM daily.

Locations:

Centers are located near main train stations, such as Osaka Station in Osaka and Shinagawa Station in Tokyo.

Shuttle Service:

Free shuttle services are provided between airports and rental centers, ensuring easy accessibility.

Vehicle Return:

Vehicles can be returned at any pre-agreed rental center location, offering flexibility for one-way rentals.

Pro Tips for Kansai International Airport(KIX) Car Rentals

Plan your pickup and drop-off times carefully to avoid additional after-hours fees, and confirm whether your rental includes unlimited mileage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up the car at one location, such as Osaka, and drop it off at another location, like Tokyo, without needing to return to the original rental site.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals between Osaka and Tokyo?

Yes, most rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of relocating the vehicle back to its original branch. This fee varies by provider and should be clarified before booking.

What documents are needed to rent a car for this route?

You typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card for the deposit, and in some cases, an international driving permit if your license is not written in Japanese.

Can I specify the type of car for my rental?

Yes, most rental agencies offer a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and compact cars. You can select your preferred type when making your reservation, though availability might vary by location.

Are there toll roads between Osaka and Tokyo, and how are the charges handled?

Yes, the route includes toll roads, most notably on the expressways. Many rental cars come with an ETC card reader that simplifies toll payments, and you are charged based on your usage.

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