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Explore Japan: Osaka to Tokyo by Car

Plan your one-way trip and enjoy the scenic route between Osaka and Tokyo.

Document required for international visitors
  • 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).
  • Form of ID: A valid physical Japan national photo ID.
  • Accepted cards: Accepted payment methods include cash, credit cards, and deposit cards. Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Debit cards from the same providers are also accepted.
  • 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 licenses include: Full driver's license issued in Japan; Taiwan Driving License in China + Japan Translation (for licenses issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, and Taiwan, a Japanese translation by JAF or embassies is required); Original driving licence + IDP (issued under the 1949 Convention); Hongkong Driving License in China + IDP (issued under the 1949 Convention). Driving License of the People's Republic of China is not allowed for rentals in Japan.
  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Accepted payment methods include cash, credit cards, and deposit cards. Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Debit cards from the same providers are also accepted.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 65 years old to rent a vehicle.
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What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee Assessment: Understand the additional costs associated with one-way rentals in Japan, as they may vary by company or distance.
  • Road Travel Restrictions: Ensure there are no regional or cross-prefecture travel restrictions for the booked vehicle.
  • Refueling Policies: Familiarize yourself with refueling requirements before dropping off the car to avoid penalties.
  • Booking in Advance: Book the rental well in advance to secure availability and better deals for one-way routes.
  • Insurance Coverage: Review available insurance options and coverage limits for the entire route.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Travel Stops: Mark interesting spots on the route for breaks and sightseeing between Osaka and Tokyo.
  • Verify Vehicle Condition: Inspect the vehicle upon pick-up and document any pre-existing damage to avoid disputes.
  • Understand Traffic Laws: Acquaint yourself with Japan's driving regulations and etiquette to ensure safe travel.
  • Ensure Navigation Availability: Have a reliable GPS or map service to navigate efficiently during your journey.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, water, and phone chargers for a comfortable long-distance drive.
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.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
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.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

羽田空港 - Hanedakuko Kokusaisen Terminal, 2 Chome-6-5 Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan

ENEOS Haneda Maintenance Area SS - 3 Chome-5-6 Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to conserve fuel.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the car.

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Osaka Parking

Consider using municipal parking lots for better rates.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Tokyo Parking

Reserve parking spaces in advance using online platforms.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to carry cash or an ETC card for toll payments.

Plan your route to avoid unnecessary tolls.

Actual toll roads and charges

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Explore Scenic Ways from Osaka to Tokyo:
Coastal Scenic Route
Scenic Drive 10 hours 30 minutes

A beautiful journey along Japan's coast, featuring ocean vistas and charming seaside towns.

Kobe , Nagoya , Shizuoka
Cultural Landmarks Route
Heritage Pathway 11 hours

Pass through iconic historical and cultural sites between Osaka and Tokyo.

Nara , Kyoto , Nagoya
Expressway Route
Fast Track 7 hours 50 minutes

The fastest route connecting Osaka to Tokyo via the main expressway.

Nagoya
Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Selection: Choose a vehicle size appropriate for the number of passengers and luggage.

Route Planning: Plan your route ahead, considering stops and scenic detours.

Fuel Stops: Identify fuel stations along the route to refuel effectively.

Time Management: Allocate time for rest stops and leisure.

Accommodation: Book overnight stops if driving long distances.

Rental Agreement: Review the rental agreement, including one-way fee policies.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

To find the best car rental company for your Osaka to Tokyo journey, consider factors such as fleet variety, service locations, and additional one-way rental fees.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Nippon Rent-A-Car$$High - Compact to luxury carsExcellent - Both Osaka and Tokyo covered Wide network , Comprehensive insurance options , English-speaking staff available at major centers
Toyota Rent a Car$$$Very High - Extensive range of Toyota modelsExcellent - Numerous centers across Japan Specialized in Toyota vehicles , One-stop online booking system , 24-hour roadside assistance
Times Car Rental$$High - Variety of vehicle types including hybridsVery good - Available at key locations Budget-friendly options , Eco-friendly hybrid vehicles
Hertz$$$High - Premium and economy segmentsGood - Limited number of branches International brand recognition , Loyalty programs
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
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 Centers in Osaka and Tokyo

Rental car center locations:

Rental car centers are conveniently located at major Tokyo airports and Osaka's key transit hubs.

Operating hours:

Most centers at airports operate 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, whereas city locations may vary.

Shuttle services:

Complimentary shuttle service is regularly available from airport terminals to rental centers.

Check for discounts on advance bookings through official rental websites or contact directly for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider before renting a car for a one-way trip from Osaka to Tokyo?

Before renting a car for a one-way trip from Osaka to Tokyo, consider the following: - Check whether there are any additional fees for a one-way trip. - Ensure the rental company has stations at both locations for return convenience. - Understand the road rules and toll charges on your route. - Plan your fuel stops, as you'll need to refuel before returning the car.

Are there any additional charges for one-way car rentals?

Yes, depending on the rental agency, you may incur a one-way surcharge. This fee covers the logistics of returning the car to its original location. Check with your rental company for specific details.

Which documents are required for renting a car in Japan for this route?

To rent a car in Japan, you'll need: - A valid driver's license with an international driving permit (if your license is not from Japan). - Your passport for identification. - A credit card to make the payment and deposit.

Can I return the rental car at a location in Tokyo different from where I rented it in Osaka?

Yes, most rental companies provide options for returning the vehicle at different locations. Make sure to specify your drop-off point during the booking process to ensure availability and confirm applicable fees.

Is it possible to rent an electric or hybrid vehicle for this journey?

Many rental agencies now offer electric or hybrid vehicles in their lineup, especially for routes like Osaka to Tokyo. Check the availability of such cars when booking, and plan charging stops on your route if choosing an electric car.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes