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

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 1-2 years.

Notes: Accepted translation: Authorized Japanese Translation for driver's license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia, Estonia, and Monaco.
Form of ID: A valid physical Japan national photo ID.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, and AMEX.
Age requirements: The minimum driving age is 18, and the maximum is 80-99 years depending on the specific policy.

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 1-2 years. Accepted documents include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Convention. Note: IDPs issued under the Paris Convention (1926), Washington Convention (1943), and Vienna Convention (1968) are not accepted. For licenses issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, and Taiwan, both the original license and a Japanese Translation issued by JAF, foreign embassies, or consular offices in Japan are required.

Notes: Driver's license, passport, and IDP must be issued in the same country. Accepted translation: Authorized Japanese Translation for driver's license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia, Estonia, and Monaco.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, and AMEX.
Age requirements: The minimum driving age is 18, and the maximum is 80-99 years depending on the specific policy.

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 369-420	US$ 264.78-318.85	US$ 506-709	Solo travelers, couples
Large	US$ 449-495	US$ 318.85-318.85	US$ 855-1034	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 451-468	US$ 318.85-318.85	US$ 855-938	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 410-512	US$ 264.78-264.78	US$ 593-866	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

Understand the One-way Fee: Many rental agencies charge an additional one-way fee for dropping off the vehicle at a different location. Ensure you are aware of and accept this fee before confirming your booking.
Review Cross-border Restrictions: Verify if your route includes any cross-border travel restrictions. Some rental agreements prohibit crossing prefectural borders or have additional charges for it.
Check Availability of Drop-off Locations: Ensure that the agency has a drop-off location in Kobe that aligns with your travel schedule and needs.
Refuel Policy: Confirm the fuel return policy, as many agencies require the tank to be full upon drop-off to avoid additional charges.
Inspect Vehicle Condition: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any pre-existing damage before departure and ensure the condition is documented in the rental agreement.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Break Stops Strategically: Identify scenic or essential rest stops to make the drive more enjoyable and efficient.
Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a car that suits your group size and luggage needs, especially for the long-distance drive.
Understand the Rental Insurance Coverage: Ensure that your rental insurance covers the route from Tokyo to Kobe and is inclusive of aspects like property damage and theft.
Book Early for Better Options: Booking your one-way rental car in advance can ensure a larger selection of vehicles and better pricing.
Save Navigation Details Beforehand: Download maps or save navigation routes ahead of time as some parts of the journey may have limited internet connectivity.
Factor in Toll Costs: The route may include toll roads, so be prepared with either a cash fund or an electronic toll collection card.

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

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

三菱商事エネルギー MK神戸空港前 - 8 Chome-11-3 Minatojima, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0045, Japan

FamilyMart Kobe Airport - Japan, 〒650-0048 Hyogo, Kobe, Chuo Ward, Kobekuko, 1−1 旅客ターミナル

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid unnecessary idling to conserve fuel.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal mileage.

Tokyo Parking

Look for early bird discounts at parking facilities for reduced rates.

Parking in Tokyo can be expensive and limited. Consider using parking lots near train stations for better rates.

Kobe Parking

Utilize parking apps to locate available spaces in busy areas.

Kobe offers a range of parking options, including multi-story car parks and on-street parking. Rates are generally more affordable compared to Tokyo.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Park24 and Times Parking can help you find and book parking spaces in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Always check for ETC lane availability to avoid delays.

Consider purchasing an ETC card for seamless toll payment.

The route includes several toll roads, with charges varying by distance. Ensure you have cash or an ETC card for payment.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Scenic Road Trips from Tokyo to Kobe:

Route 1: Tokaido Scenic Highway

Highway Route 7-8 hours

The route traverses through the historical Tokaido road offering scenic views and modern infrastructure.

Yokohama , Nagoya , Shizuoka

Route 2: Coastal Charm Drive

Scenic Coastal Route 8-10 hours

A longer but beautiful journey along Japan's eastern coastline with breathtaking ocean views.

Hakone , Numazu , Hamanako

Route 3: Mountainous Path Escape

Natural Landscape Route 10-12 hours

Explore Japan's mountainous terrains and rural charm while traveling from Tokyo to Kobe.

Takayama , Matsumoto , Kanazawa

Exciting Detours and Day Trips:

Hakone Serenity and Onsen

2 hours from Tokyo

Renowned for its hot springs and views of Mt. Fuji.

Cultural Leap to Kyoto

2 hours from Kobe

Immerse in Japan's ancient tradition and leadership in cultural legacy.

Nagoya – Industrial Walk

3 hours from Tokyo

Focus on urban technology and museum visits.

Okayama – The Garden City

6 hours from Tokyo

Explore the famous Koraku-en and Okayama Castle.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Check road conditions: Ensure the planned routes are open and access roads are safe without disruptions.

Rental insurance coverage: Understand what is covered within the policies to prevent unexpected expenses.

Gas stations along the route: Plan fuel stops and ensure no long unserviced stretches on your route.

Have digital and physical maps: Signal availability varies; having redundant navigation systems avoids major hindrances.

Plan stops and accommodation judiciously: Advanced booking in regions highly preferred or limited in hotels is advisable.

Factor time buffers: Allow cushion times for unexpected halts or sightseeing diversions.

Choosing the Right Car Rental Company

Select from reliable rental companies offering one-way car rental services from Tokyo to Kobe.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Company A	$$	Excellent	Wide	Affordable one-way fees , Wide selection of vehicles , Excellent customer service
Company B	$	Good	Moderate	Budget-friendly , Convenient pickup and drop-off locations
Company C	$$$	Extensive	Nationwide	Luxury and premium car options , Frequent traveler programs , Exceptional brand reputation
Company D	$$	Comprehensive	Broad	Flexible cancellation terms , Support for international driving permits

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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 Centers Info

Operating Hours:

Centers typically operate from 8 AM to 8 PM daily.

Rental Car Center Locations:

Located close to major transportation hubs in Tokyo and Kobe.

Shuttle Services:

Free shuttles run every 20 minutes between station areas and car rental facilities.

Airport Accessibility:

Easily accessible from nearby airports, with instructions provided upon booking.

Book in advance to secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability for your preferred dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental, and how does it work?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental vehicle at one location and drop it off at a different location. For the route from Tokyo to Kobe, you would pick up your car in Tokyo and return it in Kobe without the need to drive back to the starting point.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Typically, car rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the costs of returning the vehicle to its original location. Be sure to check with your car rental provider for exact pricing and policy details.

What types of vehicles are available for rent on this route?

Rental agencies usually offer a wide range of vehicles, including economy cars, SUVs, and even luxury models. Depending on availability, consider selecting a car that suits your trip needs for comfort and efficiency on the drive from Tokyo to Kobe.

Do I need to mention my one-way rental request in advance?

Yes, you should inform the rental company during the booking process that you require a one-way rental. This ensures they can accommodate your request and provide accurate pricing.

Are gas stations available along the route from Tokyo to Kobe?

Yes, there are multiple gas stations along the route, often at rest areas and highway service points. It's advisable to refuel as necessary, especially before returning the vehicle in Kobe.

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