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Discover the Freedom of a One-Way Rental from Tokyo to Osaka

Enjoy the scenic journey while exploring Japan's vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes.

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 year(s).

    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: 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: UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX. Supported debit cards: UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years old. Specific age ranges may vary by provider (e.g., 20-65, 18-80).
  • 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 year(s). Accepted documents include: 1) Original driving licence + IDP (issued under the 1949 Convention). Only IDPs issued under the 1949 Convention are accepted. 2) Taiwan Driving License in China + Japan Translation. For licenses issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, and Taiwan, a Japanese Translation issued by JAF or foreign embassies/consulates in Japan is required. 3) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Note: IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original driving licence.

    Notes: Accepted translation: Authorized Japanese Translation for driver's license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia, Estonia and Monaco. Driver's license, passport, and IDP must be issued in the same country.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Payment methods include credit cards. Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards: Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years old. Specific age ranges may vary by provider (e.g., 20-65, 18-80).
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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 TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 369-407US$ 264.78-312.72US$ 506-695Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 436-481US$ 306.59-312.72US$ 842-1021Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 437-454US$ 306.59-312.72US$ 598-925Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 410-512US$ 264.78-264.78US$ 593-848Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Rental companies often charge an additional fee for dropping off the car at a location different from the pick-up point. Ensure this cost is included in your budget.
  • Cross-Region Restrictions: Confirm if the vehicle can cross regional boundaries as some rentals have restrictions on travel areas.
  • Vehicle Choice: Select a vehicle suitable for the distance and terrain. Compact cars might be ideal for city driving, while larger vehicles offer more comfort for long trips.
  • Rental Duration: Book for an appropriate duration to avoid late return fees. Account for stops or detours during the journey.
  • Drop-Off Location Availability: Ensure the company's drop-off location in Osaka is convenient and accessible to your destination.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early: Reserve your car early to secure better deals and choice of vehicles.
  • Inspect the Rental Policies: Read and understand the company’s rental agreement, especially sections about fuel and mileage policies.
  • Plan Your Route: Preplan your journey with scheduled stops, ensuring scenic spots between Tokyo and Osaka are included.
  • Check Fueling Options: Locate fueling stations along your route to avoid unexpected stops or delays.
  • Pack Essentials: Ensure your rental has essentials like a navigation system or maps, snacks, and a first aid kit.
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

ENEOS Kansai Airport - 1 Senshukukominami, Sennan, Osaka 549-0021, Japan

Eneos Rinkutown SS - 5-50 Rinkuoraiminami, Izumisano, Osaka 598-0047, Japan

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain steady speeds on highways.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Avoid carrying unnecessary heavy loads.

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Tokyo Parking

Consider using public transportation to access central Tokyo to save on parking costs.

Parking in Tokyo can be expensive, with rates averaging 500-800 yen per hour in central areas.

Osaka Parking

Look for parking lots near subway stations for convenience and lower costs.

Osaka offers more affordable parking options, with rates around 300-500 yen per hour in most areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like 'Times Parking' and 'Park24' can help locate and book parking spaces in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have sufficient cash or an ETC card for smooth toll payments.

Using an ETC card can save time and sometimes offer discounts on toll fees.

The route from Tokyo to Osaka includes several toll roads, with total costs ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 yen depending on the exact path taken.

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Self-Drive Routes from Tokyo to Osaka

Discover Routes Between Tokyo and Osaka:
Tokaido Highway Route
Highway 6 hours

A straightforward drive along the Tokaido Shinkansen route.

Nagoya , Shizuoka , Kyoto
Scenic Mountain Way
Scenic Drive 8 hours

Travel through Japan Alps for a scenic experience.

Hakuba , Takayama , Nagoya
Coastal Pacific Route
Coastal 8.5 hours

A picturesque coastal drive along the Pacific Ocean.

Izu Peninsula , Shizuoka , Himeji
Tips for a Smooth Journey

Consider Different Rental Options: Compare one-way rental fees to save costs.

Plan Your Route Carefully: Identify rest stops and highlights beforehand.

Locate Gas Stations: Ensure knowledge of gas stations along the route.

Avoid Rush Hours: Plan drives to avoid peak hour traffic in major cities.

Pack Essentials for the Trip: Carry a roadmap, snacks, and water bottles.

Familiarize with Road Signs: Japanese road signs differ; study common ones in advance.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, only include companies that offer one-way rental service

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Nippon Rent-A-Car$$HighExtensive Large range of car types , Wide availability across Japan , Helpdesk with multilingual support
Toyota Rent a Car$ModerateExtensive Affordable one-way rentals , Excellent reliability and maintenance , Gas-efficient vehicles
Times Car Rental$$HighExtensive User-friendly booking process , Flexible return policies , Affordable prices
Budget Rent-A-Car Japan$$$Very HighExtensive Premium cars available , Internationally recognized brand , Frequent promotions
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

Information About Car Rental Centers

Rental Location in Tokyo:

Most rental locations are in central Tokyo near main train stations.

Operating Hours:

Tokyo rental offices typically operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

Return Location in Osaka:

Cars can be returned to various Osaka stations, including Kansai International Airport.

Distance Coverage:

The total route distance is approx. 500 km, which is around 5-6 hours' drive.

Book your car rental early for discounts and availability, especially during holiday seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental, and how does it work for the Tokyo to Osaka route?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car at one location, such as Tokyo, and drop it off at a different location, such as Osaka. This is ideal for travelers who do not plan to return to the starting point. When booking such rentals, ensure the provider has facilities at both locations and confirm any additional fees.

Are there additional charges for returning the rental in a different city?

Yes, most rental companies charge a one-way fee or drop-off surcharge for returning a vehicle to a different location. This fee varies between companies and can depend on the distance between the pickup and drop-off locations.

Can I rent any type of car for the Tokyo to Osaka route?

Yes, depending on the rental company, you can choose from a variety of vehicles, including economy cars, sedans, and SUVs. For this route, consider your passenger and luggage needs, as well as fuel efficiency for the longer drive.

What documents are required to rent a car in Japan?

To rent a car in Japan, you typically need a valid driver’s license. For foreign visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a translated equivalent of your home country’s license may be required, depending on your nationality. Check with the rental company beforehand for exact requirements.

Are there specific road tolls I need to be aware of for this route?

Yes, traveling from Tokyo to Osaka often involves using the expressway, which has tolls. The cost of tolls can be significant, so consider using an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card, often available from rental companies, to smoothly pass through toll gates and potentially get discounts.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes