One-Way Car Rental from Tokyo to Osaka | 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 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).

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$ 369-407	US$ 264.78-312.72	US$ 506-695	Solo travelers, couples
Large	US$ 436-481	US$ 306.59-312.72	US$ 842-1021	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 437-454	US$ 306.59-312.72	US$ 598-925	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 410-512	US$ 264.78-264.78	US$ 593-848	Large 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.

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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

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.

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.

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.

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

Exciting Trips Along the Route:

Osaka to Kyoto via Nara

1.5 hours

Explore the cultural and historic connections along this route.

Tokyo to Hakone and Fuji

2 hours

Experience Mt. Fuji views and Hakone's restorative hot springs.

Shizuoka Tea Fields Drive

4 hours

See stunning green tea fields en route.

Nagoya Heritage Circuit

5 hours

Explore Nagoya's rich history and cuisine.

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

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Nippon Rent-A-Car	$$	High	Extensive	Large range of car types , Wide availability across Japan , Helpdesk with multilingual support
Toyota Rent a Car	$	Moderate	Extensive	Affordable one-way rentals , Excellent reliability and maintenance , Gas-efficient vehicles
Times Car Rental	$$	High	Extensive	User-friendly booking process , Flexible return policies , Affordable prices
Budget Rent-A-Car Japan	$$$	Very High	Extensive	Premium cars available , Internationally recognized brand , Frequent promotions

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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

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.

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