What Nippon Rent a Car is and how to use it

Nippon Rent a Car is a Japanese car rental company with locations across Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. If you are renting a vehicle in Japan, Nippon operates hundreds of branches in cities, airports, and train stations, making it one of the largest rental networks in the country. You book online or by phone, pick up your car at your chosen location, and return it to the same branch or a different one depending on your reservation.

The rental process itself is straightforward: you provide a valid driver's license (your home country license is usually accepted, though an International Driving Permit is recommended), a credit card for the deposit, and proof of insurance or purchase their coverage. You sign the rental agreement, inspect the vehicle for existing damage, and drive away. When you return the car, staff check for new damage, top up fuel if needed, and process your final payment.

Nippon's main advantage is branch density in Japan—you can often pick up near a train station or airport and drop off elsewhere without backtracking. Their disadvantage is that prices vary significantly by location and season, and their English-language support is better at major airports than at smaller branches.

Key Takeaways

  • Nippon Rent a Car requires a valid driver's license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit, a credit card for deposit, and proof of insurance or willingness to buy their coverage.
  • You can book online through their website or by phone, and you pick up and return at physical branches—there is no app-based pickup like some competitors offer.
  • Damage deposits are held on your credit card at pickup and released after the car is inspected on return, which can take several business days.
  • Fuel is charged on a full-to-full basis: you pick up with a full tank and return it full, or you pay Nippon's per-litre rate, which is usually higher than station prices.
  • Cancellation policies vary by rate type, so read the terms when you book—some rates are non-refundable, while others allow free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup.

What documents and licenses you need to rent from Nippon

Your home country driver's license is the starting point, but Nippon and Japanese law both recommend an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a translation of your license issued by your home country's automobile association and is valid for one year. You can obtain one before you travel through your country's AAA equivalent—in the United States, the American Automobile Association; in the UK, the AA or RAC; in Canada, the CAA. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on how you order.

Without an IDP, you may still rent from Nippon at some locations, but you risk being stopped by police and unable to prove you are licensed to drive. Japanese traffic police do not always accept foreign licenses without the permit, even though technically they should. Carrying both your home license and the IDP removes that risk.

You will also need a valid credit card in your own name for the damage deposit. Nippon holds this amount on your card at pickup—typically ¥20,000 to ¥50,000 depending on the vehicle class—and releases it after the car is inspected on return. This can take three to five business days to appear back in your account. Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit, though some locations may accept them for the final payment if you pay cash for the deposit separately.

How pricing works and what affects your final cost

Nippon's daily rental rate depends on the car class, the branch location, the season, and how far in advance you book. A compact car in Tokyo during peak season (cherry blossom season in spring, Golden Week in late April, summer holidays in August) costs significantly more than the same car in a rural area in winter. Booking two weeks ahead is usually cheaper than booking the day before, though some rates are fixed regardless of timing.

The quoted rate covers the car and basic insurance (usually third-party liability only). Optional add-ons include collision damage waiver (CDW), which reduces or eliminates your liability if the car is damaged; theft protection; and roadside information. These typically cost ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per day. If you decline Nippon's insurance, you must show proof that your own insurance or credit card covers rental cars in Japan—many home policies do not, and many credit cards exclude rentals outside your home country.

Fuel is charged on a full-to-full basis: you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full. If you return it less than full, Nippon charges you per litre at a rate that is usually 20 to 40 percent higher than station prices. Tolls on expressways are charged to your credit card after you return the car, so budget for these if you plan to drive between cities. GPS rental (if you do not have your own navigation) costs around ¥1,000 per day.

Picking up your car and what to check before you drive

Arrive at your chosen branch at least 15 minutes before your reservation time. You will need to present your driver's license, IDP, credit card, and passport. Staff will ask you to confirm your insurance choice, sign the rental agreement, and provide a contact number. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Before you leave the lot, walk around the car with the staff member and inspect it together. Point out any existing scratches, dents, or damage—staff will note these on the agreement so you are not charged for them on return. Take photos of the car's condition with your phone if you can; this creates a record if there is a dispute later. Check that the spare tyre, jack, and warning triangle are in the boot, and that you understand how to operate the lights, wipers, and air conditioning.

Ask staff to show you where the fuel door release is, how to open the petrol cap, and whether the car uses regular or premium fuel. Japanese cars often use regular (regular gasoline, called レギュラー), but some models require premium (ハイオク). Putting the wrong fuel in will damage the engine, so confirm this before you drive away.

Driving in Japan and what happens if you have an accident

Japanese roads are well-maintained and traffic rules are strictly enforced. You drive on the left side of the road, and speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour. Expressways (high-speed toll roads) are common between cities and are faster than national highways, but tolls add up quickly—a 100-kilometre expressway trip can cost ¥2,000 to ¥4,000. You can pay tolls with cash or a prepaid card at toll booths, or Nippon can set up automatic toll charging to your credit card.

If you have an accident, stop when ready and call the police (dial 110). Do not move the car unless it is blocking traffic. Take photos of the damage, note the other driver's details, and get a police report number—you will need this for insurance. Call Nippon's emergency line (the number is on your rental agreement) and tell them what happened. Do not admit fault or agree to pay for anything on the spot. Nippon's insurance will handle the claim, though you may be liable for the excess (deductible) depending on which coverage you purchased.

Minor traffic violations (speeding, parking violations) result in fines that are often mailed to Nippon after you return the car. Nippon will then charge your credit card and send you the fine details. Serious violations (driving under the influence, reckless driving) can result in arrest and license suspension, so follow traffic laws carefully.

Returning the car and getting your deposit back

Return the car to your chosen branch on or before your reservation end time. If you return it late, you will be charged for an additional day at the daily rate. Arrive with a full fuel tank—if the tank is not full, Nippon charges per litre at their rate, which is higher than what you would pay at a petrol station.

Staff will inspect the car for new damage, check the odometer, and verify the fuel level. If there is new damage beyond normal wear, you will be charged for repairs. The amount depends on the severity: a small scratch might cost ¥10,000 to ¥30,000, while a major dent or panel replacement can cost ¥100,000 or more. If you purchased collision damage waiver, your liability is reduced or waived depending on the terms. If you did not, you pay the full repair cost.

Your damage deposit is released back to your credit card after the inspection is complete, usually within three to five business days. Your final bill (rental charges, fuel overage, tolls, damage, and any fines) is processed to the same card. Request an itemised receipt so you can verify all charges before you leave the branch.

Cancellation, changes, and what to do if plans change

Cancellation policies depend on the rate type you booked. Some rates are fully refundable if you cancel up to 48 hours before pickup; others are non-refundable from the moment you book. Check the terms when you reserve—Nippon's website shows the cancellation policy for each rate option.

If you need to change your pickup or return date, location, or car class, contact Nippon as soon as possible. Changes are usually free if made more than 48 hours before pickup, but may incur a fee or rate adjustment if made closer to your reservation. If you need to extend your rental after pickup, call Nippon's branch and ask if the car is available for another day—if it is booked by another customer, you cannot keep it.

If you need to return the car early, you will not receive a refund for the unused days unless your rate specifically allows it. Most daily rates do not, so returning early costs you money. Plan your trip carefully to avoid this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent from Nippon?

Nippon recommends one, and Japanese law technically requires one if you are stopped by police. Your home country license alone may be accepted at major branches, but you risk being unable to prove you are licensed if stopped. An IDP takes a few days to a few weeks to obtain from your home country's automobile association and is valid for one year, so it is worth getting before you travel.

What happens if I return the car with damage I did not cause?

Inspect the car carefully at pickup and point out any existing damage to staff—they will note it on your agreement. Take photos as well. When you return the car, staff will compare the condition to the pickup notes. If damage is documented as pre-existing, you will not be charged. If you did not report it at pickup and it appears on return, you may be charged even if you did not cause it, so documentation is essential.

Can I drive the rental car outside Japan?

No. Nippon rental cars are insured only for use within Japan. Driving into South Korea or another country voids your insurance and may result in legal consequences. If you need to rent a car in another country, you must return the Nippon car and book a separate rental with a local company.

What if I get a parking ticket or traffic fine while renting?

Fines are usually mailed to Nippon after you return the car. Nippon will charge your credit card for the fine amount and send you a copy. You are responsible for paying these fines—they are not covered by rental insurance. Pay them promptly to avoid additional penalties.

How long does it take to get my damage deposit back?

The deposit is released after the car is inspected on return, which usually takes three to five business days. The money appears back in your credit card account as a credit, not as a refund, so it may take an additional one to two business days to show up depending on your bank. If you dispute a damage charge, the release may take longer while Nippon investigates.