Sakura Rent a Car is a Japanese rental company with locations across Japan and some international airports

Sakura Rent a Car operates rental counters at major airports and city centres throughout Japan, primarily serving tourists and business travellers. The company is owned by Toyota Financial Services and focuses on short-term vehicle rentals ranging from economy cars to vans and SUVs. If you are planning to drive in Japan, understanding how Sakura's rental process works, what documents you need, and what their vehicles actually cost will help you decide whether it fits your trip.

The company's main advantage is availability at tourist-heavy locations and straightforward online booking. The main limitation is that rental rates vary significantly by location, season, and vehicle type, and you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your home country licence to rent from them.

Key Takeaways

  • You must carry both your home country driving licence and a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a vehicle from Sakura; a licence alone is not sufficient under Japanese law.
  • Sakura's rental rates depend on location, season, and how far in advance you book, so comparing prices across their website for your specific dates and pickup point is necessary.
  • The company offers collision damage waiver and theft protection as optional add-ons, and understanding what your personal insurance or credit card already covers can save you money.
  • Fuel is your responsibility; you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, or you pay Sakura's per-litre rate, which is typically higher than petrol station prices.
  • Rental periods, vehicle availability, and cancellation policies vary by location, so confirm the specific terms for your pickup branch before booking.

What documents and licences you need to rent

Japanese law requires you to present both your home country driving licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP) when you rent a car. The IDP is a translation of your licence issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body. Without it, Sakura will not rent to you, and you cannot legally drive in Japan even if you have a valid licence from your home country.

You obtain an IDP before you travel. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues them; in the United Kingdom, the AA or RAC does; in Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) handles them. The process typically takes one to two weeks and costs between 15 and 30 dollars or equivalent in your currency. Check your home country's automobile association website for the exact process and fee.

Sakura also requires a valid passport and a credit card in your name for the security deposit. Some locations may ask for proof of a home address. Bring originals, not photocopies, and have them ready when you arrive at the counter.

How Sakura's rental rates are structured

Sakura publishes daily rates on their website, but the actual price you pay depends on the vehicle class, rental length, pickup location, and how far ahead you book. A compact car in Tokyo during cherry blossom season will cost more than the same car in a rural prefecture in November. Booking online in advance usually offers better rates than walking up to the counter.

The quoted daily rate covers the vehicle rental only. Insurance, fuel, and any add-ons are separate charges. If you book a three-day rental, the total cost is the daily rate multiplied by three, plus those extras. Longer rentals sometimes have lower per-day rates, so compare a five-day rental against five one-day rentals to see which is cheaper for your needs.

Sakura's website allows you to enter your pickup date, return date, and location, then shows available vehicles and their prices. Rates change frequently, so if you see a price you like, booking when ready is usually safer than waiting. Cancellation policies vary by location and booking type, so read the terms before you confirm.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what you are responsible for

Sakura offers collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection as optional add-ons. CDW covers damage to the rental vehicle up to a certain limit if you are in an accident; theft protection covers loss if the car is stolen. Neither is mandatory, but both are common purchases because a single accident can cost thousands of dollars in repairs.

Before you buy Sakura's insurance, check what your personal auto insurance covers when you rent a car abroad. Many home country policies extend to rental vehicles in Japan, which means you may already have collision and theft coverage. Similarly, some credit cards offer rental car protection if you charge the entire rental to that card. If your existing coverage is sufficient, buying Sakura's add-ons is redundant and costs extra.

If you do not buy CDW or theft protection and you damage the car, you pay the repair bill directly. Sakura will assess the damage when you return the vehicle and charge your credit card. This is why confirming your coverage before you rent is important—a dent or scratch can easily cost hundreds of dollars to repair.

Fuel, mileage, and what happens at return

You pick up the rental car with a full fuel tank and must return it with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, Sakura charges you per litre at a rate that is typically 20 to 30 percent higher than what you would pay at a petrol station. To avoid this surcharge, fill the tank at a petrol station near the rental location before you return the car.

Most Sakura rentals include unlimited mileage, meaning you do not pay extra based on how far you drive. However, confirm this when you book, because some special promotions or specific vehicle classes may have mileage limits. If a limit applies, exceeding it incurs a per-kilometre charge.

When you return the vehicle, Sakura staff will inspect it for damage, check the fuel level, and review the mileage. If there are new dents, scratches, or mechanical issues, they will photograph them and explain the charges. This is why taking photos of the car's condition when you pick it up is wise—it gives you a record if a dispute arises later.

Pickup and return locations across Japan

Sakura has rental counters at most major airports in Japan, including Narita and Haneda near Tokyo, Kansai International near Osaka, and Fukuoka Airport. They also operate branches in city centres in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other tourist destinations. Pickup and return do not have to be at the same location, which is useful if you are doing a one-way trip.

Airport pickups are convenient but often have longer queues, especially during peak travel seasons. City centre branches may have shorter wait times. Some locations have extended hours; others close in the evening. Check the specific branch's hours before you book, particularly if you are arriving late or need to return the car early.

One-way rentals (picking up at one location and returning at another) are available but usually cost more than round-trip rentals from the same location. The difference depends on the distance between branches and current demand. When you book, compare the cost of a one-way rental against returning to your original pickup point to see which makes sense for your itinerary.

Vehicle types and what to expect

Sakura offers several vehicle classes: compact cars (suitable for one or two people and city driving), mid-size sedans, SUVs, and vans. Compact cars are the cheapest and most fuel-efficient but have limited luggage space. Vans are more expensive but necessary if you are travelling with a group or carrying significant luggage.

Japanese roads are narrower than those in many other countries, and parking spaces are smaller. A compact car is easier to manoeuvre in cities and easier to park. If you are driving primarily in rural areas or need to carry more than two people comfortably, a larger vehicle makes sense despite the higher cost.

All Sakura vehicles are relatively new and well-maintained. They come with basic features like air conditioning, power steering, and an audio system. GPS navigation is available as an add-on rental or you can use your own smartphone with offline maps downloaded before you travel (useful because mobile data can be expensive).

Driving in Japan: rules and conditions you should know

Japan drives on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. If you are from a country that drives on the right, this takes adjustment. Speed limits are typically 40 to 60 kilometres per hour in cities and 80 to 100 on highways. Seatbelts are mandatory, and drink-driving laws are strict—the legal limit is very low, and penalties are severe.

Toll roads are common, especially around major cities and on expressways. Sakura vehicles come with a toll card or you can pay cash at toll booths, but understand that tolls add to your overall trip cost. Parking in cities often requires a parking ticket from a machine; parking is rarely free and can be expensive in central areas.

Japanese road signs use symbols and some English, but not all signs are in English, particularly in rural areas. Having a GPS or offline maps on your phone is essential. Winter driving in northern Japan requires snow tyres, which Sakura can provide if you book in advance and pay an extra fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I have a valid licence from my home country?

Yes. Japanese law requires both your home country licence and an IDP. A licence alone is not sufficient. You must obtain the IDP from your home country's automobile association before you travel; Sakura cannot issue one or accept a licence without it.

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

When you pick up the car, inspect it carefully and ask Sakura staff to document any existing damage on the rental agreement. Take photos as well. If you return the car with new damage that matches what was already there, you should not be charged. This is why the initial inspection and documentation are critical.

Can I extend my rental if I decide to keep the car longer?

Yes, you can usually extend a rental by contacting Sakura directly, either by phone or at the rental location. Extension rates may differ from your original booking rate, and availability depends on whether another customer has reserved the vehicle. Extending in advance is safer than waiting until your return date.

What if I get into an accident?

Contact Sakura when ready and report the accident. If you have collision damage waiver, Sakura will handle the claim. If you do not, you are responsible for repair costs. In either case, you may need to file a police report if there is significant damage or injury. Keep all documentation and exchange information with the other driver if another vehicle is involved.

Is petrol cheaper to buy myself, or should I use Sakura's fuel service?

Petrol stations in Japan are cheaper than Sakura's per-litre rate. Always fill the tank yourself at a petrol station before you return the car. This takes five minutes and saves you money compared to Sakura's surcharge for returning the car with less than a full tank.