Discount Voucher Included! 3 Excellent Car Rental and Car-Sharing Services

Make Travel and Life Easier With a Car!

Some sightseeing spots in Japan are difficult to visit by public transportation. However, these locations are easily accessible by car.

Having a car is not entirely necessary when traveling to sightseeing destinations across Japan. There are numerous car rental companies available in Japan with easy access.

This time, we'll introduce three major car rental services we recommend. We'll also introduce a car-sharing service that's useful if you use a car for your daily transportation!

1. Nippon Rent-A-Car with Coupon Code

Nippon Rent-A-Car is an established business with over 50 years of history. This major company has 912 branches across Japan and owns about 33,400 vehicles.

There are branches typically located in front of train stations or near airports. This makes it a very convenient option since you can drop off and return your rental at your destination.

Guess what! MATCHA has a discount code in collaboration with Nippon Rent-A-Car. Use the promo code jyd3sWbrAM when making reservations on the official website linked below (English, Traditional Chinese, Thai) to receive a 10% discount.

Make a Reservation With Nippon Rent-A-Car (Discount Voucher Included)

2. Times Car Rental

While walking around town, you will often spot a yellow "Times24" sign. Times operates many parking lots and has over 460 car rental shops across Japan.

The company's top feature is the diverse lineup of cars that customers can select. This includes the Mazda Demio, Prius, Mazda Atenza, Nissan Serena, Mazda Roadster, and much more.

Make a Reservation With Times Car Rental (Japanese)

3. Toyota Rent-a-Car

Toyota Rent-a-Car is Japan's largest car rental service provider. As its name suggests, it is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation with available rental car models from the Toyota lineup. They have established branches in major train stations and airports, urban areas, the countryside, and remote islands.

Toyota Rent-a-Car Official Website

Use Car Sharing for Everyday Life

Car sharing is similar to renting a car but differs in its terms of service.

A rental car is typically rented out for an extended period (between six hours to several days), and the cost of gas is the renter's responsibility. Additionally, many car rental services allow "drop-off" returns, making it convenient for traveling.

On the other hand, car sharing is a subscription service. Typically, users will register to become a member and pay a flat rate every month.

Usage fees are often calculated in 15-minute intervals. The cost of gas and car wash services is borne by the car sharing company.

There are a few disadvantages to a car share. For example, you cannot do drop-off returns as you would with a car rental. Separate fees will also apply (if using Times Car Share) when using a car for over a six-hour period. It is, however, a useful service when frequently used in your daily life, for example, running errands or shopping.

Times Car: The Most Car-Sharing Stations in Japan

Times Car, a primary car rental service, has many car-sharing stations.

While there are several ways to register as a Times Car Share member, the most popular method is online registration. Apply online by submitting your driver's license, and a membership card will be delivered to your home address in as little as five days.

If you're in a hurry, head to the nearest station after you've applied online beforehand. You will be issued a membership card issued right away at the car-sharing station. Please check the official website for details.

Times Car Share Official Website (Japanese)

How to Use

1. Make a reservation from your smartphone or computer and specify the time, station, and car model you want to use.
2. Rent a car at a station.
3. Unlock the car with your card to leave the station.
4. Finish your reservation by returning and locking the car within the specified time frame at the station. Be sure to bring your trash and check for forgotten items.

Enjoy Exploring Japan by Car!

Car rentals and car-sharing services are useful for various travel situations and daily life. Don't forget to bring your driver's license with you, abide by traffic laws, and have an enjoyable drive!

MATCHA offers a 10% discount Nippon Rent-A-Car. Click the blue link below for details:

Make a Reservation With Nippon Rent-A-Car (Discount Voucher Included)