Job Discussion Forums

ocyrion · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Chiba, Japan

Hey all,

I've been in Japan for about 3 months now, and I'm a mad car freak.

Unfortunately, I haven't been driving in Japan yet and I'm really missing it. I would really like to drive a sports car in Japan. What is good way to go about renting a sports car and cruising around for a day? What about renting cars and driving on circuits?

Does anyone know how to go about it?

Cheers

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

I don't know about that sort of driving, but let's start with a basic question first.

What sort of driving license do you have? Is it an international permit?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

If you live near Suzuka in Mie-ken, you may be able to drive at the GP track. Wouldn't that be awesome. Perhaps Michael could let you test drive the newest Ferrari.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Can't answer the "circuit" part. I only have experience renting regular ol' cars.

Yes, the bare minimum is to have an international driver's license, a major credit card, and a passport or gaijin card (for additional ID).

There are major (international) car rental places.... Places like National or Budget... I forget exactly which ones.. It's been a while since I've rented as I have my own car now. Toyota has its own rental place too.

Some will not rent to foreigners (because they want a JPN D/L only)... So the best wasy is to get a Japanese friend call around for you a little bit and ask some questions about prices, availability and whether renting to a foreigner is OK or not.

Renting a vehicle in Japan is definitely do-able as I've done it on many occasions before we got our own van. I don't know about the availability of sports cars though. That may be a little more difficult.

If you DO rent, make sure you request a CD player and "Navigation" (GPS unit). They are fairly cheap add-ons (not always standard features) but well worth it.. Especially the navigation. Even if you can't read the Japanese, using it in conjunction with a good (English) detailed driving atlas of Japan, it'll save your hide many times.

Good luck!

P.S. Let us know if you find a place that will rent you a sports car or if you manage to get onto a circuit. I'd like to have that info for the future in case someone else ever asks.

ocyrion · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Chiba, Japan

Great, thanks for all of the information, especially the person who mentioned being able to drive Michael's Ferrari. That would rock!

I have an international permit.

I'm going to look into it more seriously. It would be a shame to not drive any of the wicked cars they have here.

craven · Joined: 17 Dec 2004 Posts: 130

Hey Ocyrion, if you're really serious about driving here, you should go get yourself a Japanese licence. Since you're Australian you don't have to take the written test. Get your licence translated at a JAF Branch, and take it into your local licence bureau. It'd be best to take a Japanese friend with you if you don't speak Japanese.
They will want to know how long you had your licence before you came to Japan, so you will need to show them the entry date on your passport so they can see the dates on your licence and passport together (you need to have had your licence for at least 6 months beforehand I think...check my facts on this, it might be a year). The whole deal costs about Y7000 including the translation, licence fees, and picture fees. You'll have to take a vision test at the licence bureau too.
If you post your prefecture I'm sure someone could tell you about specific details in your area. A Japanese licence makes EVERYTHING to do with cars here easier!!!

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

craven: perhaps.... But there's also something to be said about an international driver's license. It's the biggest loophole goin' on right now for not getting license demerits.

If you're into driving sports cars (let's face it) chances are you won't exactly be driving the 80km/h posted on the highway signs. Any kind of speeding ticket, traffic violation, even a parking ticket will get you a hefty fine (no big deal) and at least 2 demerits from your license. Score 7 within a calendar year and you're suspended for a month or must go to driving school for a day. That's IF you have a Japanese permit.

If you have an international permit (only good for 1 year in Japan, even if you get a renewal one from back home) they can fine you, but you won't be scored any demerits. Pretty much a "get out of jail free" card for your first year in Japan.

nawlinsgurl · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 9:33 am Post subject:

Before I got a Japan liscense I rented from this place: http://www2.tocoo.jp/english/index.html

They were recommended to me by a j-friend and were great. They have locations everywhere. Not advertising for them but their website is pretty easy to follow. You could try this as an option, but getting a j-liscense is prolly the best route to go if you want to drive often. Very Happy

craven · Joined: 17 Dec 2004 Posts: 130

Ha

I suppose I hadn't really considered the demerit-dodging value of an IDP! Touche!
Actually, I got pulled over for making an illegal right had turn one time, and I'm sure one of the reasons I got let off scot-free was because the cop didn't really know what an IDP was (I had to open it to the Japanese section)...he was so embarassed he was rushing to let me go on about my business.
How much would it cost to rent a midsized white plate anyway? I've tended to avoid doing long distance road trips in my car because it starts to wheeze when it gets up around 80km/hr!

ocyrion · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Chiba, Japan

nawlinsgurl: I checked out that site, but I couldn't find the sub-page where you can get info about renting cars!?

A Japanese license is all well and good, but since I'll probably only be here for a year, I don't see much point in getting one at the moment.

I'd love to rent a sports car. If I wanted to afford buying one, I would - but I don't have much need for a car, I just want to go for a cruise!

spidey · Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 5:50 am Post subject:

nawlinsgurl · Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 12:50 pm Post subject:

Here's the link for the car rental site:
http://www.tocoo.jp/?file=rentcar_inbound/main

Also here's a list of places in Chiba, where I guess you are:
http://www.tocoo.jp/?file=rentcar_inbound/branch_list&company
=mazda&prefecture=12

****The people at the rental places don't usually speak English, so if you need help call the number on the website and make sure to print out your reservation to take with you.

Happy driving!!!! Very Happy