{"id":2592,"date":"2023-01-14T06:20:57","date_gmt":"2023-01-14T14:20:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/?p=2592"},"modified":"2023-08-18T12:42:28","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T20:42:28","slug":"do-you-need-a-car-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/do-you-need-a-car-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you Need a Car in Japan?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You have a few options when it comes to getting around in Japan. You can walk, take the subway, or take a taxi. But what about if you want to go on a road trip? Do you need a car in Japan?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The answer depends on your needs and where you&#8217;re going.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id2592_c4975b-d6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2592_c4975b-d6 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2592_c4975b-d6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:800px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:1rem;padding-bottom:2rem;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2592_c4975b-d6 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2592_c4975b-d6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2592_c4975b-d6 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2592_c4975b-d6 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:40px;padding-right:40px;padding-bottom:40px;padding-left:40px;}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{box-shadow:0px 14px 25px -10px var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-top:2px solid #4caf50;border-right:2px solid #4caf50;border-bottom:2px solid #4caf50;border-left:2px solid #4caf50;}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#e8f5e9;}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:2px solid #4caf50;border-right:2px solid #4caf50;border-bottom:2px solid #4caf50;border-left:2px solid #4caf50;flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top:2px solid #4caf50;border-right:2px solid #4caf50;border-bottom:2px solid #4caf50;border-left:2px solid #4caf50;flex-direction:column;}}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 .our-pick-arrow mark {  position: relative;  z-index: 10;}.kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 .our-pick-arrow mark::before {  display: block;  position: absolute;  z-index: 2;  left: 0px;  bottom: -7px;  width: 0;  content: '';  border-color: rgba(0,0,0,0) #4CAF50 rgba(0,0,0,0) rgba(0,0,0,0);  border-style: inset solid inset inset;  border-width: 0 10px 7px 0;  filter: brightness(50%);}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2592_c60de0-c1 kb-section-dir-vertical inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column2592_609302-17 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2592_609302-17 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2592_609302-17 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2592_609302-17 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2592_609302-17 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2592_609302-17 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2592_609302-17{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2592_609302-17 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2592_609302-17 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2592_609302-17 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_4337f5-ce, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_4337f5-ce[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_4337f5-ce\"]{display:block;margin-top:-55px;margin-left:-52px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_4337f5-ce mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_4337f5-ce[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_4337f5-ce\"] mark{font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);text-transform:uppercase;background:#4caf50;padding-top:5px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:8px;}<\/style>\n<span class=\"kt-adv-heading2592_4337f5-ce our-pick-arrow wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_4337f5-ce\"><mark class=\"kt-highlight\">in short:<\/mark><\/span>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2592_00de04-cc{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2592_00de04-cc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2592_00de04-cc inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_72cc5c-90, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_72cc5c-90[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_72cc5c-90\"]{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_72cc5c-90 mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_72cc5c-90[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_72cc5c-90\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2592_72cc5c-90 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_72cc5c-90\"><strong>If you&#8217;re only going to be in big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, you probably don&#8217;t need a car. The subway and taxis will be more than enough for getting around. But a car will be necessary if you travel to smaller towns or rural areas.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Another thing to remember is the cost of owning and driving a car in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Car ownership costs can get pretty expensive. For example, you&#8217;ll have to pay for car insurance and car payments. You also need an international or Japanese driver&#8217;s license,&nbsp;<strong>which can cost up to $300.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The cost of gas in Japan is at least 45%<\/strong>&nbsp;more than the average price in the US so keep that in mind while planning out your budget!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you live without a car in Japan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Can-you-live-without-a-car-in-Japan-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Can-you-live-without-a-car-in-Japan\" class=\"wp-image-2608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Can-you-live-without-a-car-in-Japan-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Can-you-live-without-a-car-in-Japan-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Can-you-live-without-a-car-in-Japan-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Can-you-live-without-a-car-in-Japan.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That is an important question to consider if you are moving to Japan for work or school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people decide whether they need a car based on the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle and how much money they will spend on public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, you should know that commuting by public transportation in Japan is incredibly convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everything is very efficient and affordable prices, and your commute can be concise if you pick the right places to live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Living in Japan without a car&nbsp;<strong>may even have some benefits!&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id2592_98b470-b3 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2592_98b470-b3 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2592_98b470-b3 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:800px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0rem;padding-bottom:2rem;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2592_98b470-b3 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2592_98b470-b3 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2592_98b470-b3 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2592_98b470-b3 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:1.5rem;padding-right:3rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:3rem;}.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:4px solid #00bf88;}.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f1fdf9;}.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:4px solid #00bf88;flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:4px solid #00bf88;flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2592_a03d74-1d inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_db5bb7-c2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_db5bb7-c2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_db5bb7-c2\"]{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_db5bb7-c2 mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_db5bb7-c2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_db5bb7-c2\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2592_db5bb7-c2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_db5bb7-c2\">On the other hand,&nbsp;<strong>many ex-pats<\/strong>&nbsp;living in Tokyo&nbsp;<strong>miss having a car<\/strong>&nbsp;because it provides&nbsp;<strong>more freedom<\/strong>&nbsp;to explore the area, plus public transportation can often be inconvenient.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The decision whether or not to buy a car in Japan is personal, but here are some things you may want to consider before making your choice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The price of owning and maintaining a car (insurance costs, gas, parking fees)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How much do you plan to use your car (daily commute, weekend trips)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How much do you want\/need freedom and convenience?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Costs of commuting (how long your commute is, how often you use public transportation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you own a car <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/is-it-difficult-for-an-american-to-move-to-japan\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7312\">but&nbsp;plan to move to Japan<\/a><\/strong>, you must realize that&nbsp;importing your vehicle will be costly and complicated. It also won&#8217;t increase your freedom since many toll roads and gas costs quickly increase.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:1.5rem;padding-right:3rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:3rem;}.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:4px solid #2a98b9;}.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f2fafd;}.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_e6036c-58{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:4px solid #2a98b9;flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_e6036c-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:4px solid #2a98b9;flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column_e6036c-58 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column_08a9b5-2b:not(.specificity){margin-bottom:0.5rem;}.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;}.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_08a9b5-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column_08a9b5-2b kb-section-dir-horizontal inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-icon.kt-svg-icons_484c34-cc{justify-content:center;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-icon kt-svg-icons kt-svg-icons_484c34-cc alignnone kb-icon-valign-middle\"><style>.kt-svg-item-_8e88a8-43 .kb-svg-icon-wrap{color:#2a98b9;font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-svg-style-default kt-svg-icon-wrap kt-svg-item-_8e88a8-43\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_info\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"10\"\/><line x1=\"12\" y1=\"16\" x2=\"12\" y2=\"12\"\/><line x1=\"12\" y1=\"8\" x2=\"12\" y2=\"8\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_d5ff3f-a3, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_d5ff3f-a3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_d5ff3f-a3\"]{display:block;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;text-transform:uppercase;color:#2a98b9;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_d5ff3f-a3 mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_d5ff3f-a3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_d5ff3f-a3\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<span class=\"kt-adv-heading_d5ff3f-a3 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_d5ff3f-a3\">Note<\/span>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_940e50-e3, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_940e50-e3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_940e50-e3\"]{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_940e50-e3 mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_940e50-e3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_940e50-e3\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading_940e50-e3 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_940e50-e3\">As an Amazon Associate and Booking affiliate, LoveForTraveling.com earns from qualifying purchases. We may receive a commission for purchases made via our links.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- GetYourGuide Analytics -->\n\n<script async=\"\" defer=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/widget.getyourguide.com\/dist\/pa.umd.production.min.js\" data-gyg-partner-id=\"8HF5NIK\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it worth having a car in Tokyo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Is-it-worth-having-a-car-in-Tokyo-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Is-it-worth-having-a-car-in-Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-2607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Is-it-worth-having-a-car-in-Tokyo-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Is-it-worth-having-a-car-in-Tokyo-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Is-it-worth-having-a-car-in-Tokyo-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Is-it-worth-having-a-car-in-Tokyo.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people wonder if the money and time spent owning a car in Tokyo are worth it since most don&#8217;t use it that much. Depending on your budget, you can quickly get around by train or subway for cheap-to-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-gyg-widget=\"auto\" data-gyg-partner-id=\"8HF5NIK\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There are several pros to having a car in Japan.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First, you&#8217;re free to drive anywhere you want whenever you want, which is not the case with trains. While many Japanese train lines&nbsp;<strong>have early morning and late-night services<\/strong>, they are often only every half hour at those times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, going out of town on <strong>weekends or <a href=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/japanese-festivals\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7297\">holidays for festivals<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/recreational-activities-in-japan\/\">mountain hiking<\/a><\/strong> is easier since Japan does not have a comprehensive rail network outside the major cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many households&nbsp;<strong>have at least one car<\/strong>&nbsp;because they are so convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">However, there are also many downsides to owning a car in Tokyo.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As said before, high gas prices, high parking fees, traffic jams, and&nbsp;<strong>difficulty in finding a spot to park<\/strong>&nbsp;your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people choose not to have a car for these reasons and instead use public transportation or bicycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I do not think owning a car in Tokyo is worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It&#8217;s cheaper to use public transportation<\/strong>&nbsp;like the subway, buses, and taxis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a car in Tokyo, you will most likely use it for holidays or special occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether or not to own a car in Tokyo is up to you and your family&#8217;s income, but if considering whether or not the time and money spent on owning a car in Tokyo are worth it, the answer is no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it Expensive to Buy a Car in Japan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Is-it-Expensive-to-Buy-a-Car-in-Japan-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Is-it-Expensive-to-Buy-a-Car-in-Japan\" class=\"wp-image-2606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Is-it-Expensive-to-Buy-a-Car-in-Japan-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Is-it-Expensive-to-Buy-a-Car-in-Japan-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Is-it-Expensive-to-Buy-a-Car-in-Japan-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Is-it-Expensive-to-Buy-a-Car-in-Japan.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Tokyo, it can be pretty expensive to buy a car. For example, a Honda Jazz (Fit) costs around $17000 in Japan, whereas the same brand and <strong>model of vehicle<\/strong> is closer to $20000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving fees are still required every year, even after buying the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, these expenses include ownership tax (which goes towards public transportation projects) and compulsory insurance (which covers other drivers&#8217; medical expenses in case of an accident).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people feel these expenses are only increasing and that owning a car may not be worth it in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving Rules in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Tokyo, driving regulations are sophisticated, and mistakes frequently lead to traffic citations. Speeding is one of them; you&#8217;ll be fined if you exceed the speed limit.&nbsp;<strong>(Here is a table that shows <a href=\"https:\/\/akitajet.com\/wiki\/Driving_infractions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how much it can cost<\/a> you)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The driver&#8217;s license is based on points in Japan, like in many European nations. If you incur demerit points, your driving license can be revoked.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.realestate-tokyo.com\/living-in-tokyo\/driving\/japan-traffic-violation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>&nbsp;(read more here).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means the penalty is severe enough to scare most people into obeying traffic laws, resulting in safer roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it Hard to Find Parking in Tokyo?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When people own a car, they must also be mindful of where they park their vehicles. One issue is that public lots require monthly payments (which are even more expensive for non-residents).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many residential areas of Tokyo require special permits to use parking lots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, some people claim that it is nearly impossible to find parking in some parts of Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What About Renting a Car in Japan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Renting a car for your vacation gives you the freedom to explore independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While taking a taxi or public transportation can be inconvenient since finding the right bus or train is challenging, renting a car is easier because you can drive wherever you want and park near restaurants or tourist spots.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id2592_96e2c6-be > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2592_96e2c6-be > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2592_96e2c6-be > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:800px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0rem;padding-bottom:2rem;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2592_96e2c6-be > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2592_96e2c6-be > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2592_96e2c6-be > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2592_96e2c6-be alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:1.5rem;padding-right:3rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:3rem;}.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:4px solid #00bf88;}.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f1fdf9;}.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:4px solid #00bf88;flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:4px solid #00bf88;flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2592_56aad8-a3 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_d0eb08-75, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_d0eb08-75[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_d0eb08-75\"]{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_d0eb08-75 mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2592_d0eb08-75[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_d0eb08-75\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2592_d0eb08-75 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2592_d0eb08-75\"><strong>Remember:<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>If you don&#8217;t know how to drive or are uncomfortable driving on the left (like in England), you might feel unsafe driving around Japan.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and Cons of Renting a Car in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Renting a car in Japan has both pros and cons. As mentioned before, it&#8217;s convenient for exploring new areas because you can go wherever you want, when you want. Also, the roads are well-paved, so driving on them is not hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there still might be some places that you will have trouble finding since many roads in Japan aren&#8217;t well-marked. Furthermore, navigating and understanding the road rules and signs can be difficult,&nbsp;<strong>especially if you <a href=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/best-programs-to-learn-japanese\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3142\">don&#8217;t know Japanese!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/how-to-plan-a-trip-to-japan\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3147\">for a relaxing vacation<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;without too much stress from figuring out how to get around or where to go, renting a car might not be that great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you want to&nbsp;<strong>get out of your comfort zone<\/strong>&nbsp;and like renting a car to make transportation more accessible, go for it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t already own a car in Japan, we recommend renting one instead; there are many benefits to not owning one here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re a person who likes to go out more often and has less of a habit of taking the subway or bus everywhere, then renting a car for your vacation might be perfect for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-theme-palette-3-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-theme-palette-3-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-theme-palette-3-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-theme-palette-3-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1645555801889\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How much does it cost to rent a car in Japan?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It depends on the company, and what type of car you want to rent out, but generally, it costs around $45 a day.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1645555810123\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Using an International Driver&#8217;s Permit in Japan<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If you plan to rent a car, consider using an\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jp.usembassy.gov\/services\/driving-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International driver&#8217;s Permit (IDP)<\/a><\/strong>. The IDP is an international driving permit that can be used in almost every country. It&#8217;s an alternative to your driver&#8217;s license if it isn&#8217;t accepted in the area you are visiting.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1692391280677\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do you need a car in Tokyo?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>While Tokyo has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, owning a car is not essential for getting around the city. With its convenient train and subway networks, along with numerous taxis and buses, exploring Tokyo without a car is both practical and cost-effective.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You have a few options when it comes to getting around in Japan. You can walk, take the subway, or take a taxi. But what about if you want to go on a road trip?&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2609,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2592"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2592"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2592\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lovefortraveling.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}