Car Rental in Yokohama (Japan): Practical Guide
Car rental in Yokohama, Japan offers a practical way to explore the greater Kanto region, with primary pickup desks clustered around central railway stations and downtown hotel districts.
| City Population | About 3,777,491 residents |
| Primary Pickup Points | Yokohama Station, Sakuragicho, Kannai, Shin-Yokohama |
| Expressway Speed Limit | 100 km/h |
| General Road Speed Limit | 60 km/h |
| Foreign License Validity | 1 year from passport landing stamp date |
| Alcohol Tolerance | Zero tolerance (strictly prohibited) |
As a major coastal metropolis of approximately 3.77 million residents, Yokohama is well connected by comprehensive transit lines, but renting a car becomes advantageous when heading beyond central districts toward the Miura Peninsula, Mount Fuji, or Hakone. This guide details everything necessary for securing a vehicle in Yokohama, including mandatory documentation, local road regulations, confirmed pickup hubs near major stations, and essential route advice. You will find practical steps on managing tollways, adhering to strict national traffic laws, and selecting the most convenient depot for your itinerary without unnecessary friction.
Compare car rental deals in Yokohama
from €38/day · Prices checked on September 03, 2026
Pick-up: train station · downtown
Pick-up points: Yokohama (all locations), Japan · Yokohama Prince Hotel Shin, Yokohama, Japan · Yokohama Railway Station, Yokohama, Japan · Yokohama Sakuragicho Railway Station, Yokohama, Japan
Partner link — DiscoverCars comparisonGood to know
Driving: on the left.
Local currency: JPY.
Good to know — verified sources
- Foreign driver's licenses are valid for driving in Japan for one (1) year from the date of landing in Japan, confirmed by the immigration stamp in the passport. rent.toyota.co.jp
- Drivers in Japan must not drive under the influence of alcohol. english.jaf.or.jp
- In Japan, winter tires are essential for rental vehicles in snowy areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, and the Japanese Alps, especially from November to March. driving-japan.com
- In Japan, the legal speed limit is 60 km per hour on general roads and 100 km per hour on expressways. rent.toyota.co.jp
- In Japan, drivers cannot drive at high speeds wearing chains except on snow-covered roads. english.jaf.or.jp
Sources checked on September 09, 2026.
L'essentiel: Local Driving Rules and Road Regulations
Driving in Yokohama requires strict adherence to Japanese national traffic regulations:
- License Validation: Foreign driver's licenses are valid for driving in Japan for up to one (1) year from your official date of landing, as verified by the immigration stamp in your passport.
- Speed Limits: The standard legal limit is 60 km/h on general roads and 100 km/h on expressways unless signs indicate lower temporary restrictions.
- Alcohol Limits: Japan enforces a zero-tolerance policy. Drivers must not operate a vehicle under any influence of alcohol.
- Winter Driving: If your route leads into mountainous areas such as the Japanese Alps, Tohoku, or northern zones between November and March, winter tires are essential. Note that tire chains must only be used on snow-covered roads and are prohibited at high speeds on clear pavement.
Pricing Overview and When to Book
Car hire rates in Yokohama vary depending on vehicle class and seasonality. Reserving ahead through comparison platforms such as DiscoverCars is advisable to secure preferred vehicle classes and ensure navigation systems configured in English are available.
| Vehicle Category | Typical Configuration | Optimal Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Compact / Kei Car | 660cc–1.3L petrol | City driving, tight parking, and short coastal hops |
| Mid-size Sedan | 1.5L–2.0L hybrid/petrol | Expressway travel and day trips with luggage |
| Minivan / SUV | 7–8 seats / AWD | Family touring into mountainous regions |
Where to Pick Up Your Car in Yokohama
Rental offices in Yokohama are strategically situated near major transit gateways across the city rather than grouped in a single central lot:
- Yokohama Railway Station: The city's primary transport hub, offering quick access to regional toll routes.
- Yokohama Sakuragicho Railway Station: Convenient for visitors staying around the Minato Mirai waterfront.
- Yokohama Kannai Train Station: Well placed for central administrative and historic downtown access.
- Yokohama Prince Hotel (Shin-Yokohama area): Useful for travelers arriving via the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train network.
Practical Driving and Excursion Tips
Navigating Yokohama's urban center is straightforward, but urban traffic can be dense during morning and evening rush hours. For excursions beyond the bay area, consider obtaining an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card from the rental counter to pay expressway tolls seamlessly. Always check parking availability at your destination, as street parking is strictly regulated throughout Japanese cities.
Where to go by car
| Destination | Distance | Time | Tolls (est.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamakura & Enoshima | ~25 km | ~45 min | — | Historic temples, giant Buddha monument, and scenic Shonan coastal drives. |
| Miura Peninsula & Jogashima | ~45 km | ~1 h | — | Rugged coastal cliffs, fresh seafood harbors, and lighthouse views. |
| Hakone & Lake Ashi | ~85 km | ~1 h 20 min | — | Mountain hot spring resorts, lake vistas, and Mount Fuji viewpoints. |
| Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi | ~115 km | ~1 h 40 min | — | Iconic lakeside drives with direct panoramas of Mount Fuji. |
Tolls: rates vary by country and route segment — check current pricing before you go.