Affordable Car Rental in Sapporo, Chitose & Hokkaido
| 4WD Winter-Ready Fleet.

FAQ: Car Rental in Japan

1. What are the requirements to rent a car in Japan?

To rent a car with E-Motion, you will need:

• A valid driver’s license:

  • Japanese driver’s license, or

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention, along with your home country’s driver’s license.

  • Japanese translation of a foreign license (for licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Slovenia, and Taiwan).

• Passport or residence card (for identification).

• A credit card or debit card for the rental deposit. (Other options available)

2. Can I rent a car with a foreign driver’s license?

Yes, E-Motion allows rentals with a foreign license, provided you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a recognized translation of your license, depending on your country.

3. What is the minimum age for renting a car?

The absolute minimum age to operate our vehicles is 18 years old. Please note that an optional young driver surcharge applies to all drivers aged 25 and under. Additionally, ensure your home country allows IDP issuance at your specific age before making a deposit. 

4. What side of the road do I drive on in Japan?

In Japan, driving is on the left-hand side, and the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the vehicle.

5. What types of vehicles are available for rent?

E-Motion offers a variety of vehicle types, including:

• Compact cars

• Sedans

• MPV's

• Minivans (for families or groups)

• Luxury vehicles

• Eco-friendly options such as hybrids 

• 10 Seater vans　(Require a Japanese license or IDP with D-Stamp)

• Campervans or RVs

6. Is insurance included with my rental?*

Yes, comprehensive insurance is included, such as:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to limit your financial liability in case of damage.

• Liability Insurance to cover third-party damages.
  
  *Minimum excess charges apply in the case of an accident*
  (70,000円 for single-vehicle accidents and 120,000円 for multi-vehicle accidents)

7. Do the cars come with GPS navigation systems?

Yes, E-Motion vehicles are equipped with standard Japanese GPS navigation systems, however use of google maps and yahoo expressway live map is recommended.

8. Can I use toll roads in Japan with an E-Motion rental car?

Yes, all vehicles are equipped with an ETC card reader for easy payment on toll roads with your own ETC card. Currently we are unable to loan out ETC cards.
However, expressways can be used without an ETC card using the non-ETC gates (Green traffic light or signboard)

9. How much are the toll fees in Japan?

Toll fees vary depending on the distance and expressway used. On average, fees range between ¥2,000 to ¥3,500 for 1~2 hour trips. Payment can be made with an ETC card, credit card, or cash.

10. Are there any additional driving rules I should be aware of?

• Speed limits: Urban roads are usually 40–60 km/h, and highways are 70–100 km/h depending on the area. Limits can drop to 50km in snowy or icy conditions.

• Parking: Parking in undesignated spots can lead to fines. Paid parking is widely available in cities.

• Road signs: Most are in both Japanese and English, making navigation easier. Red downward triangles are Stop signs and Blue circles with white arrows signal the direction of the roadway and traffic (1 way, temporary no entry, etc)

11. Can I return the car to a different location?

Yes, E-Motion offers one-way rentals and remote area pick-up, allowing you to pick-up or return the vehicle from/to a variety of different locations. There will be additional fees based on selected locations.

12. Is it possible to rent a car with a child seat?

Yes, E-Motion provides child seats upon request. Children under 6 years old must legally use a child seat or booster seat in Japan. Be sure to request one when making your reservation.

13. What about winter rentals in snowy areas?

E-Motion equips winter tires and provides 4WD vehicles during winter months for safe driving in areas like Hokkaido. 

14. What should I do if I’m involved in an accident?

In case of an accident:

1. Stop immediately if safe, turn on hazard lights and ensure everyone's safety.

2. Call the police (dial 110) to report the accident.

3. Contact E-Motion at the emergency number provided in your rental agreement.

We’ll assist you through the process and ensure that insurance and legal matters are handled.

This Rental Car Contract ("Contract") is entered into between E-Motion (referred to as "Company") and the undersigned

individual (referred to as "Renter")

 The Renter agrees to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the use and operation of the rented vehicle.

 The Renter acknowledges that the vehicle is provided in good working condition and undertakes to return it in the

same condition, except for normal wear and tear.

 The Renter shall be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of the rented vehicle and its accessories during the rental

period.

 The Renter shall not sublease or lend the rented vehicle to any other person without the prior written consent of the

Company. All drivers are required to submit documents for confirmation and approval. (IDP + Original License + Passport)

 The Renter shall not use the rented vehicle for any illegal activities, racing, towing, off-road driving, or any other purpose

that may cause damage to the vehicle.

 The Renter agrees to bear all costs associated with fuel consumption during the rental period and return the vehicle with the

same fuel level as at the time of pick-up.

 The Renter agrees to pay any fines, penalties, or charges incurred during the rental period, including but not limited to

parking violations, traffic violations, and toll fees.

 The Renter acknowledges that the Company reserves the right to terminate the rental agreement and repossess the vehicle at

any time if the Renter breaches the terms of this Contract.

 The rented vehicle is covered by the mandatory liability insurance as required by Japanese law.

 The Renter acknowledges that they are responsible for any damage or loss to third parties or their property caused by the

rented vehicle during the rental period that are not covered by the insurance policy. (Reckless driving,

 The Renter will be automatically entered under the Company's insurance policy to reduce their financial liability in case

of damage, loss, or theft of the rented vehicle. In the case of such an event, an insurance excess (cost varying by situation)

will be charged at a minimum of 70,000円. (70,000: single vehicle accident / 120,000: Multi Vehicle Accident)

 The Renter agrees to pay the rental fees as specified by the Company for the agreed rental period, including any additional

charges for optional services, accessories, or equipment. (ETC, Child seats, etc)

 The Renter shall provide a valid credit card or make a bank transfer as a security deposit at the time of booking. The deposit

will be taken off the total amount, subject to any deductions for outstanding fees, damages, or violations.

 The Renter may cancel or modify the reservation by providing advance notice to the Company. Cancellation fees may apply, as

specified:

-Equal or greater than 1 month from reserved date: No charge

-Less than 1 month but greater than 1 week from reserved date: 25% of total

-Less than 1 week from booking date: 50% of total (Deposit amount)

(Cancellation fees will automatically apply in the case of lack of documents)

Difference in funds will be refunded via customers original payment method.

 This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan. Any disputes arising out of or in

connection with this Contract shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Japan.

 This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and the Renter, superseding any prior agreements or

understandings, written or verbal, relating to the rental of the vehicle.