Your complete transport guide for Japan, with routes, fares, and practical tips.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
Nagoya, the economic heart of central Japan, serves as an excellent starting point for self-driving tours thanks to its unique geographical location. Situated between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya is not only a Shinkansen hub but also a gateway to the mountainous areas, hot spring towns, and coastal scenic spots of central Japan. Unlike tourism that relies on public transportation, renting a car allows you to explore the pristine scenery of the Northern Alps, the gassho-zukuri villages of Shirakawa-go, and the sacred sites of Ise-Shima at your own pace.
Highlights of Renting a Car in Nagoya
Nagoya is served by Chubu Centrair International Airport, approximately 45 minutes from the city center. Multiple car rental services are available within the airport terminal, allowing overseas visitors to start their self-driving journey without any transfers. Additionally, there are car rental locations around Nagoya Station, convenient for travelers arriving via Shinkansen.
From Nagoya, the expressway network is well-developed: head north to reach Shirakawa-go and Takayama; head south to explore Ise Shrine and coastal resorts; go east to Suruga Bay; and head west to Lake Biwa. This radial road network makes it possible to tour multiple regions within a week. Nagoya and its surroundings experience four distinct seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, and winter snowscapes each have their own charm. Renting a car allows you to flexibly adjust your itinerary to chase seasonal changes. The Japanese car rental market is highly competitive, and as a major hub, Nagoya typically offers daily rates ranging from ¥5,500-¥12,000 (compact to mid-size vehicles), with multi-day discount packages available.
Recommended Self-Driving Destinations
1. Shirakawa-go Gassho Village and Takayama Old Town
Approximately 2.5 hours' drive from Nagoya. Shirakawa-go preserves Japan's traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, famous for winter snowscapes, though the tranquility of spring and autumn makes these seasons ideal for savoring the village's atmosphere. The nearby city of Takayama retains Edo-period streetscapes, with sake breweries, pickle shops, and cafés lining the old streets, inviting visitors to stroll and linger. The advantage of driving is the ability to stop at will along the winding mountain roads to capture scenic beauty. 〒501-4627 Gifu Prefecture, Ōno District, Shirakawa Village
2. Ise Shrine and Shima Coast
Approximately 90 minutes south of Nagoya. Ise Shrine is Japan's oldest and most sacred shrine. Drive around the Shima Peninsula for spectacular coastal views, where ama (female divers) culture, seafood cuisine, and pearl farming create a unique charm. 〒516-0023 Mie Prefecture, Ise City, Uji Museum Town
3. Gero Onsen and Hida Furukawa
Located in the Hida region, renowned for its healing hot spring waters. Surrounded by mountains with morning mist, drive to your ryokan for traditional kaiseki cuisine and open-air hot spring baths. The nearby Hida Furukawa area preserves Edo-period post-town atmosphere. 〒509-2206 Gifu Prefecture, Gero City, Yunoshima
4. Suruga Bay and Izu Peninsula
Southeast of Nagoya, the Suruga Bay coast presents a majestic dialogue between Mount Fuji and the bay. The Izu Peninsula is famous for hot springs, cherry blossoms, and beaches, with numerous coastal attractions. Driving makes it easy to switch between small fishing villages. 〒413-0011 Shizuoka Prefecture, Atami City
5. Western Lake Biwa and Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi)
Approximately 90 minutes west lies Japan's largest freshwater lake. Drive along the western shore with lake and mountain views as your companion, passing through the historic castle town of Hikone and the cultural town of Omi-Hachiman. Renting a car enables discovery of hidden gems inaccessible by public transportation. 〒523-0808 Shiga Prefecture, Omi-Hachiman City
Practical Information
*Transportation and Car Rental Locations*
Multiple car rental company service counters are available in the Chubu Centrair Airport terminal; several locations within 2 km of Nagoya Station (〒450-0002 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Nakamura Ward, Meieki 4-chome).
*Cost Reference*
Daily rental: ¥5,500-8,000 (compact) to ¥7,000-12,000 (mid-size); gasoline approximately ¥170-190/liter, fuel consumption 7-10 liters per 100 km; expressway tolls: Nagoya to Tokyo ¥11,650, Nagoya to Osaka ¥6,650. Full insurance coverage is strongly recommended (¥1,000-2,000/day).
*Operating Hours and Required Documents*
Most car rental services operate until 20:00; airport locations until 23:00. Required documents: valid passport, international driving license, credit card (for deposit and insurance).
*Refueling and Parking*
Expressway rest areas available every 50-80 km; city parking ¥200-500/hour.
Travel Tips
Japanese expressways have a speed limit of 100 km/h; mountain roads are narrow and require caution. Winter mountain areas are prone to snow—winter tires are required. During cherry blossom viewing in spring and foliage viewing in autumn, parking at popular attractions is limited; departing early in the morning is recommended. During peak seasons, reserve your rental car 1-2 weeks in advance. Use Google Maps and Yahoo! JapanTransit for route planning; download offline maps as mountain signals can be unstable. Illegal parking may result in fines; official parking lots are available near attractions. Gas stations usually close at 20:00; applying for an ETC card makes expressway travel more convenient. Carry emergency supplies (flashlight, spare tire, warning triangle, etc.); rental companies typically provide these.
