While public transportation in Nagano Prefecture – including Matsumoto and its surrounding cities – is convenient, some destinations are only accessible by car. Renting a car in Matsumoto gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially when visiting remote areas or scenic countryside spots. Here’s a guide to the best car rental options in Matsumoto and the steps you need to follow to rent a car hassle-free.
Rental Car Agencies in Matsumoto
If you’re planning a stay in Matsumoto and need a rental car, here are some agencies located near Matsumoto Station. Comparing their offers in advance can help you find the best option for your trip.
Driving License Requirements
Before renting a car in Matsumoto, it’s important to ensure you have the correct documentation.
Must Have: International Driver’s Permit (IDP)
Most foreign visitors must obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in their home country before arriving in Japan. This permit is based on the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and only countries that signed this agreement can use an IDP in Japan. The IDP must be issued before your departure, as you cannot obtain one in Japan.
Translation Requirement: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan License Holders.
If you hold a driving license from one of the countries listed above, you will need an official Japanese translation to drive legally in Japan. You can request the translation directly through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). Starting April 1, 2025, translation applications will only be accepted online. Applications via counter service and mail will no longer be available.
Check the JAF website for more information:
How to Book a Car
Once you have your International Driver’s Permit (IDP) or your Japanese license translation, you are legally allowed to rent a vehicle in Japan. Here’s how to book your rental.
You can reserve a rental car through various methods:
- Online Booking Platforms: Websites like Booking.com or Rakuten Travel allow you to compare prices and reserve in advance.
- Rental Company Websites: Many major rental agencies in Japan allow direct online reservations.
- Phone Reservations: You can call the rental agency closest to your accommodation to book directly.
- In-Person at the Rental Counter: You can also visit the rental agency in person to look on-site.
When to Book
During Peak Travel Periods (Golden Week, National Holidays, etc.)
- We strongly recommend booking before arriving in Japan, as cars can sell out quickly.
For Rentals Later in Your Trip (Non-Peak Periods):
- If your rental is several weeks after arrival and does not fall during peak times, you can ask your hotel to call the agency for you (so a Japanese speaker with a local phone number can assist with the booking).
You can also visit the rental agency in person, but keep in mind that English-speaking staff may not always be available. To make communication easier, we recommend downloading a translation app (e.g., Google Translate) in advance.
Insider Tip: Rent an ETC Device and Card for highway toll collection. To make traveling on Japanese highways more convenient, we highly recommend renting an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card with your car in Matsumoto. Some agencies may run out of ETC cards during holiday seasons, so it’s best to reserve one in advance.
The payment
Depending on the chosen reservation method (online or in person), you will either be charged to your bank card or you will pay using the method of your choice at the counter. Please check with your bank beforehand to see if your card payments are covered by any insurance, as the rental agency will ask you if you wish to take out insurance before making the final payment. Ensuring its rental is not obligatory, you are therefore entitled to refuse it, but this will be at your own risk.
Payment Information
The payment process depends on your reservation method:
- If you book online, the payment will typically be charged to your credit card at the time of reservation or upon arrival at the rental agency.
- If you book in person, you can pay at the counter using the available payment options at the rental agency.
Insurance Considerations
Before making your payment, the rental agency will ask if you want to purchase additional insurance. While insurance is not mandatory, declining it means you will be responsible for any damages or incidents that may occur.
Insider Tip: Before renting a car in Matsumoto, check with your bank or credit card provider to see if your card includes rental car insurance coverage. If it does, you may be able to decline the agency’s insurance – but be sure to confirm what is covered beforehand.
Before You Hit the Road
Once you’ve completed the payment process, you will inspect the vehicle with a rental agency employee. While most companies conduct this verification, some occasionally skip this step, so it’s always a good idea to check the car yourself before driving off.
ETC Card Placement
- Before leaving, ensure that the ETC card (for electronic toll payments) is correctly inserted into the vehicle’s ETC reader. This card slot is usually located near the passenger seat footwell, in a compartment under the steering wheel, the dash glove box or under the driver’s sun visor.
- Some rental companies hand you the card separately, assuming you know how to insert it. Double-check that it’s properly inserted and activated before driving.
Understanding the Controls
Most rental cars in Japan have automatic transmissions. Here are the key gear functions:
- D (Drive) – Forward
- R (Reverse) – Reverse
- P (Park) – Prevents car from moving when stationary. Always shift to Park before turning off the engine
Since the car is automatic, you will only have two pedals – one for the brake and one for the accelerator.
Driving Orientation
Remember that Japan drives on the left side of the road, meaning the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the vehicle. This may take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to right-side road driving.
Audible Alerts While Drivin
Don’t be surprised if you hear audible alerts! Japanese rental cars often have built-in safety features that trigger warning sounds in situations such as: crossing a white line without signaling, braking too suddenly, approaching a train crossing or putting the car in reverse. These alerts are standard safety features and are nothing to worry about.