Your Pre-Travel Japan Rental Checklist
Japan rewards visitors who plan ahead. Accommodation books out fast, car rentals sell out in peak seasons, and pocket WiFi devices need to be ordered in advance. Use this comprehensive checklist to make sure all your rental arrangements are locked in before you board your flight.
6–8 Weeks Before Departure
- ✅ Book accommodation — especially for peak periods (cherry blossom season, Golden Week, Obon, New Year). Use platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, or direct booking through hotels and guesthouses.
- ✅ Reserve a rental car if you plan to drive. Vehicles at popular destinations (Hokkaido, Okinawa, rural Tohoku) sell out weeks in advance. Book with Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, or similar providers.
- ✅ Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) — this must be obtained in your home country before you leave. Processing times vary.
- ✅ Book ski or snowboard rental if traveling in winter. Online pre-booking secures your size and avoids resort queues.
2–4 Weeks Before Departure
- ✅ Order a pocket WiFi or eSIM — pocket WiFi can be shipped to your hotel or airport for pickup. eSIMs can be activated instantly but book the data plan now.
- ✅ Confirm accommodation details — check-in times, key pickup procedures, address in Japanese (for taxis and navigation).
- ✅ Research parking if renting a car in a city — Japanese cities have very limited street parking. Identify coin parking lots near your accommodation.
- ✅ Check your phone is unlocked if you plan to use a local SIM card.
1 Week Before Departure
- ✅ Download offline maps for all areas you'll visit — Google Maps and Maps.me both support Japan offline maps.
- ✅ Prepare documents: Print or save rental confirmation numbers, your IDP, passport, and accommodation addresses.
- ✅ Check luggage storage options — Japan has coin lockers (コインロッカー) at most stations and luggage delivery services (takkyubin) if you need to travel light.
- ✅ Set up a travel-friendly payment method — IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) work for trains and some convenience stores. Inform your home bank of your travel dates.
At the Airport (On Arrival)
- ✅ Pick up your pocket WiFi device — most rental counters are in the arrivals hall. Look for IIJmio, Global WiFi, Ninja WiFi, etc.
- ✅ Purchase or activate your SIM if you pre-ordered one for airport pickup.
- ✅ Collect your rental car — most airport car rental areas have a free shuttle to the car lot. Confirm with your provider.
- ✅ Load Suica/Pasmo on your phone (iPhone supports this natively; Android via the Suica app) or purchase a physical card at station machines.
Seasonal Rental Reminders
| Season | Key Rental Tips |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Cherry blossom crowds — book accommodation months ahead. Bicycle rentals popular in parks. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Obon holidays cause rental shortages. Book camping gear and beach bikes early. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Foliage season — popular rural routes have limited car availability. Book ahead. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ski equipment books out fast. Pack or rent warm gear. IDP essential if driving in snow regions. |
General Tips
- Always carry your rental confirmation details in both digital and printed form.
- Learn a few key Japanese phrases for rental situations — even basic politeness goes a long way.
- Most rental services are highly professional in Japan — if something goes wrong, stay calm and ask at the counter; staff are trained to help.
- Return everything on time — late returns on cars and WiFi devices incur extra charges.