Top 5 Japan Car Rentals 2026: New Fleet, Best Rates & Nationwide Branches

Traveling through Japan in 2026 is no longer confined to high-speed trains or crowded subways. The "Self-Drive" trend has reached an all-time high among Thai travelers seeking privacy and the convenience to explore hidden gems—from the scenic landscapes of Hokkaido and Kyushu to the breathtaking routes around Mount Fuji.

However, the golden question remains: " Which car rental company in Japan is the best? " With hundreds of options available, choosing a reliable provider with a new fleet and reasonable pricing is crucial for your decision. Before you fly out to pick up your car abroad, considering an expert with international service standards like Exclusive Car Rental is an excellent choice for those seeking premium rental services in Thailand to prepare for excellence.

In this article, we have curated the Top 5 Major Car Rental Companies in Japan to help you decide which provider best fits your travel lifestyle for this upcoming trip.

Japan’s Top 5 Car Rental Giants

If you're planning a trip to Japan in 2026, renting a car is the key to transforming an ordinary journey into an extraordinary experience, offering the freedom to discover hidden gems like never before. With so many options available, choosing a reliable provider that offers late-model vehicles at reasonable prices is essential for a worry-free adventure. In this article, we have handpicked the "Big Five" leading car rental companies in Japan to dive deep into their value propositions, helping you instantly decide which one best suits your travel lifestyle as shown in the comparison table below.

1. Toyota Rent a Car: World-Class Standards for Every Journey

As Japan’s most influential and trusted car rental brand, Toyota Rent a Car is more than just a rental service—it is a vital part of the Toyota Motor Corporation, driving the nation’s tourism and logistics sectors. The "TOYOTA" name alone commands instant trust worldwide, making it the top choice for travelers who prioritize reliability and familiarity.

• Key Strength: Boasts the largest network in Japan with over 1,200 locations. Whether you arrive at a major airport, a Shinkansen station, or a remote rural town, you are guaranteed to find the iconic red Toyota Rent a Car logo.

• Fleet: Nearly all vehicles are the latest models, ranging from compact cars like the Yaris and Sienta to premium MPVs like the Alphard for large families. Every vehicle undergoes rigorous maintenance directly by Toyota factory standards, ensuring peak safety and spotless cleanliness.

• Service: Most vehicles are equipped with English and Thai GPS systems. The staff is highly trained in "Omotenashi" (Japanese hospitality), providing polite, efficient service. Their online booking system is robust, stable, and accessible globally.

• Best For: International tourists who value peace of mind and multilingual support. It is also the ideal choice for large families or groups with a mid-to-high budget who demand the highest standards of reliability.

• Contact: https://rent.toyota.co.jp/th/

• Number of Locations: Approximately 1,100 – 1,200 branches nationwide

2. Nippon Rent-A-Car: Professional Service with 24-Hour Availability

Standing tall among giants, Nippon Rent-A-Car is a premier independent provider not tied to any single car manufacturer. Instead, it is a joint venture between business titans Tokyo Century and ANA (All Nippon Airways). This brand defines "professionalism and premium service," offering a wider selection of vehicles and superior flexibility in operating hours.

• Key Strength: Offers a multi-brand fleet. Since they are independent, you have the freedom to choose your preferred brand and model. Additionally, many of their airport branches operate 24 hours a day, providing more flexibility than most competitors.

• Fleet: Ranges from fuel-efficient Eco Cars to luxury sedans and SUVs. Their primary focus is on Hybrid vehicles and low-emission models to promote sustainable travel.

• Service: Their website supports Thai language bookings. A standout feature is the 24-hour Telephone Interpretation service, helping bridging the language gap between staff and customers at any time. They also offer comprehensive insurance packages with extensive coverage.

• Best For: Travelers with late-night arrivals or early-morning flights who need anytime pick-up/drop-off. It is also perfect for those who want brand variety—for instance, if you are looking for the latest Honda models that might not be available at other major rentals, Nippon Rent-A-Car has you covered.

• Contact: www.nipponrentacar.co.jp

• Number of Locations: Approximately 500 – 600 branches nationwide

3. Times Car Rental: Budget-Friendly Rates & Modern Technology

Offering car rental services for everyone, with durations starting from just 6 hours, Times Car Rental provides a wide range of vehicles from passenger cars to microbuses and trucks. Formerly known as Mazda Rent-A-Car, it was acquired by Park24, Japan’s largest parking lot operator. This transition transformed the brand into more than just a rental agency; it integrated car rentals with the most advanced parking and car-sharing systems in Japan. As one of the fastest-growing brands, it is now a top choice for young travelers and budget-conscious tourists.

• Key Strength: Known for having more competitive rates than other major brands. The "Times Club" membership offers additional discounts. They are also famous for their straightforward insurance plans, particularly the "Super Safety" package, which covers almost all scenarios, including the Non-Operation Charge (NOC).

• Fleet: Focuses on compact, easy-to-drive city cars and fuel-efficient hybrid models.

• Service: Features a 24-hour multilingual emergency assistance service (including Thai on certain channels). Their English support system is highly developed, covering both the booking website and a 24-hour help center.

• Best For: Budget travelers who prioritize value and enjoy using technology for bookings. It is also the ideal choice for younger drivers or those worried about accidents, thanks to the comprehensive insurance coverage that provides total peace of mind.

• Contact: https://www.timescar-rental.com/en/

• Number of Locations: Approximately 360 – 400 branches nationwide

4. Nissan Rent a Car: The Tech-Savvy & Eco-Friendly Choice

Established under Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., this company serves as a direct gateway for drivers to experience Nissan’s high-performance vehicles. If you are eager to drive an Electric Vehicle (EV) or experience the renowned e-POWER system—famed for its exceptional fuel efficiency—this isn't just a car rental service; it is a "mobile showroom" that lets travelers test the latest innovations on real Japanese roads.

• Key Strength: Nissan often collaborates with global booking platforms to offer exclusive deals, frequently making their rates more competitive than Toyota’s, especially for long-term rentals. They also excel in safety, with most vehicles equipped with Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology, such as Emergency Braking and a 360-degree Around View Monitor, which makes parking in Japan’s tight spots effortless for beginners.

• Fleet: Features flagship models like the Nissan Note, Serena, and the all-electric Nissan LEAF.

• Service: Offers straightforward insurance packages and frequently provides ETC card rentals (expressway toll cards) for convenience. The check-in process is streamlined and fast; if you have booked online, you simply present your International Driving Permit and passport for a quick sign-off.

• Best For: Tech enthusiasts and those planning long-distance road trips, such as loops around Hokkaido or Kyushu. Choosing a Nissan e-POWER model will significantly reduce your fuel costs, as these vehicles are incredibly fuel-efficient.

• Contact: nissan-rentacar.com

• Number of Locations: Approximately 340 – 350 branches nationwide

5. ORIX Rent-A-Car: Diverse Fleet & Specialized Vehicles

Originally established under ORIX Corporation, a Japanese financial and leasing giant, this company boasts a massive fleet of over 60,000 vehicles. Since ORIX is not tied to any specific car manufacturer, they have the unique advantage of curating "top-tier" models from every leading brand into one diverse collection.

• Key Strength: Frequently offers "Early Bird" discounts for those who book in advance via their website or travel partners. Their frequent collaborations with credit card companies make it easy to find exclusive, high-value deals.

• Fleet: An extensive range from tiny K-Cars (light vehicles) and standard sedans to luxury European cars and commercial vehicles like trucks or cargo vans.

• Service: Dense network of service points across major tourist destinations. They offer online booking in Thai and English, and provide easy-to-understand Japanese driving guides at the counter. Real user reviews often praise their quick and efficient vehicle return process.

• Best For: Frequent flyers of ANA (All Nippon Airways), as renting here allows you to earn airline miles. It is also perfect for price-conscious travelers who enjoy comparing deals and those looking for very specific vehicle specifications.

• Contact: https://car.orix.co.jp/eng/

• Number of Locations: Approximately 1,000 – 1,050 branches nationwide

Best Booking Windows for the "Big Five" Japanese Car Rental Companies

Which Car Rental Company Suits You Best?

• For Budget Travelers:

  • Times Car Rental: Renowned for the most competitive starting prices, especially for K-Cars. Their "Times Club" membership offers additional discounts and comprehensive "Super Safety" insurance at an affordable rate.

  • ORIX Rent-A-Car: Frequently launches promotional campaigns and offers a multi-brand fleet. This allows you to easily compare models to secure the best possible deal.

• For New & High-Standard Vehicles:

  • Toyota Rent a Car: As a direct subsidiary of Toyota, their fleet consists of the latest models straight from the factory. If you want to experience the newest Hybrid technology with impeccable maintenance, this is the most reliable choice.

• For Convenience & Airport Transfers:

  • Nippon Rent-A-Car: Boasts the most extensive network near airports and Shinkansen stations. With 24-hour service in major locations and multilingual support, it is ideal for those with late-night or early-morning flights.

• For Technology & EV Enthusiasts:

  • Nissan Rent a Car: The go-to choice for experiencing e-POWER technology and Electric Vehicles (EVs) like the Nissan Leaf. They also offer efficient self-service pickup options at many airport locations.

Choosing a car rental company in Japan for 2026 ultimately depends on your priorities: Toyota for total peace of mind, Nippon for professional reliability, Times for the best value, Nissan for cutting-edge technology, or ORIX for unmatched variety. Whichever you choose, you can expect exceptional Japanese standards across the board.

If you wish to begin your premium travel experience right here in Thailand, look no further than Exclusive Car Rental. We provide high-quality rental services that meet international standards, allowing you to settle into comfort and luxury before embarking on your overseas adventure.