FAQ

What are the qualifications for driving in Japan?

Driver’s licenses which permit driving of automobiles in Japan are as follows:

Japanese Driver’s License: Driver's licenses issued by public safety commissions in Japan
International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Foreign Driver’s License issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, or Monaco and its Japanese official Translation (issued by Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or embassy

Must be able to present valid passport at the same time.

Note:

International Driver's License is valid for one year from the date of issue (please be sure to check the date of issue) and valid for driving in Japan for one year from the date of landing in Japan. (Please check the entry/exit stamp in your passport showing the date of landing in Japan).
Foreign driver's licenses are valid for driving in Japan for one (1) year from the date of landing in Japan (confirmed by the immigration stamp in the passport showing the date of landing in Japan) or until the expiration date of the foreign license, whichever is earlier.

Is the extra driver covered by insurance?

Yes, if you have registered that driver’s license and passport in our record. No extra insurance fee would be charged.

What should I do in case of an accident?

In the event of an accident, please prioritize safety and take the following steps:

Call 119 if anyone is injured.
Call 110 to report to police, even for minor one.
Contact us HAYAKU RENT A CAR to report the incident, we will do our best to assist you.

If you don’t call the police, damages would not be covered even you have insurance .

The basic rental fee does not include insurance. You must select our insurance plan during the reservation process. Insurance covers third party vehicle, property damage and bodily/personal injury liability).

If you do not select insurance, you will be fully liable for all damages in the event of an accident.
If you do select insurance, your liability on vehicle damage will be capped at 500,000 to 2,000,000 yen per incident (Varies depending on vehicle class).

Our CDW insurance charges:

4,000 yen/day
Deductible with CDW: Still capped at 500,000 to 2,000,000 yen (Varies depending on vehicle class)

Please note:

✳ Some cases are not covered (unregistered driver, drunk driving, not reporting accident, flat tire, key loss, car theft, etc.).

✳ Do not bring any pets (i.e. dogs and cats). You will be fully liable for all cleaning fee and damages in the event of an accident.

✳ We also strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance that covers overseas driving. In case compensation is required, we will provide all the necessary documentation to support your claim.

Non-Operating Charges (NOC)

If, during your rental period, you experience an accident, theft, breakdown, damage, interior equipment damage, or burnt seats that is not our fault, requiring repair or cleaning, you will be responsible for the following amounts as compensation for business interruption during this period:

Returning the vehicle to the designated rental location: 100,000 yen
Impossible vehicle: 200,000 yen (plus towing charges)

★ Please note that non-operating charges are also applicable in the following situations:

Accidents caused by you (including hit-and-run accidents where the other party cannot be identified), damage caused by theft
Smoking in a non-smoking vehicle
Pets coming into direct contact with the seats, or any stains or odors left inside the vehicle

What if the car is damaged?

Please report to police and contact us HAYAKU RENT A CAR.
Even if you have selected CDW insurance, you will be still liable for a Non-Operation Charge (NOC) for repair time.

Do I need to pay a cancellation fee when I cancel an appointment?

Cancellation Policy:

Cancel within 7 days before rental: no refund.
Cancel within 14 days before rental: 50% refund.

To request a cancellation, please contact us directly via email or WhatsApp, clearly stating your full name, order number, and any relevant details. If you do not contact us directly with this information, your cancellation request will not be processed.

Please note: all refunds are subject to a 4% payment platform service fee.

Is it possible that the vehicle you have reserved cannot be rented?

Even after a reservation has been completed, the vehicle may become unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances such as negligence or delay return by other renter, accidents, severe weather, or maintenance issues etc. In such cases, we will do our best to provide a substitute rental vehicle.

We will contact you immediately should any of these situations arise.

Can I pick up the car if I forgot to bring my license?

Unfortunately, no license, no rental.

However, no refunds will be issued.

Can I smoke in the car?

All of our vehicles are strictly non-smoking. If smoking is detected, a penalty of at least 200,000 yen will be charged for deep cleaning and deodorizing.

Is it possible to return the car before the scheduled time?

You may return the car earlier than the scheduled time. If you have a special circumstance, please contact us as early as possible. We will do our best to assist.

However, no refunds will be issued for unused rental time.

What happens if I receive a speeding or traffic violation ticket?

If a speeding or other traffic violation ticket is issued under your rental, we are legally required to submit your information to the Japanese police. What happens afterwards is beyond our control, and it may affect your ability to enter Japan again in the future.

Please drive safely and follow all Japanese traffic rules.

Oil level is below 50%, 5,000 yen would be charged
Oil level is 50% or above, 10,000 yen would be charged

Do I need to rent snow tires in winter?

All cars are equipped with snow tires in winter. No extra fee would be charged.

What are the qualifications for driving in Japan?

Can I add another driver?