Rent a Car in Nagoya

Tips for renting a car in Nagoya

While Nagoya has an excellent public transportation system, renting a car in Nagoya is highly recommended for travelers planning to explore central Japan and the surrounding Chubu region. A rental vehicle provides easy access to mountain villages, national parks, scenic drives, historic towns, and destinations that are difficult to reach solely by train.

Major rental companies including Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Nissan Rent a Car, Times Car Rental, ORIX Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Avis, and Budget operate at Chubu Centrair Airport and throughout Nagoya. Compact vehicles are especially popular due to Japan’s road network and parking considerations, while larger vehicles are available for families and groups.

A rental car allows travelers to explore destinations such as Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Kanazawa, Gifu, Ise Grand Shrine, the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto, Hakuba, Lake Biwa, and the Nakasendo Trail villages of Magome and Tsumago. Many visitors use Nagoya as a starting point for road trips through central Honshu, combining cultural sites with spectacular natural scenery.

Driving in Japan is generally safe and straightforward. Visitors should remember that traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road, and many expressways include toll charges. Parking is widely available outside major city centers, making a rental car one of the most practical ways to explore the region at your own pace.