Advantages of Car Rental vs Public Transport for Travelers in Japan
Traveling around Japan is an incredible experience. From the bustling city of Tokyo, to the rural landscapes of Okinawa, there is something for everyone. Unlike many cities in the western world, Japan’s transportation system is extensive and reliable, and can make even the farthest destinations accessible.
When traveling in Japan, many tourists face the decision between utilizing local public transport, or investing in a car rental. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. For this article, we will delve into the particular benefits of car rental in Japan, to help travelers make the best decision.
First of all, car rental offers travelers flexibility. Whereas buses and trains generally run on a strict timeline, it is simple to plan out your own route and adjust plans to fit your own needs. Whether you want to take a detour to take in the scenery, or to break up a long journey for lunch, car rental provides the ultimate flexibility.
Furthermore, if traveling in a group, car rental can be surprisingly affordable. Not only are there multiple discounts available, as well as various payment options, cabs and trains can become costly when traveling with family or friends. Alternately, if you rent a car, it offers the opportunity to enjoy Japan without relying too heavily on the budget.
Though there is no doubt that public transport requires less hassle, if you strive to take in the full beauty of Japan, a rental car provides the best option. You can travel to far corners of Japan, take your time stopping at the various attractions and becoming fully immersed in the culture.
Moreover, with car rental travelers can enjoy a more private, intimate experience. Whereas public transport means enduring inevitably crowded conditions and is not typically tailored to the individual, renting a car inherently provides a personal experience, allowing you to focus on yourself, your fellow travelers, and the country you are visiting at your own pace.
Finally, a rental car gives travelers the ability to have nearly everything at their fingertips. From the convenience of being able to store snacks and drinks during long drives, to having access to an array of facilities such as hotels, restaurants and gas stations around the country, the convenience of having a car should not be underestimated.
Advantages of Self-Driving in Japan
Self-driving in Japan is a popular way to get around the country, and offers many advantages over depending solely on public transportation. Aside from avoiding the crowds, there are several other benefits associated with self-driving, especially when done in Japan.
Finding your own way can be much more convenient, with local folklore and customs just a few clicks away. You can stop where you please, and most importantly, self-driving can provide an extra layer of safety as most drivers are incredibly courteous and follow the rules of the road.
Furthermore, self-driving in Japan can be much more comfortable, with more spacious options available to cater to larger groups. Sightseeing can be tailored to your own interests or preferred sightseeing spots, and will allow your group to remain in a similar space for the duration of the journey, avoiding the chaos of buses and trains.
Navigating Japan with a self-drive vehicle offers something for everyone- for those competent enough to handle a larger vehicle, access to a bigger selection of vehicles, with added extras such as 4-wheel drive and additional luggage capacity.
Moreover, if you plan to reach out-of-the-way spots, a self-drive car can give you a sense of adventure, as you can explore more remote areas, where public transport is not as accessible. These locations can be some of the most beautiful spots in Japan, and can offer an incomparable experience for travelers.
Finally, self-driving in Japan allows for a deeper experience of the country. For many people, an exciting part of traveling is the experience of learning more about unfamiliar cultures. Self-driving gives you the opportunity to explore and understand other lands, and how people live in them, in ways that are not possible with tour companies or public transport.
Common Pitfalls of Car Rental for Japan Travel
Despite its many advantages, car rental for Japan travel also comes with a certain set of risks and drawbacks. Before deciding to invest in a rental car, travelers should clearly understand these drawbacks and how to mitigate them.
Firstly, a rental car is only as safe as its driver. When traveling around Japan, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the local laws and driving etiquette. Not only will this help ensure your safety, but it also helps to respect the native culture.
Secondly, Japan can be a daunting place for drivers, with roads and signage often not in English. It is essential to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the roads and exploring various navigation apps before attempting to take on the chaotic Japanese roads.
Thirdly, car rental, even including fuel costs, can become costly. When selecting a car, it is important to be aware of the total cost involved, such as fuel prices, insurance, taxes and parking fees. As such, it is essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages, in order to secure an informed decision.
Fourthly, the process of renting an automobile can be confusing in Japan. Not only must the right paperwork be provided, but many of the forms need to be translated into Japanese, which can be a hassle for foreign tourists.
Finally, Japan’s roads can be an uncomfortable experience for new drivers. With complicated exits, winding mountain roads, tunnels, and a lack of toll roads, cars can be a frustrating option for people not used to Japanese roads.
How to Pick the Right Rental Car in Japan
Despite the aforementioned pitfalls, car rental is still a great option for many travelers in Japan. To ensure you pick the right rental car for your journey, there are several factors to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is important to match the size of your car to the size of your group. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, then a smaller sedan might be a better, more cost effective option. However, if you are traveling in a large group, then it will be important to invest in a larger vehicle, to avoid cramming throughout the journey.
Furthermore, consider the amount of luggage you’ll be bringing. In Japan, cars generally have limited luggage space, so it is best to be aware of this beforehand to avoid any uncomfortable situations.
Moreover, if you are planning to take on a long journey, it is usually more cost-effective to rent a vehicle with unlimited mileage. This way, you won’t end up spending on a chunk of your travel budget on mileage fees.
When considering car rental models, many foreign tourists opt for hybrids, as they are economical and environmentally friendly. This is a great option for those wishing to reduce their carbon footprint when traveling in Japan.
Finally, it is important to consider the location of rental in relation to where you will be spending most of your journey. If you are staying in a rural area for the duration of your visit, then it is best to travel negatively to the area and rent a car from there.
The Benefits of an Online Car Rental Platform in Japan
Besides traditional car rental services, there is also the option to book rental cars from online platforms in Japan. This option is rapidly becoming popular amongst tourists, for a number of reasons.
Firstly, there are often more affordable options available online compared to traditional rental services. With an increased sub-contractor network and greater access to motorists across Japan, tourists can often find cheaper vehicles with higher quality.
Moreover, with an online search engine, travelers can browse a host of different cars, with improved availability, allowing them to find a car immediately, rather than waiting in long lines at traditional rental services. This is further facilitated by platforms that offer free cancellations, so that travelers can still find vehicles quickly, without fear of losing money.
Another advantage of online rental in Japan is the added convenience. With an online rental, there are no lengthy forms or paperwork to fill out, as the process can be taken care of with a few clicks. Moreover, payments can be made securely and quickly with various provider options such as PayPal, making the process faster and smoother.
Meanwhile, online rental platforms have also stepped up their customer service. As technology has improved, platforms are able to leverage the power of real-time alerts and notifications, with improved response times and 24/7 customer service, allowing users the assurance that their rental experience will be seamless throughout their journey.
Finally, one of the biggest advantages of online car rental in Japan is that it gives travelers more control over the whole process. Rather than being dependent on someone else to help with their booking, travelers can manage and keep track of their own reservations, receive details such as price and rental terms before deciding, and closely follow their progress throughout the journey.
Tips for Optimizing Your Car Rental Experience in Japan
No matter the type of car rental you choose, it is important to prepare for your journey beforehand. This helps to avoid any hitches along the way, and allows you to fully enjoy Japan without falling into a web of complications
