Since you have come all the way to Japan, many people would like to rent a special car! For those of you who are interested in renting a car, I would like to introduce you to a car rental service where you can enjoy Japanese sports cars such as the Toyota GR86 and the GR Yaris. This time, we rented a GR86 at Toyota Rent-A-Car.
How exactly do I rent a car? I will teach you how to rent a car in 7 steps.
Booking
Book a rental car in advance at the following official Toyota Rent-A-Car website. Be sure to make a reservation, as they are popular and there are only a few available.
Enter the following information when making a reservation
- Type of rental car desired (SP1 class)
- You can also specify the type of car, but you will receive a 2,200 yen discount if you choose random.
- Start and return date and time of use
- Stores to be used (pick-up and return stores)
- Options (child seat, car navigation system, etc.)
- Confirmation of required driver’s license (international driver’s license may be required)
Required documents (preparation)
Be sure to include the following items in your luggage, as you will need them when you actually rent the car at the store.
What you will need when renting a car?
- Driver’s License.
- Japanese driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license
- Licenses from some countries (Switzerland, Germany, France, etc.) are available along with translations
- Passport (especially for foreigners)
- Credit card (required for deposit and payment)
*They only accept credit cards
Procedures at the store
On the day of rental, follow the steps below to rent a car
Go to the store on the reserved date and time and complete the following procedures:
- Confirm the details of the reservation
- Confirm the car type, period of use, and options.
- Confirm your driver’s license
- Store staff will check your driver’s license.
- Payment
- Make payment by credit card or cash (credit card is recommended).
- Sign Agreement
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions of Car Rental and sign the contract.
- Check the vehicle
- Check the vehicle for scratches and condition with store staff.
Receive your car
- Receive your keys and prepare for departure.
- The staff may explain basic usage (navigation system operation, type of gasoline, etc.). (The car I rented was an automatic. It will basically be an automatic)
Use of rental cars
- Follow the traffic rules and drive safely.
- Fill up with the specified fuel (regular, high-octane, etc.).
- The GR86 I rented was regular gasoline. Be sure to ask the store staff what type of gasoline you need.
Return
Upon return, please ensure the following
- Refill fuel
- Fill up your tank. Fill up the tank at a nearby gas station
- Vehicle check
- Staff will check the condition of your vehicle.
- Reimbursement for overage charges.
- If there are additional charges for time used or optional extras, we will settle them.
Other Considerations
- Consider insurance options (e.g., deductible plans).
- Because it is a sports car, even if you are used to driving it on a regular basis, it is recommended that you get the most expensive plan just in case. Parts are also expensive.
- If you are going to be late, be sure to contact the store.
- In some cases, you may be able to use the service for a shorter period of time or drop-off service (return the car at a different store).
Summary
This time, I actually rented a GR86 at Toyota Rent-A-Car, and since it costs only about 14,000 yen per day, why not make your trip memorable? It looks great in photos and you can show it off to your friends around you!
I drove around Hakone in the GR86 I rented this time, so you can check out the article about it if you like.
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