
Your Reliable Partner for Road Trips in Japan: TOCOO! Rental Car Reservation Service for International Travelers
If you’re planning to travel around Japan by rental car, consider using TOCOO!, Japan’s first car rental reservation service designed specifically for international visitors.
With around 100,000 vehicles listed daily and about 3,000 rental locations across Japan—mainly near airports and major train stations—TOCOO! offers a wide range of plans and options tailored to the needs of international travelers.
It’s a reliable service that supports a safe, secure, and comfortable driving experience in Japan.
This article will introduce the key benefits of using TOCOO!, along with important points to know when booking or returning a rental car.
If you’re looking for a dependable way to arrange a rental car in Japan, this guide is for you.
3 Reasons Why Travelers Choose TOCOO!
TOCOO! serves customers in over 60 countries and has supported more than one million international users.
Its popularity among travelers is no coincidence—there are solid reasons why so many people choose this service.
Here are three key reasons why TOCOO! stands out.
1. Rent a Car Anywhere in Japan — Unmatched Vehicle Inventory and Nationwide Coverage
Among the rental car services available to international visitors, TOCOO! boasts one of the largest inventories in Japan.
With approximately 100,000 vehicles listed per day, the lineup includes not only Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan but also foreign brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.
Thanks to this extensive inventory, it’s much easier to reserve the car you want on your preferred dates.
What’s more, TOCOO! locations are conveniently situated near airports and major train stations, allowing you to start your journey soon after arriving in Japan.
For travelers with large luggage or families with young children, this accessibility offers peace of mind and a smooth travel experience.

2. A Wide Range of Plans and Options to Suit Every Traveler’s Needs
TOCOO! offers a variety of plans and optional services designed to meet the diverse needs of international visitors. From Wi-Fi router and ETC card rentals to exclusive packages, you’ll find options tailored specifically for overseas travelers.
Here are some of the most recommended plans and options available.
Unlimited Highway Access with the TOCOO! Expressway Pass (TEP)
The TOCOO! Expressway Pass (TEP) is an exclusive service that allows unlimited access to expressways in Japan during the rental period.
This plan includes a dedicated ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) card, so there’s no need to arrange one separately.
With an ETC card, you can pass through toll gates smoothly without stopping or preparing cash.
In addition to the nationwide unlimited pass, there are also area-specific plans for Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Okinawa. The available rental period ranges from 1 to 30 days.
Since Japan’s expressway tolls are relatively expensive compared to other countries, this pass is a great way to save money and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
Knowing your highway costs in advance also makes it easier to manage your travel budget—perfect for long-distance road trips.

Book Early and Save with TOCOO!’s Early Bird Plans
TOCOO! offers three Early Bird Plans.
- Early Bird 45
- Book at least 45 days in advance to get 5% off the displayed TOCOO! price
- Early Bird 90
- Book at least 90 days in advance to get 10% off the displayed TOCOO! price
- Early Bird 120
- Book at least 120 days in advance to get 15% off the displayed TOCOO! price
Keep in mind the following conditions before choosing one of these plans:
- A cancellation fee will apply regardless of when you cancel
- Reservations cannot be modified once confirmed
Refer to the official page below for more details.
Essential for Winter Travel: Winter Tires Plan
If you plan to drive in snowy regions during winter, having winter tires is essential for safe travel.
For the following regions and periods, all TOCOO! rental plans come equipped with winter tires by default.
- Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Akita
- December to March
- Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima, Nagano, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi
- January to March
Outside of these regions and periods, winter tires may still be necessary depending on weather and road conditions.
Before booking, check the forecast and road conditions at your destination. If you expect snowy roads, consider reserving the Winter Tires Plan, which guarantees winter tire installation.
You can check which areas and dates are eligible for this plan on the official page below.

Snow Socks as an Alternative
If the Winter Tires Plan isn’t available, TOCOO! also offers Snow Socks as an optional add-on.
These fabric tire covers provide reliable traction on snow or ice-covered roads and can be easily installed without any tools—ideal for sudden weather changes during your trip.

Recommended for Peace of Mind: The Full Coverage Plan
For those who want extra protection in case of unexpected trouble on the road, the Full Coverage Plan includes all available insurance options and ensures that you won’t have to pay out of pocket if an accident occurs.
This comprehensive plan includes the following coverage.
- Personal Liability Coverage
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・ Covers injury or death to others caused by the driver
・ Compensation: Unlimited per person (includes mandatory liability insurance). - Property Damage Coverage
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・ Covers damage to another person’s vehicle or property
・ Compensation: Up to 20 million yen per accident
・ Deductible: 50,000yen - Vehicle Damage Coverage
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・ Covers damage to the rental car itself
・ Compensation: Up to the current market value of the vehicle per accident
・ Deductible: 50,000yen (100,000yen for microbuses and trucks) - Personal Injury Coverage
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・ Covers injury, death, or permanent disability of passengers in the event of an accident
・ Compensation: Up to 50 million yen per person - CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
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・ Covers the deductible amount that would normally be the driver’s responsibility
・ Compensation: Up to 150,000yen - NOC (Non-Operation Charge)
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・Compensation for loss of rental company revenue if the vehicle is damaged or needs cleaning after an accident
・ This charge is fully covered by TOCOO! Additional Support (T.A.S.)
*Coverage amounts and deductibles may vary depending on the rental car company.
What Is TOCOO! Additional Support (T.A.S.)?
T.A.S. is a required add-on service when booking through TOCOO!, and it includes coverage for both the Non-Operation Charge (NOC) and towing fees in the event of an accident.
If an accident occurs, the NOC is fully covered with no out-of-pocket expense, and if the vehicle becomes undrivable, towing fees are covered up to 100,000yen (tax included).
3. Multilingual Customer Support Always Available
TOCOO! not only offers its official website in English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Thai, but also provides customer support staffed by native speakers of each language.
This means that if you have questions about the service or booking process—or if an issue arises during your trip—you can receive assistance with peace of mind.
In addition, TOCOO! offers a three-way phone interpretation service in English, Chinese, and Korean.
This service can be used not only when picking up or returning your rental car at the counter, but also in a variety of everyday travel situations—such as ordering at a restaurant, asking questions while shopping, or getting directions.

How to Use TOCOO! and Key Points to Know
TOCOO!’s rental car booking service is simple and easy to understand, with comprehensive customer support—so even first-time users can make a reservation without confusion.
That said, knowing a few key points in advance will help you complete the process even more smoothly.
Below is a summary of the steps from booking to return, along with important tips to keep in mind before reserving.
Booking Process and Key Points
To make a reservation, simply visit the official website and select your pickup location, rental period, preferred vehicle type, and any options. Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the necessary information.
The total price, including all selected options, is clearly displayed before finalizing the booking, so you can proceed with confidence.
After completing your reservation, you’ll receive an email with a reservation number and password. Entering these on the TOCOO! website allows you to easily review your reservation details.
You can choose either prepayment by credit card or payment at the rental location, but note that some plans and options require prepayment by credit card at the time of booking:
- TOCOO! Additional Support (T.A.S.)
- TOCOO! ETC Card Rental
- TOCOO! Expressway Pass (TEP)
- Wi-Fi Router Rental and other optional services

Make Use of Discount Coupons During Promotions
When booking a car with TOCOO!, take advantage of a coupon code that offers a discount on reservations totaling 10,000 yen or more.
Simply enter the following code in the “Coupon Code / Distributor ID” field on the reservation screen to receive the discount:
- Coupon Code: TCGLJ1
This coupon has no expiration date and is valid at all rental car locations listed on TOCOO!’s official website.

Picking Up the Car: Process and Key Points
On the day of your reservation, go to the specified rental office and present your confirmation email. You’ll register the necessary information, receive an explanation of the contract, sign the agreement, and make payment by credit card.
Once you and the staff have checked the vehicle together, your driving journey begins.
However, there are two important things to keep in mind when picking up the car. Failing to follow these may prevent you from receiving the vehicle, even if you arrive at the rental location—so be sure to check these in advance.
Contact the Rental Office if You Expect to Be Late
If you are more than one hour late for your reservation time, it will be automatically canceled and a cancellation fee will apply.
To avoid this, be sure to contact the rental office ahead of time and let them know your estimated arrival time if you expect to be late.

Prepare the Required Documents in Advance
To pick up your rental car through TOCOO!, the following five items are required:
- International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Driver’s license from your home country
- Passport or Residence Card
- Credit card that can be used in Japan
- Reservation confirmation email (printed or on a device is acceptable)
For residents of Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Monaco, an official Japanese translation of your home country’s license can be used in place of an IDP.
You can find a detailed explanation of the process on the official website linked below.

Returning the Car: Process and Key Points
Make sure to return the vehicle to the designated rental location at the specified time.
Together with a staff member, check the vehicle’s condition. If there are no issues, the return process is complete.
Also, don’t forget to refuel the car before returning it.
You’ll need to fill up the tank at a designated gas station and present the receipt to the rental office staff when returning the vehicle.
Since roads may be congested and refueling can take time, we recommend allowing extra time on your return day to avoid being late.
For a detailed explanation of how to refuel at a Japanese gas station, check the article linked below. It will help ensure a smooth experience.

Consider Using the One-Way Rental Service
With most rental cars in Japan, the standard rule is to return the car to the same location where you picked it up.
For example, if you rented the car near Narita Airport, you would usually return it to the same shop.
However, depending on your travel itinerary—such as arriving at Narita Airport and departing from Kansai International Airport—it may be more convenient to return the car to a different location.
In such cases, the One-Way Rental Service can be extremely helpful.
This service allows you to return the vehicle to a different rental office from the one where you picked it up.
For instance, you can rent a car at a shop near Narita Airport and return it to a shop near Kansai International Airport.
Although an additional fee is required for one-way returns, it greatly increases the flexibility of your travel plans.
Of course, TOCOO! also supports the use of the One-Way Rental Service.

Cancellations and Refunds: Process and Key Points
Even if your travel plans change or you feel unwell, TOCOO! allows you to cancel or modify your reservation.
If you wish to change your reservation, simply cancel the current one and make a new reservation.
To cancel a booking, go to the official website’s “View/Cancel a Reservation” page.
Just enter your reservation number and password to proceed—it’s simple and convenient.
However, note that cancellation fees apply starting six days before the rental date, so it’s best to cancel early if needed.
Cancellation Timing | Car Rental Cancellation Fee | Option Cancellation Fee |
---|---|---|
7+ days before pickup | Free | Free |
3–6 days before pickup | 20% of rental fee (max 6,600yen per vehicle) | TOCOO! options are non-refundable |
1–2 days before pickup | 30% of rental fee (max 6,600 yen per vehicle) | TOCOO! options are non-refundable |
Same-day cancellation | 50% of rental fee (max 6,600yen per vehicle) | TOCOO! options are non-refundable |
*Some plans (e.g., Early Bird Plans) have different cancellation policies. Always check the details on the plan page before booking.
Important Things to Know About Renting a Car in Japan
When traveling by rental car in Japan, there are several important things to keep in mind.
Below are the key points you should know to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Tips for Driving on Snowy Roads
As mentioned earlier, when driving in snowy regions during winter, special care is needed for snow-covered and icy roads.
There are also risks unique to Japan, such as whiteout conditions or slipping, which you may not be used to.
While using winter tires or snow socks is essential, be sure to also follow these safety tips:
- Remove all snow from your shoes before getting in the car (to avoid slipping off the pedals)
- Clear snow from the roof, side mirrors, and windshield to maintain full visibility
- Avoid sudden lane changes, abrupt braking, or sudden acceleration—maintain a safe following distance
- Press the accelerator gently when starting to move to avoid slipping
- Be extra cautious on slopes, bridges, intersections, and tunnel entrances/exits, as they tend to be especially slippery
- When parking during snowfall, lift the wiper blades to prevent them from freezing
- If you begin to skid, stay calm and avoid using the accelerator or brakes—instead, carefully steer to regain control

Child Seat Requirements
In Japan, children under the age of 6 are legally required to use a child safety seat while riding in a car.
If you’re traveling with a child, be sure to select the child seat option when booking your car.
A child seat typically takes up the space of about 1.5 adult seats.
When choosing a vehicle, factor in the space required for child seats to ensure there are enough seats for all passengers.

Book Early for Japan’s Peak Travel Seasons
Even though TOCOO! has a large inventory, popular car models and locations near airports or major stations can still sell out quickly during high travel seasons.
Especially during Japan’s long holiday periods, demand surges, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Key busy periods include:
- New Year holidays (late December to early January)
- Golden Week (late April to early May)
- Obon holidays (mid-August)
Once your travel plans are set, it’s best to book your rental car as early as possible.
Booking in advance helps ensure you can secure your preferred vehicle, time slot, and pickup location.

Wrap-up
In this article, we introduced the key features of TOCOO!, Japan’s first rental car reservation service for international travelers, focusing on the booking process and useful tips.
With its extensive vehicle inventory and rental locations, a wide variety of plans and options, and multilingual customer support,
TOCOO! is sure to be a dependable partner for your road trip in Japan.