
2025/ 1/ 31
If you visit Japan, Lake Kawaguchi is one area you should definitely visit.
To efficiently get around Lake Kawaguchi, which is dotted with sightseeing spots, it is convenient to use the Lake Kawaguchi Tour Bus, but a rental car is an even more convenient way to get around the area.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to reserve and return a rental car so that you can enjoy Lake Kawaguchi by rental car.
We will also introduce some things to be aware of when driving a rental car in Japan, as well as recommended accommodations for sightseeing at Lake Kawaguchi, so please use this as reference for your trip to Lake Kawaguchi.
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With its majestic Mt. Fuji and beautiful nature, Lake Kawaguchi has many tourist spots that are perfect for visiting.
While public transportation such as the Lake Kawaguchi sightseeing bus is convenient, it can also be restrictive, requiring you to pay attention to schedules and check routes.
If you rent a car, you can easily explore Lake Kawaguchi as well as other popular tourist spots such as Fuji-Q Highland and the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji.
If you are traveling as a family or as a couple, renting a car often offers more private space and can reduce transportation costs.
Enjoy the freedom of movement that only a rental car can provide and make the most of your time sightseeing at Lake Kawaguchi.
We will explain step by step how to rent a car at Lake Kawaguchi. Please check it out so that you can smoothly handle everything from online reservation to returning the car.
If you are renting a car at Lake Kawaguchi, we recommend making your reservation online.
Recently, there has been an increase in rental car reservation sites in languages other than Japanese, such as English and Chinese, which are easy to use and allow for a smooth reservation process.
Reservations can be made through the official website of the rental car company,look,TabiraiYou can easily process it by using etc.
Select the rental date, the pick-up and return location, and the desired car model and proceed with the input. When reserving a rental car, be sure to check the insurance coverage, which will be described later.
The rental car pick-up procedure will be carried out at the office specified when reserving the rental car.
We will explain in detail later about the documents required to rent a car, so for now, let's check the process for picking up a rental car.
When returning the rental car, you will return it to the rental office specified when making the reservation.
When returning the car, you will need to refill the gasoline you used. You will need to show the gas station receipt to the rental car office as proof that you refueled, so be sure to keep the receipt.
There are many self-service gas stations in Japan, and if you don't know how to do it, just ask a staff member for help.
Be sure to check carefully to ensure that you have not left anything behind in the rental car when you return it.
You should also be aware of the documents required when renting a car in Japan, as well as the insurance that is recommended for you to take out when renting a car.
The following documents are required for travelers from outside Japan to rent a car.
The driver's license required to rent a car varies depending on your country of origin.
For travelers from Taiwan,
For travelers from Hong Kong,
If you are unsure, it is best to inquire with the rental car company in advance.National Police Agency page (Japanese)But you can check the information.
When reserving a rental car, be sure to check the necessary documents and be fully prepared.
In Japan, when renting a car, it is mandatory to take out "automobile insurance," and the insurance fee is included in the rental fee.
In addition, there is optional insurance, and it is a good idea to purchase "deductible compensation" and "NOC compensation" to prepare for any accidents or troubles that may occur while using the rental car.
Deductible Compensation | NOC compensation |
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This is a policy you can subscribe to if you wish to receive a reduction or exemption from the self-pay portion of vehicle and property damage compensation in the event of an accident. | Join this insurance if you wish to reduce or exempt yourself from the obligation to pay business compensation to the rental car company in the event that your vehicle becomes unusable due to an accident. |
Depending on the rental car reservation site, insurance may be required or you may choose whether or not to add insurance, so be sure to check the details carefully when making your reservation.
Driving a rental car in unfamiliar territory can be a bit scary, so we recommend you also take out optional insurance.
There are several rental car companies around Lake Kawaguchi, but the following three are recommended.
Car rental company name | Rental car company characteristics |
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Toyota rent-a-car | ・7 minutes walk from Kawaguchiko Station ・There are over 1,000 rental offices in areas other than Kawaguchiko, so you have plenty of options for where to return your rental car |
Nippon Rent-A-Car | ・Open until 7pm ・There are over 800 stores outside of Kawaguchiko, so you have plenty of options for where to return your rental car |
ORIX car rental | ・Open until 7pm ・There are over 1,000 offices outside of Kawaguchiko, so you have plenty of options for where to return your rental car |
If you want to rent a car until late around Kawaguchiko Station, Toyota Rent a Car is the best choice; if you want to rent a car as close to Kawaguchiko Station as possible, Nippon Rent a Car is the best choice; if you want to rent a car near Mt. Fuji Station, Orix Rent a Car is the best choice.
All of these companies are rental car companies with operations throughout Japan, so you can be assured of the quality of their service.
If you want to reserve a rental car around Lake Kawaguchi, it is convenient and smooth to make the reservation through the website below.
Site name | Features |
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Tabirai | - Simple and easy to use interface - It's easy to check the information on supplementary insurance on the rental car comparison page ・You can also book plans with deductible compensation and NOC compensation. |
look | Relatively easy to use interface ・Deductible compensation and NOC compensation can be purchased when picking up the rental car ・Toyota cars are reserved through Hertz (cars can be picked up at Toyota Rent-a-Car Fujikawaguchiko store) |
Thank you! | ・Sites operated by Japanese companies ・The prices on the rental car comparison screen are excluding tax (prices including tax can be confirmed by proceeding to the reservation screen) ・Reservations can be made with plans that include deductible compensation and NOC compensation. |
If you plan on renting a car for your trip to Lake Kawaguchi, you'll need to be fully familiar with Japan's traffic rules, so be sure to do your research beforehand.
It is also important to prepare in advance what to do in case you get into an accident while traveling in a rental car.
Below we explain the traffic rules and what to do in an emergency.
If you are traveling within Japan by rental car, it is essential that you understand Japan's traffic rules.
Here are some Japanese traffic rules you should pay particular attention to:
In Japan, pedestrians have the right of way, so even if the traffic light is green, you should give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road.
There are a relatively large number of parking lots around Lake Kawaguchiko so you don't need to worry too much, but you will be fined if you park in a no-parking area, so be sure to check the signs carefully.
The guide is in Japanese,List of signs from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and TourismIt's a good idea to check this as well.
Lake Kawaguchi is a popular tourist destination and there are many foreigners using rental cars, so be sure to check the traffic rules carefully to avoid imitating their incorrect driving methods without realizing it.
During your trip to Lake Kawaguchi, you may be unlucky enough to get into an accident while driving a rental car.
In the event of an accident, stay at the scene and
In order to receive insurance benefits, you will need a police accident report, so you must report even the most minor accident to the police.
By renting a car, you can easily access glamping facilities around Lake Kawaguchi.
Glamping, surrounded by the nature of Lake Kawaguchi, offers a more casual and relaxing outdoor experience than camping.
If you're looking for a glamping facility where you can fully enjoy the nature in the Kawaguchiko area, we recommend Glamping Resort Varie, where you can rent the entire facility and enjoy a stay in a dome-shaped tent.
The location is easily accessible and even easier if you have a rental car.
There are three types of rooms available, some of which can accommodate up to seven people, making them ideal for group trips.
You can also rent a fire pit and enjoy cooking food from Lake Kawaguchi over a bonfire.
"Sweet Glamping Kawaguchiko" is a glamping facility that is typical of Lake Kawaguchiko, with all rooms offering a view of Mt. Fuji. The dome tent-style rooms come with a private BBQ space and private bathroom that can be used regardless of the weather.
Each building is equipped with its own dining space, making it a recommended spot for even outdoor beginners to enjoy the experience.
With the dinner-included plan, you can enjoy meat and seafood at a BBQ, and even with the accommodation-only plan, you can reserve a BBQ grill and enjoy a BBQ using local ingredients from Lake Kawaguchi.
Above is a summary of information regarding car rentals at Lake Kawaguchi.
By renting a car, you can freely and efficiently travel around Lake Kawaguchi's tourist spots, enjoying sightseeing during the day and spending the evenings and nights relaxing at a glamping facility.
Be sure to also remember the important points about renting a car in Japan to make your trip to Lake Kawaguchi even more enjoyable.
*This column was created based on information as of June 2025.Please check the official website for the latest information on each facility.
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