Frequently Asked Questions

A compilation of questions regarding Times Car RENTAL.

Check this page to find the answers to your questions regarding our car rental services.

Questions Regarding Rental Requirements

What do I need to rent a car?

Each person who intends to drive must bring a valid driver's license to drive in Japan, passport, and a valid means of payment (generally via credit card). All of these items must be submitted on the day the car will be picked up. Kindly pay with an affiliated credit card. If you wish to pay in cash, you must also submit an item of identification (copies are acceptable) in addition to your driver's license.

*Click here for details on the international driving permit

What type of driver's license do I need to drive in Japan?

You will need a valid International Driving Permit issued by a competent government institution that conforms to the format specified by the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic 1949.

*Owners of a driver's license obtained in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Taiwan or Monaco must submit an official translation issued by the Japan Automobile Federation or the relevant embassy.

*Click here for details on the international driving permit 

Can anyone besides the reservation applicant drive the car?

Yes;

however, each person who intends to drive the car must present the original documents of a valid driver’s license and passport on the day the car will be picked up.

Can beginner drivers (driving with a driver’s license issued less than one year ago) also rent a car?

Yes. No restrictions are placed on the date of issuance of the driver’s license. We have a large-scale compensation system that beginner drivers can use to rent a vehicle without worries. People with little confidence in their driving skills are also welcome to use our services.

Can elderly people also rent cars?

Yes. No age restrictions are in place. Anybody with a valid driver’s license can rent a vehicle.

Questions Regarding Reservations

Will there be a problem if the person who made the reservation is different from the one who will drive the car?

No. Persons who will not drive the car can also make the reservation; however, they need to confirm first the driver of the vehicle before making the reservation.

How many days in advance can a reservation be made?

Vehicles can be reserved six months in advance. Reservations can also be made 30 minutes* prior to pick-up if a vehicle is required at the last minute.

*Some stations cannot accept reservations made 30 minutes or less prior to pick-up.

*If the vehicle needs to be picked up within 30 minutes of the opening time of the station, the reservation must be made the day before, 30 minutes prior to the closing time.

Can I rent a car without a reservation?

Yes, as long as a vehicle is available in the station; however, we recommend making a reservation because no vehicle may be available during busy periods.

Can I cancel my reservation?

Yes, reservations can be cancelled. Please contact us as soon as possible if you wish to cancel your reservation. The reservation number issued when you made the reservation and the email address you registered at the time of reservation are required to cancel or make changes to your reservation.

Inquiries Regarding Reservations

Can I make changes to my reservation?

Yes. The reservation number issued when you made the reservation and the email address you registered at the time of reservation are required to make changes to your reservation.

Inquiries Regarding Reservations

Do I have to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my reservation?

A reservation cancellation fee pre-determined by the company may apply if you cancel your reservation.

No fee shall apply if the cancellation is made at least seven days prior to the date of pick-up. The cancellation fee shall apply for those made six days or less prior to the date of pick-up.

For how many days can I reserve a rental car?

We accept reservations for a rental period of one (1) month at most.

Can I request an AT (automatic) or MT (manual) vehicle?

No. The transmission type cannot be selected. Only AT (automatic) vehicles are available.

Can I get a non-smoking car?

Yes. All Times Car RENTAL vehicles are non-smoking.

What happens if I arrive late when picking up the car?

Please make sure to contact the concerned station if you are going to arrive later than the specified pick-up time. Failure to contact the station will cause the reservation to be cancelled an hour after the scheduled pick-up time. The vehicle may also not be available anymore at the time of pick-up.

Questions During Rental

What should I do if I damage the car?

In the event that the customer causes an accident or defacement to the vehicle during the rental period, the user shall be required to pay the non-operation charge (NOC) as partial compensation for the loss of earnings incurred for repairs or cleaning, regardless of the degree of damage or the length of time required for repairs/cleaning.
The non-operation charge (NOC) is different from the deductible (paid by the user) in the insurance and compensation system, which is applied in the event of accidents. Please note that this sum is to be paid even if you are subscribed to the Safety Package.

What should I do if I get in an accident?

Please follow the procedure below if you get involved in an accident:

  1. Move the vehicle to a safe location to prevent further accidents.
  2. Assist all injured parties.
  3. Report the accident to the police.
  4. Get the details of the other party.
  5. Contact the Global Customer Desk*.

Do not negotiate a private settlement on the spot. Private settlements will invalidate the insurance, which will require the user to pay the entire cost.

*Available in 10 languages 24/7 or 365 days a year.

What to Do When an Accident or Other Problems Occur 

What should I do if I receive a fine ticket for parking violation?

If you find a notice of illegal parking is attached on the vehicle windshield, you MUST complete the payment of the fine to the jurisdictional police.


Upon returning the vehicle, please submit the traffic violation ticket along with the payment note and the receipt of the fine with the payment date stamp to our staff.


If you fail to present "Notice of Traffic Violation" and "Payment Slip & Receipt" upon return, JPY 30,000 for parking violation fee will be charged.


*The above sum in relation to the parking violations paid to the location will be refunded once the traffic violation ticket, statement and receipt of payment of the fine have been submitted to the rental location. The amount will be refunded to the specified bank account (the customer is responsible for any bank charges incurred).

*Please note that if the Company is notified to pay the parking fine or if the customer does not pay in full the charged sum by the date specified, the Company shall take measures such as registering the user’s name in the All Japan Rent-a-Car Association information management system. Any booking requests to car rental companies affiliated to this Association will be refused to customers registered in the system.

Are there any restrictions on mileage when using a rental car?

No. There are no mileage restrictions or additional fees.

Can my pet ride in the car?

Yes. Apply by telephone if you intend to travel with a pet. Please make sure to mention that you will be traveling with a pet when making a reservation (vehicle models that can carry pets differ among rental stations, so online applications will not be accepted). We may refuse to rent out a vehicle even if you have a reservation, so please mention this in advance.

Questions Regarding Vehicle Pick-up

What are the required procedures for picking up the car?

You will be required to present your driver’s license (of all drivers) and passport for verification purposes and to sign the Rental Agreement when you pick up the vehicle. Once completed, please pay the sum determined by the contents of the agreement. (Payment must be settled when the vehicle is picked up.)

*Does not apply to users who have paid in advance.

A short explanation of the vehicle will be provided, and the vehicle will be checked for existing scratches or other damages together with the user. The rental car can be used as soon as the inspection has been completed.

What do I need to bring when picking up the car?

Each person who intends to drive must bring a valid driver’s license to drive in Japan, passport, and a valid method of payment (generally via credit card). These are to be submitted together with any discount cards you may have. Kindly pay with an affiliated credit card. If you wish to pay in cash, you must also submit an item of identification (copies are acceptable) in addition to your driver’s license.

Example: Health insurance card, residence card, passport, certificate of seal registration, etc.

Can I pick up or return the car outside of opening hours?

No. Please pick up and return the vehicle within the opening hours of the concerned station.

Can I make changes to the reservation when I pick up the car?

Yes. If you wish to change the rental period, please inform a staff member when picking up the car. You will be advised if the change is possible once the reservation details of other users have been checked. Please note that requests to make changes may be refused due to reservations made by other users.

If I forget to bring my driver’s license, can I still rent a car as long as I am registered?

No. You may NOT rent a car if you do not show a valid driver’s license and passport at the time of pick-up. Please make sure that you do not forget to bring the necessary documents on the day of pick-up.

Can I arrange for the car to be delivered to my home?

No. We do not offer home delivery service. Please visit your nearest rental station for inquiries.

Can I arrange for the car to be delivered to a train station or hotel?

Yes. Certain rental stations operate a delivery and pick-up service for railway stations and hotels. The available services and fees vary in accordance with the region and the rental period. Please directly inquire with the concerned station when making a reservation or contact our call center.

Can I arrange for the car to be delivered to the airport?

Many of our rental stations are conveniently located in all major airports in Japan. Please visit any of these stations. Our staff from rental stations that are far from airports can pick you up free of charge. Please directly inquire with the rental station when making a reservation or contact our call center.

Questions Regarding Vehicle Return

What do I need to keep in mind when returning the car?

Please make sure that you have not left anything inside the vehicle. We cannot be held responsible for any forgotten items or lost property.

Can I return the car to a different rental station?

Yes. We provide a one-way service that allows return of the vehicle to a different rental station. Please note that a one-way fee may be charged depending on the distance between the pick-up and return rental stations.

Do you offer a one-way rental service?

Yes. This service is available as long as the pick-up and return stations are both operated by Times Car RENTAL. Please contact the rental station where the vehicle is to be picked up for details on the one-way fee. A price simulation may be run to check the amount of the one-way fee.

*Certain vehicle models cannot be used for this service owing to parking limitations at the rental station concerned. Please inquire in advance.

How are rental fees calculated if I extend the rental during the original rental period?

All additional charges will be calculated in accordance with the hourly rate system, which is based on the Times Car RENTAL fee table.

All promotional rates and discounts will be applied when calculating the extension fee.

Can I get a refund If I return the car earlier than the scheduled date of return?

Yes. For midterm cancellations, please contact the rental station from where you picked up the vehicle before returning home. Half of the refund for the unused period will be deducted as the midterm cancellation fee, and the remainder will be refunded.

What should I do if I am unable to return the car with a full tank?

You may return the vehicle to the station as it is. Please pay the refueling fee predetermined by the company in accordance with the distance traveled.

Questions Regarding Settlement

How is the rental fee calculated?

The rental fee is determined in accordance with the model of the vehicle and the length of the rental period. If the user has requested any additional options, accessories, compensation package, or other services, the applicable costs will be added to the basic fee accordingly.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes. Credit cards are accepted.

Can I pay in cash?

Yes. We generally require payment by credit card, but if the reservation is made in advance, we allow payment in cash at the rental station where the vehicle is to be picked up. If you wish to pay in cash, you must also submit an item of identification (copies are acceptable) in addition to your driver’s license. You will be required to pay by credit card if you rent a car from a rental station without a reservation.

Do you offer a discount to people with disabilities?

No. We do not offer discounts to people with disabilities.

Do the fees vary by region and season?

Yes. Rental fees vary in accordance with both the region and the season. Please refer to [Vehicles and Fees] for details on the actual rates.

When do I have to pay the rental fees?

Please pay the fees when picking up the vehicle at the rental station.

Questions Regarding Vehicles and Options

Are all cars equipped with a GPS navigation system?

No. Some vehicles do not have a GPS system. If you wish to use a vehicle with a GPS system, tick the [Navigation System] box when reserving a vehicle on the website.

Guide to Using the GPS Navigation System 

Are all cars equipped with an ETC device?

No. Some models do not have an ETC device. If you need a vehicle with an ETC device, please make sure to tick the [ETC] box under Accessories when reserving a vehicle on the website.

Do you rent out ETC cards?

Yes. Rental stations in certain regions rent out ETC cards.

Stations Renting Out ETC Cards

Are all cars fitted with a device for connecting to an iPod?

No. This varies by rental station. Please directly inquire with the rental station where the vehicle will be picked up.

Can I specify the grade and color of the car?

No. due to availability, a specific model including but not limited to vehicle model, model year, grade, and color cannot be specified. You may only choose vehicle class.

Do you rent out studless snow tires, ski/snowboard carriers and snow chains?

Regarding studless snow tires, availability and fees vary in accordance with the region and rental period. Tire chains and ski/snowboard carriers are not available.


【Studless snow tires】
When making a reservation, if "studless snow tires" is displayed as equipment, you can use it by selecting the item. In winter, it is standard equipment in some regions for limited period.


Further information about Accessories and Options

Do you rent out infant, toddler, and booster seats?

Yes. Available seats vary in accordance with the child’s age and stature, so please state your requirements when making a reservation. Users are also free to make use of their own seats. Please refer to the link below for details on the option fees.

*Users are requested to install the seats themselves. Although our staff members may provide assistance, please make sure to perform the final check on whether the seats have been properly installed.

Questions Regarding the Insurance and Compensation System

Do I need to get the Safety Package or the Super Safety Package?

No. Subscribing to these packages is not mandatory. A package can be selected when making a reservation or when picking up the vehicle.

What happens if I get in an accident and am not subscribed to the Safety Package?

All of our rental vehicles are covered for unlimited body injury compensation; unlimited property damage compensation (Deductible: JPY 50,000); personal injury compensation up to JPY 30,000,000; and market-value vehicle damage compensation (Deductible: JPY 50,000 to JPY 100,000). These are included in the rental fee. In the event of an accident, the user will be required to pay the deductible. A non-operation charge (partial compensation for loss of earnings) will be imposed as well.

Does compensation apply to all drivers?

Everyone registered as a driver at the time the vehicle is picked up will be compensated in the same way as the applicant.

Inquiries Regarding Lost Items

What should I do if I left my peronal items in the car?

Please contact us by Inquiry Form. Please describe the shape and external features of your lost item.

Can I contact the Global Customer Desk through the inquiry form in English?

We accept inquiries in English or in Japanese.

Is it possible to receive my lost item to a location outside Japan?

All the lost items will be delivered to customers by an international express service called "TUMOCA Express". After the service guidance from us, please contact TUMOCA Express for further inquiries regarding shipping fees or shipping location.

I would like Times CAR RENTAL to ship my lost item, rather than shipped by TUMOCA Express.

All the lost items will be shipped by TUMOCA Express. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

How much is the shipping fee?

Due to the reason that lost items are shipped & handled by TUMOCA Express, Times CAR RENTAL does not have access to the rates of shipping fee.

Could you ship my lost item to my friend in Japan?

If you wish to do so, please specify your request in the inquiry form.

Can you ship my lost item to my friend overseas?

Please inquire TUMOCA Express about the shipping address.

For how long are the lost items kept and stored?

The lost items are kept in accordance with Times CAR RENTAL Terms and Conditions. Unclaimed items will be disposed after the retention period has passed. Please click here to check details on the retention period.

Questions Regarding the Website

What is a recommended browsing environment for this page?

The below operating system and browser is recommended to view this page.

Desktop

Operating System

  • Windows 10
  • Mac OS

Browser

  • Microsoft Edge (Latest Version)
  • Google Chrome (Latest Version)
  • Safari 15

Smartphone

Operating System

  • iOS 13~15
  • Andriod 8~11

Browser

  • Google Chrome (Latest Version)

Can I post a link to Times CAR RENTAL from my website or blog?

Yes. We maintain an open policy with regard to links to our website; however, users are requested to read the following precautions before setting up links.

Precautions

Emails or links that provide access to websites with the following contents are strictly forbidden.

  • Bulletin boards
  • Contents that are contrary to public order and morals
  • Illegal or potentially illegal contents
  • Contents that slander or defame the company, its affiliates, or their executives and employees
  • Contents that slander or defame the products or services provided by the company and its affiliates
  • Other contents deemed to be inappropriate by Times Car RENTAL

URL for Setting Up Links

All links must be directed to the home page of the Times Car RENTAL website. Changes may be made to the structure of other pages, so direct links to individual content are discouraged.

We recommend setting up the link so that a new window is opened and the home page is displayed.

Questions Regarding Times CAR RENTAL

Where are the rental stations located?

The rental stations of Times CAR RENTAL are located in major Shinkansen stations and terminals across Japan.

Click here to search locations.