Car Hire Tokyo Akasaka — Central Location for Urban Adventures

Akasaka sits in the heart of Tokyo, sandwiched between the government district of Kasumigaseki and the nightlife hub of Roppongi. It’s one of the most convenient locations in the city to pick up a rental car, with easy access to the expressway network and prime position for exploring both central Tokyo and day trips beyond the city limits.

While many visitors rely on Tokyo’s legendary train network, having a car makes sense for certain types of travel—business trips requiring multiple site visits, family holidays with young children, or anyone wanting to escape the city for weekends in the mountains or at the coast. Akasaka’s central position puts the Shuto Expressway within minutes.

Picking Up Your Rental Car in Akasaka

Several rental companies operate branches in and around Akasaka, including Toyota Rent a Car, Orix, and Times Car Rental. These city locations typically offer the same vehicles as airport branches, though opening hours may be more limited. Most operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, with shorter weekend hours.

International visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Australia, the UK, the USA, and most European countries are covered. Your IDP must be arranged before arriving in Japan.

City pickup locations often have smaller lots than airports, so specific vehicle requests should be made well in advance. If you need a larger car, GPS upgrade, or child seats, request these when booking.

Where to Go with Your Rental Car from Akasaka

Central Tokyo (0–10 km) — From Akasaka, drive to the Imperial Palace, shop in Ginza, or explore the electronics district of Akihabara. Having a car lets you cover multiple neighbourhoods in one day without navigating complex train transfers.

Roppongi and Tokyo Tower (1–3 km) — The nightlife district and iconic tower are walking distance from Akasaka. Drive there and use nearby parking to explore on foot.

Kamakura (50 km) — The ancient capital with its Great Buddha and seaside temples is about an hour’s drive. The coastal route offers views of Tokyo Bay and the Miura Peninsula.

Mount Takao (50 km) — This popular hiking destination offers views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The drive takes about an hour, with good parking facilities at the base of the mountain.

Yokohama (30 km) — Japan’s second-largest city offers Chinatown, the historic foreign settlement, and modern Minato Mirai waterfront. The drive takes 45 minutes via the Shuto Expressway.

Tips for Driving in Tokyo

Tokyo traffic can be heavy, especially during morning and evening rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM). Plan your routes to avoid peak times, or use the expressway system to bypass surface traffic. The Shuto Expressway loops around the city with multiple access points near Akasaka.

Parking is the main challenge. Tokyo has virtually no free street parking. Use coin parking lots (marked with a lit “P” sign), which charge by the hour—typically ¥300–600 for 30 minutes. Hotel parking is often extra, so confirm costs when booking. Many shopping centres offer free parking with purchases over a certain amount.

GPS navigation is essential. Most rental cars have English-language systems. A useful trick: input phone numbers rather than addresses—Japanese GPS recognises business phone numbers and navigates directly. Smartphone apps like Google Maps work perfectly in Tokyo.

Expressway tolls add up quickly in Tokyo. The Shuto Expressway charges distance-based fares, typically ¥300–700 for central Tokyo routes. For longer trips, the Tokyo Wan Aqua-Line (underwater tunnel across the bay) offers a shortcut to Chiba and costs ¥3,000+ but saves significant time.

Fuel stations in central Tokyo are numerous but can be tricky to access. Look for the major brands (ENEOS, Shell, Idemitsu) along main roads. Self-service stations are cheaper, but full-service stations are worth the premium if you’re unsure about Japanese fuel types.

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