Car Hire Chubu Airport — Gateway to Central Japan’s Mountains and Coast
Chubu Centrair International Airport, built on an artificial island in Ise Bay, serves the Nagoya region and acts as the perfect launching point for exploring central Japan. This is the gateway to the Japanese Alps, the historic post towns of the Nakasendo, the hot springs of Gero, and the UNESCO villages of Shirakawa-go—all destinations that are infinitely easier to reach with a rental car.
The airport is about 35 kilometres south of Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city and an industrial powerhouse. But the real treasures lie beyond the city: mountain drives through dramatic gorges, coastal routes along the Noto Peninsula, and rural landscapes that feel lifted from woodblock prints.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Chubu Airport
Rental car counters are located on the first floor of the Access Plaza, the building connected to the terminal. Major operators include Toyota Rent a Car, Orix, Nissan, and Times. The rental lots are adjacent to the building, a short walk from baggage claim.
International visitors require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Australia, the UK, the USA, and most European countries participate. Arrange your IDP before travel—it cannot be obtained in Japan.
Counter hours typically run from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, aligned with international and domestic flight schedules. Some operators offer extended hours during peak travel seasons.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car from Chubu Airport
Nagoya (35 km) — The city offers the impressive Nagoya Castle, the ancient Atsuta Shrine, and the Toyota Commemorative Museum. Drive time is about 40 minutes, and the city makes a good base for exploring the region.
Takayama (160 km) — The beautifully preserved old town in the Japanese Alps is about 2.5 hours’ drive. The route crosses mountain passes with stunning views. Takayama’s morning markets and sake breweries are worth the journey.
Shirakawa-go (180 km) — The UNESCO World Heritage village with its distinctive thatched-roof houses is accessible only by car or bus. The drive from the airport takes about three hours and is spectacular in autumn and winter.
Ise Grand Shrine (80 km) — Japan’s most sacred Shinto complex is about 90 minutes’ drive. The surrounding forests and the nearby Oharai-machi shopping street make for a spiritual day trip.
Noto Peninsula (100–150 km) — The rugged coastline offers scenic drives, traditional fishing villages, and excellent seafood. The peninsula is relatively untouched by mass tourism.
Tips for Driving in Central Japan
Central Japan follows the same left-hand traffic rules as the rest of the country. Speed limits are 40 km/h in urban areas, 50–60 km/h on rural roads, and up to 80–100 km/h on expressways. The Shin-Tomei and Chuo Expressways connect the region efficiently.
Mountain driving in the Japanese Alps requires attention. Roads can be narrow, steep, and winding, especially the routes to Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Winter driving (December through March) absolutely requires snow tyres and often chains—check with your rental company about winter equipment.
Parking at major attractions is generally good. Takayama and Shirakawa-go have large tourist car parks. In Nagoya, use the underground parking at stations or hotel facilities. Street parking is prohibited in most urban areas.
Fuel stations are plentiful in Nagoya and along expressways but scarcer in mountain areas. Fill up before heading to Takayama or the Noto Peninsula. Many countryside stations close by 6:00 PM, and some may not have English-speaking staff.
GPS navigation is essential. Most rental cars have English systems. For mountain destinations, download offline maps as coverage can be spotty in remote valleys. The drive to Shirakawa-go passes through areas with limited signal.
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