Kawaguchiko Car and Motorbike Rental Guide: Rental Companies, Booking Sites, Prices, and International Driving Permits

When exploring the Fuji Five Lakes from a base at Kawaguchiko, getting around is often the biggest challenge. Sightseeing buses are convenient, but some routes run only about once an hour, and the last buses leave fairly early.

That is where a rental car or rental motorbike comes in. You can head out early to photograph Mt. Fuji, extend your trip to Lake Yamanaka, Oshino Hakkai, or the outlets in Gotemba, and plan the day at your own pace.

This guide covers the pros and cons of renting a car or motorbike in Kawaguchiko, the main rental companies and motorbike shops with typical prices, recommended booking sites, driving tips and insurance, the International Driving Permit you need to drive in Japan, and places worth visiting by car.

In addition, for travelers who want to enjoy skiing without driving, we also introduce an accommodation plan that includes transfers to Fujiten Snow Resort.

Pros and Cons of Renting a Car or Motorbike in the Kawaguchiko Area

Pros: See Lake Yamanaka, Oshino, and Gotemba in a Single Day

The biggest advantage is that you can travel much farther. Buses work well for getting around Kawaguchiko itself, but with a car or motorbike, Oshino Hakkai is about 20 minutes away, Lake Yamanaka about 35 minutes, and Gotemba Premium Outlets about 40 minutes (approximate times when traffic is light).

For example, you could photograph Mt. Fuji reflected in Lake Kawaguchi in the morning, try street food at Oshino Hakkai at lunchtime, walk along the shore of Lake Yamanaka in the afternoon, and go shopping in Gotemba in the evening. This kind of itinerary is hard to fit into one day by bus, but it is manageable by car. A car also makes it easier to reach Lake Motosu, Lake Shoji, and other lakes on the western side of the Fuji Five Lakes, where buses run less often.

Around the Fuji Five Lakes, most lakeside areas and attractions have free parking, and there are very few toll roads. Compared with renting a car in a big city, parking fees and tolls add up less quickly. When two or more people share a car, the cost per person can be about the same as taking the bus, or even lower.

Cons: Preparation and Getting Used to Mountain and Snowy Roads

In Japan, cars drive on the left, and the steering wheel is on the right. If you usually drive on the right, take care not to turn into the right-hand lane at intersections or when pulling out of a parking lot. The Kawaguchiko area also has many winding mountain roads and slopes, and some signs are written only in Japanese, such as the stop sign. It helps to start slowly, on lakeside roads or in the morning when there is less traffic.

To drive in Japan, you must obtain an International Driving Permit in your home country before you leave. It cannot be issued after you arrive in Japan. Cars and motorbikes are booked up quickly during the fall foliage and cherry blossom seasons and over the New Year holidays, so prepare your permit and make reservations early once your travel dates are set. If you visit in winter, keep in mind that you may need to drive on snowy or icy roads.

Car or Motorbike: Which Is Right for You?

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Car Rental Companies and Motorbike Rental Shops in the Kawaguchiko Area

Typical Prices

Prices vary widely depending on the season, the type of vehicle, and the day of the week, but the following gives a general idea.

These are example prices listed on booking sites and rental company websites as of September 2026. Prices tend to be higher during the fall foliage and cherry blossom seasons and over the New Year holidays, and insurance coverage options and studless winter tires may cost extra.

Car Rental Companies Near Kawaguchiko Station and Mt. Fuji Station

Major car rental companies are located around Kawaguchiko Station and Mt. Fuji Station, one stop before it. All of them are within walking distance of the station, so you can pick up a car after arriving in Kawaguchiko by train or highway bus.

Nippon Rent-A-Car Kawaguchiko Ekimae Office: Closest to the Station

The office is about a 2-minute walk to the right from the Kawaguchiko Station exit, so you can complete the paperwork right after getting off your train or bus, even with a lot of luggage. It is open 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. every day. As a major company with offices throughout Japan, it is a good choice if you want to pick up a car in Kawaguchiko and return it elsewhere (a one-way rental).

The Nippon Rent-A-Car Kawaguchiko Ekimae Office is scheduled to relocate after late October 2026. Please confirm the pick-up location when you make a reservation.

Toyota Rent a Car Fuji Kawaguchiko: Long Hours and a Wide Selection of Vehicles

The office is on National Route 137, about a 7-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. It is open 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (open every day), the longest hours of the companies in this guide, which is convenient if you plan to return the car in the evening. The lineup ranges from fuel-efficient compact cars to SUVs that handle hills well.

ETC cards are available to rent, and one-way rentals let you return the car to a different office. The official booking site is also available in English.

ORIX Rent-A-Car Fujisan Ekimae: Convenient for Fuji-Q Highland

The office is about a 3-minute walk from Mt. Fuji Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line and is open 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Its location is convenient if you plan to start from Fuji-Q Highland or central Fujiyoshida.

Car navigation, an ETC unit (card not included), and a dashcam come as standard at no extra charge. Child seats, ETC cards, and studless winter tires can be reserved as options. In addition to credit cards, the office accepts e-money and QR code payments (credit card only for some vehicle classes).

Budget Rent a Car Kawaguchiko Ekimae: Studless Tires Standard in Winter

The office is about a 4-minute walk to the right from the Kawaguchiko Station exit and is open 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Studless winter tires are standard from December to April, making it a good option if you plan to rent a car in winter. Online check-in is also available.

J-Net Rent-A-Car Kawaguchiko Ekimae: For Affordable Kei Cars

The office is about a 5-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station and is open 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (closed December 31–January 1, with shorter hours over the New Year period). Kei car plans are relatively affordable, and some plans do not require you to refuel before returning the car. Specific models cannot be requested; you will be given a car in the same class.

For sightseeing around the Fuji Five Lakes, a fuel-efficient compact car or kei car is enough. If you plan to drive uphill, such as on the road to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, or have more passengers or luggage, a slightly larger car is a safer choice.

Motorbike Rental Shops in the Kawaguchiko Area

Motorbikes are limited in number, so we recommend booking one to two months in advance.

Yoshimura Rental Car: A Local Company Where You Can Ride a Honda Cub

This local rental company is located in Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, near Kawaguchiko Station (general hours: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.). In addition to cars, it rents motorbikes, including the Honda Super Cub, which is uncommon in the Kawaguchiko area. Some staff members speak English.

Helmets are available free of charge, and there is no cancellation fee on rainy days, even on the day of the rental. Rentals are covered by compulsory insurance and optional insurance with unlimited bodily injury and property damage coverage (damage to the vehicle itself is charged separately). A nimble Cub also makes it easier to find a place to park, even when parking lots are crowded during the fall foliage and cherry blossom seasons.

Rental Bike Taiyo Fujisan (Moto-Auc Rental Bike Fujisan): For a Wide Choice of Models

This motorbike rental shop is in Tsuru, about a 10-minute walk from Higashi-Katsura Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line (open until 7:00 p.m.). It offers a wide range of models, from 50cc scooters to 1,000cc-class motorcycles, making it a good choice for touring.

As an example, a 125cc Yamaha scooter starts at 4,060 yen for 4 hours. Helmets and gloves can be rented for a fee. Because the shop is some distance from Kawaguchiko, it is convenient to stop off on the Fujikyu Railway Line to pick up a bike, or to stop by on your way from the Tokyo area.

To rent a motorbike over 125cc, your International Driving Permit must cover motorcycles of that engine size (Category A). Check that your permit covers the model you want before booking.

Can Visitors to Japan Use Car-Sharing Services Such as Times Car?

There are Times Car car-sharing stations around Kawaguchiko Station and Mt. Fuji Station. In July 2025, Fujikyu and Times Mobility, among others, also launched Fujikyu Car Share, which lets people rent cars near the stations. Because cars can be booked on a smartphone and rented for short periods without visiting an office, the service is popular with people who live in Japan.

However, both Times Car and Mitsui Car Shares state that you cannot become a member with a driver’s license issued overseas or an International Driving Permit. If you do not live in Japan, renting from one of the car rental companies in this guide is the reliable option.

Recommended Booking Sites for Finding a Rental Car

If you want to compare prices from several companies at once, booking sites available in English are convenient. Each site has its own strengths, so choose the one that suits your trip.

Tabirai: For First-Time Renters Concerned About Extra Insurance Costs

Tabirai is a car rental booking site available in English. Every plan includes a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), so you are less likely to find the price rising at the counter because insurance was added. Options that include Non-Operation Charge (NOC) coverage and one-way rental plans are also available.

Many plans require no prepayment, and you pay at the rental office. It is recommended for first-time renters in Japan and travelers who want a clear breakdown of costs.

ToCoo!: For Renting from Tokyo or an Airport, or Returning Elsewhere

Available in English, ToCoo! lets you compare many offices nationwide, including those at airports and Shinkansen stations. It is also easy to find one-way rental plans, which suit itineraries such as picking up a car in Kawaguchiko and returning it in Hakone or Gotemba.

The site also provides detailed information on expressway tolls and ETC cards in Japan. It is recommended for travelers who want to drive from an airport or Tokyo and those traveling between several cities.

Klook: For Travelers Who Already Book Trips on Klook

Klook is a booking service used by travelers around the world. You can compare and book several car rental companies in English, and some plans offer free cancellation.

Because you can keep flights, attraction tickets, and car rentals in the same app, it is convenient for travelers who want to manage all their bookings in one place. Coverage varies by plan, so check whether CDW and NOC coverage are included before booking.

Rental Company Websites: For Choosing Coverage and Options in Detail

Many companies, including Toyota Rent a Car, ORIX Rent-A-Car, and Nippon Rent-A-Car, have official websites in English. If you want to choose options such as studless tires, ETC cards, and child seats yourself, booking directly on the official website is another good option.

Coverage, cancellation fees, and one-way fees differ by plan and company. Conditions can vary between sites even for the same car, so be sure to check them before booking.

Motorbike Rentals Can Also Be Found on Major Chain Websites

The booking sites above are for finding rental cars. Motorbike rentals are booked separately, through the websites of motorbike manufacturers and rental chains.

With an International Driving Permit, you can also consider major motorbike rental shops such as Yamaha Bike Rental YSP Fujiyoshida in Fujiyoshida and Rental819 Gotemba in Gotemba. Yamaha Bike Rental accepts foreign customers with an International Driving Permit and a passport, but customers must be able to understand the rental explanation in Japanese. Rental819 Gotemba (10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; closed Wednesdays and the second and fourth Tuesdays) asks customers using an International Driving Permit to call before visiting.

At any shop, staff will check that your International Driving Permit includes the motorcycle category (A). If you are not confident with explanations in Japanese, a local shop with English-speaking staff, such as Yoshimura Rental Car near Kawaguchiko, is easier to consult.

Yamaha Bike Rental YSP Fujiyoshida is closed for winter from November to March. Few shops rent motorbikes in winter, so check the season when planning.

Tips for Driving a Car or Riding a Motorbike in the Kawaguchiko Area

Tips for Driving a Car in Kawaguchiko

Drive Slowly Until You Are Used to Mountain Roads and Japanese Signs

In Japan, cars drive on the left, and the steering wheel is on the right. The Kawaguchiko area has many slopes and curves, so check how the lights and wipers work in the parking lot before setting off in an unfamiliar car.

Return the Car with a Full Tank

Rental cars in Japan are generally returned with a full tank. Fuel nozzles are color-coded: red for regular gasoline, yellow for premium, and green for diesel. Check the fuel type when you pick up the car, refuel at a gas station near the office before returning it, and keep the receipt to show the staff. If you are not comfortable with self-service pumps, choose a full-service station where an attendant fills the tank for you.

To the Mt. Fuji 5th Station via the Fuji Subaru Line: Watch for Summer Traffic Restrictions

Almost all roads around the Fuji Five Lakes are toll-free. Tolls apply mainly on the Fuji Subaru Line to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station (2,800 yen round trip for standard cars, and 2,300 yen for kei cars and motorbikes over 125cc) and on toll roads toward Gotemba.

During the summer climbing season, however, private vehicle restrictions apply on the Fuji Subaru Line, and rental cars cannot drive up to the 5th Station. The restriction period usually runs from early July to around mid-September; check the official website for the latest dates. During this period, park at the Fuji Hokuroku Parking Lot and transfer to a shuttle bus.

In Winter (December–March), Use Studless Tires and Watch for Icy Roads

In winter, roads around Kawaguchiko freeze in the morning and evening, and snow sometimes accumulates. When renting in winter, choose a car fitted with studless tires. The period when they are standard and the option fee vary by office, so be sure to check when booking. Driving on icy slopes can be very stressful if you are not used to snow, so consider not driving at all if you are unsure.

Traffic Rules for Mopeds and Small Motorbikes

The following rules apply to mopeds in Japan (50cc or less, or new-standard mopeds of 125cc or less with limited engine output).

In Japan, weaving between lines of cars to move ahead is dangerous, so avoid it. Luggage cannot be carried at your feet, so leave large bags at your accommodation or in a station coin locker before setting off. Because of the cold and icy roads, riding a motorbike in winter is best avoided.

Insurance: CDW and NOC Coverage Give You Peace of Mind

Rental fees include basic coverage, such as bodily injury and property damage liability. However, if you have an accident, you may have to pay the following two charges yourself.

To avoid paying the deductible or NOC yourself, add a coverage option when you rent. At Toyota Rent a Car, for example, the Collision Damage Waiver costs 1,100 yen per 24 hours, and the Anshin W Plan, which combines the CDW with an NOC waiver, costs 1,650 yen per 24 hours (prices vary by vehicle class). Other companies offer similar coverage options under different names.

For motorbikes, insurance and the extent of vehicle damage you pay yourself also vary by shop, so check the details before renting.

If you have an accident, even a minor one, always contact the police (dial 110) and the rental company. Without a police report, your insurance may not cover the damage.

Documents Required to Rent a Car or Motorbike

What You Need: An International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention Format

If you hold a driver’s license issued outside Japan, you will in most cases need an International Driving Permit issued in your home country in the 1949 Geneva Convention format to drive in Japan. (Drivers from some countries and regions, such as Taiwan and Germany, use an official Japanese translation of their license instead.) International Driving Permits cannot be obtained in Japan, so be sure to get one before you leave. You can drive for up to one year from the date you enter Japan, as long as your permit is still valid.

Are Different Documents Needed for Cars and Motorbikes?

The documents are the same for cars and motorbikes. Bring three items: your International Driving Permit, your home country driver’s license, and your passport (some rental companies ask to see your home country license).

What differs is the vehicle categories listed on your International Driving Permit. To rent a car, your permit must cover Category B; to rent a motorbike, it must cover Category A. If you want to drive both, check before departure that both categories are included.

How to Obtain an International Driving Permit: Transport Department in Hong Kong and AA Singapore in Singapore

An International Driving Permit is issued by the country or region that issued your driver’s license. It cannot be issued in Japan, so allow enough time to prepare before you leave. This section explains how to obtain one if you are traveling from Hong Kong or Singapore.

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Permits that are not in the 1949 Geneva Convention format, or that have expired, cannot be used to drive in Japan. Procedures and fees may change, so check with the issuing organization before applying.

What to Bring When You Pick Up the Vehicle

If more than one person will drive, every driver needs their own International Driving Permit, driver’s license, and passport. If an unregistered driver has an accident, insurance may not apply.

If you pass through an automated gate, such as a facial recognition gate, at the airport, your passport will not be stamped. Some rental companies cannot rent you a car if your date of entry cannot be confirmed, so ask an officer to stamp your passport when you pass through the gate.

From Booking to Returning the Vehicle

• 1. Make a reservation → Choose the vehicle type, pick-up location, and coverage on a rental company website or booking site
• 2. Pick up the vehicle → Show your documents and sign the contract, and check the navigation language and whether an ETC card is included
• 3. Check the condition of the car → Before leaving, check the exterior and interior for scratches and dents with the staff, and take photos or videos on your smartphone to avoid disputes when you return the car
• 4. Return the car with a full tank → Refuel before returning the car and show the receipt to the staff (except on plans that do not require refueling)

Recommended Places to Visit by Car Around Kawaguchiko

With a car, you can combine places that are hard to visit in a single day by bus. Here are some spots that are easy to reach from Kawaguchiko.

Photographing Mt. Fuji and the Five-Story Pagoda in the Morning: Arakurayama Sengen Park

This is one of the most popular photo spots in the Fuji Five Lakes area, where you can capture the five-story pagoda and Mt. Fuji in the same shot. The best time is the morning when the air is clear, so a rental car, which lets you set off before the first bus, is well suited to a visit.

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Getting Close to the Clouds: Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station

From Kawaguchiko, you can drive up the Fuji Subaru Line to the 5th Station at an elevation of about 2,300 m. Only during the summer private vehicle restriction period do you need to transfer to a shuttle bus.

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Touring Spring-Fed Ponds: Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai consists of eight ponds fed by spring water from Mt. Fuji and is one of the component parts of the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Site. It is about 20 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko and makes an easy stop on the way to Lake Yamanaka.

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A Head-On View of Mt. Fuji Across Lake Yamanaka: Nagaike Shinsui Park

Just a short walk from a free parking lot, this park offers a head-on view of Mt. Fuji across the lake. It is an easy stop during a drive around Lake Yamanaka.

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Cool Even in Midsummer: Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave

These two lava caves are located in the Aokigahara Forest. They can be reached by bus, but by car you can visit both and continue on toward Lake Saiko or Lake Motosu.

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Planning a Ski Trip? Consider Accommodation with Fujiten Transfers and Free Ski Wear Rental

Many people want to ski or snowboard around Kawaguchiko in winter but are not comfortable driving on snowy roads or do not own ski wear. In that case, an accommodation plan that includes transfers and ski wear rental is a good option.

With the winter-only plan at Glamping Village Fuji Kawaguchiko, which includes Fujiten Snow Resort transfers, free ski wear rental, and a hot spring bath in every room (room only), guests are driven from Kawaguchiko Station to the accommodation and from the accommodation to Fujiten Snow Resort. Fujiten Snow Resort is about 15 minutes by car from the accommodation.

In addition, ski wear (jacket and pants), gloves, and goggles can be rented free of charge, so there is no need to buy or bring your own. Skis, snowboards, boots, and poles can be rented at the rental counter at Fujiten Snow Resort.

Every room has its own hot spring bath, so you can warm up in your room after a day on the slopes. The plan is recommended for travelers who want to enjoy a winter ski trip without renting a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Car and Motorbike Rentals in Kawaguchiko

Can I rent a car in Tokyo and drive to Kawaguchiko?

Yes, but roads in central Tokyo are complex, and expressways toward Kawaguchiko are often congested on weekends. A growing number of Metropolitan Expressway entrances are difficult to use without an ETC card, so an ETC card is essential if you drive from Tokyo. If you are not used to driving in Japan, traveling to Kawaguchiko by train or highway bus and renting a car there will make the trip less tiring.

Can the car navigation system be set to English?

Some rental companies provide navigation systems that can display English. Availability depends on the car and the office, so check when you book.

Do I need an ETC card?

An ETC card is convenient because you can pass through toll gates without stopping. Some offices, such as Toyota Rent a Car Fuji Kawaguchiko, rent ETC cards. If you are only driving around the Fuji Five Lakes, you will rarely need to use toll roads.

Can I use car-sharing services such as Times Car?

Times Car and Mitsui Car Shares do not accept membership applications with a license issued overseas or an International Driving Permit. If you need a car while visiting Japan, rent one from a car rental company.

How long can I drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit?

You can drive for up to one year from the date you enter Japan, as long as your permit is still valid. Always carry your International Driving Permit and passport while driving.

How far in advance should I book a motorbike?

Rental motorbikes are fewer in number than cars, so we recommend booking one to two months in advance. Rainy-day cancellation policies also vary by shop, so check them at the same time.

Summary

With a rental car or motorbike, you can travel from Kawaguchiko to Lake Yamanaka, Oshino Hakkai, and Gotemba at your own pace, without worrying about bus schedules.

• Pros and cons → You can cover more ground, and many places offer free parking. The drawbacks are getting used to mountain and snowy roads and preparing in advance
• Car rental companies → Many are within walking distance of Kawaguchiko Station and Mt. Fuji Station. In winter, choose an office with studless tires as standard; if you return the car in the evening, choose one with longer hours
• Motorbike rentals → Yoshimura Rental Car rents Honda Cubs in Kawaguchiko. Mopeds are limited to 30 km/h and cannot carry passengers
• Booking sites → Tabirai for first-time renters, ToCoo! for one-way rentals, and Klook for keeping all bookings in one place
• Insurance → Adding CDW and NOC coverage gives you peace of mind
• Documents → For both cars and motorbikes, bring an International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention format), your home country driver’s license, and your passport. Obtain the permit in your home country before departure
• Winter ski trips → If you prefer not to drive, consider accommodation with Fujiten transfers and free ski wear rental

Driving yourself and relying on transfers both have their advantages. Choose the style that suits you and enjoy your trip at the foot of Mt. Fuji.