Driving a Rental Car in Japan During Typhoon Season

Japan's typhoon season runs from June through October, with the most active period typically falling between August and September. During this time, powerful storms can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread road closures. For visitors renting a car, understanding how to respond to typhoon conditions is essential for staying safe on Japanese roads.

Check Weather and Road Conditions Before You Drive

Before heading out during typhoon season, always check the latest weather forecast and road traffic information. The Japan Road Traffic Information Center, known as JARTIC, provides real-time road updates every five minutes at jartic.or.jp. For expressway information, the Drive Traffic portal at en-www.drivetraffic.jp offers English-language road closure maps covering major highways nationwide.

If a typhoon warning or heavy rain advisory has been issued for your area, seriously consider postponing your drive. Japanese expressway operators routinely close sections of highway when wind speeds exceed safe thresholds or when flooding is detected. Rental car companies generally allow schedule adjustments during natural disasters, so contact your provider early if you need to change your return time.

Three High-Risk Environments to Avoid

Not all roads carry the same risk during a typhoon. Three types of terrain are especially dangerous:

• Coastal roads: High waves and storm surges can sweep over seawall barriers and onto coastal highways. Lateral gusts along open shorelines can push a vehicle sideways. If storm surge or wave warnings are in effect, avoid all coastal routes.
• Riverside roads: Rivers rise quickly during heavy rainfall. Roads alongside riverbanks can become submerged with little warning. Check flood hazard maps through local municipal websites before planning your route.
• Mountain roads: Steep slopes become vulnerable to landslides and debris flows during prolonged rain. Monitor the Japan Meteorological Agency's landslide danger alerts before driving through mountainous regions.

What to Do If You Encounter Flooded Roads

Flooded roads are one of the most serious hazards during a typhoon. Research by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) found that a sedan can typically pass through water up to 30 centimetres deep at low speed, but at 60 centimetres the engine is likely to stall. Crucially, murky floodwater makes it impossible to judge depth accurately from inside the car.

If you encounter a flooded section of road, do not attempt to drive through it. Turn around and find an alternative route. If your vehicle stalls in rising water, remain calm, unfasten your seatbelt, and open the window while the water level is still below the window frame. If the window cannot be opened, use an emergency escape hammer to break the glass. Never restart a flooded engine, as doing so can cause irreparable damage or fire.

Driving Safely in Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

If you must drive during severe weather, reduce your speed significantly below the posted limit and increase your following distance to at least double the normal interval. Wet roads extend braking distances considerably, so avoid sudden steering inputs or hard braking. Turn on your headlights even during daylight hours to improve visibility for other drivers.

Strong crosswinds are particularly hazardous on elevated sections of road, bridges, and open expressways. Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and be prepared for sudden gusts. If conditions feel unsafe, pull into the nearest service area and wait for the weather to improve.

Rental Car Insurance and Typhoon Damage

Standard Japanese automobile insurance does not cover damage caused by natural disasters such as typhoons or floods under the liability coverage provisions. Many rental car companies offer optional supplemental coverage that includes natural disaster protection. Before your trip, review your rental agreement carefully and ask the counter staff about typhoon-related coverage. Credit card rental insurance often excludes natural disasters, so verify the terms in advance.

Practical Tips for Typhoon-Season Travel

• Download a Japanese weather app such as Yahoo! Weather or the Japan Meteorological Agency's official app for real-time alerts.
• Keep the rental company's emergency contact number saved in your phone.
• Park the vehicle in a covered car park or away from trees and power lines if a typhoon is forecast overnight.
• Carry an emergency escape hammer in the glove compartment in case the vehicle becomes submerged.
• Avoid driving during the most intense phase of a typhoon; most storms pass within 12 to 24 hours, and waiting is always safer than risking a flooded road.

Typhoons are a natural part of the Japanese climate. With proper preparation and awareness, it is entirely possible to travel safely during the season. The key is to stay informed, respect road closures, and never underestimate the power of floodwater or strong winds.

Using Car Navigation Systems When Renting a Car in Japan

One of the most common challenges for overseas visitors driving in Japan is navigation. Unlike many countries where a smartphone app alone is sufficient, Japan's complex road networks, frequent tunnels, and mountainous terrain make the built-in car navigation system an essential tool for a safe and stress-free journey. Understanding how to use both the in-car GPS and your smartphone effectively will make a significant difference in your rental car experience.

Understanding the Built-In Car Navigation System

Almost all rental cars in Japan come equipped with a built-in car navigation system as standard. These systems are designed specifically for Japan's road network and offer several advantages over smartphone apps. The most important feature to understand is the MAPCODE system. Rather than entering a full Japanese address, you simply input a short numeric code — typically 6 to 10 digits — that pinpoints virtually any destination in Japan. Every major tourist attraction, hotel, restaurant, and scenic viewpoint has its own MAPCODE, which you can look up in advance on websites such as mapion.co.jp or through the destination's official website.

To set a destination using MAPCODE, press the MENU button on the navigation screen, select Destination, then choose MAPCODE from the input options. Enter the code and confirm. The system will immediately calculate the optimal route. Alternatively, most built-in systems also accept a destination's phone number as an input method — a practical option for hotels, restaurants, and shops that have listed contact numbers.

Switching the Navigation Language to English

Many modern rental car navigation systems in Japan support multiple languages, including English, Simplified Chinese, and Korean. To switch to English, access the system settings through the MENU button and look for a language or display settings option. The exact steps vary slightly by model, but most Toyota, Nissan, and Honda rental vehicles follow a similar procedure. If you are unsure, the rental counter staff can assist you with the initial setup before you drive away.

Using Google Maps and Smartphone Apps as a Supplement

While the built-in navigation system is your primary tool, Google Maps remains a valuable supplement for planning and research. Before your trip, download an offline map of the region you will be visiting through the Google Maps app. This allows you to browse maps and search for locations even without a mobile data connection. However, be aware that turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic updates require an active internet connection.

For drivers who prefer a smartphone-based solution, Yahoo! Car Navigation (Yahoo!カーナビ) is widely regarded as one of the best free navigation apps for driving in Japan. It provides accurate real-time routing, speed camera alerts, and detailed expressway guidance. The app is primarily in Japanese, but its interface is intuitive enough for non-Japanese speakers to use with basic familiarity.

Tips for Setting Expressway Routes

When planning a longer drive that includes expressways, make sure to configure your navigation system to include or exclude toll roads according to your preference. Built-in systems typically offer route options such as fastest route, no toll roads, or shortest distance. If you have rented an ETC card from the rental company, selecting the expressway route is recommended for both speed and convenience, as ETC lanes allow you to pass through toll gates without stopping.

Practical Advice Before You Drive

There are a few practical steps worth taking before you leave the rental lot. First, confirm that the navigation system's language is set to your preference. Second, look up the MAPCODEs for your key destinations — your hotel, major attractions, and the rental car return location — and note them down or save them on your phone. Third, if you plan to use Google Maps, download the offline map for your region while you still have Wi-Fi access at the airport or hotel. Finally, keep your smartphone charged using the car's USB port or a car charger, so it remains available as a backup navigation tool throughout your journey.

With a little preparation, navigating Japan's roads by rental car becomes a smooth and enjoyable experience. The combination of a reliable built-in GPS and a smartphone app gives you the flexibility to explore both well-known destinations and hidden local gems with confidence.

Understanding Gas Stations in Japan

When renting a car in Japan, knowing how to navigate local gas stations is essential for a smooth road trip. Gas stations in Japan are divided into two main categories: full-service (manned) and self-service stations. Full-service stations are highly convenient for foreign visitors who may not be familiar with the local language or equipment. As you pull in, staff members will direct you to the correct pump, ask for your preferred fuel type and amount, and handle the entire refueling process. On the other hand, self-service gas stations are becoming increasingly common across the country. These stations require you to operate the touch screen terminal, select your fuel, and pump the gas yourself. While the terminals are usually in Japanese, they follow a standard color-coded system that makes them easy to use once you know the basics.

Identifying the Correct Fuel Type

Using the correct fuel is critical to avoid damaging your rental car's engine. In Japan, there are three main types of fuel available at all gas stations, and they are universally color-coded for easy identification. The most common fuel type for standard rental cars is "Regular" unleaded gasoline, which is always indicated by a red nozzle. If you are renting a luxury or sports vehicle, it might require "High-Octane" gasoline, marked with a yellow nozzle. Finally, diesel fuel, typically used for larger vans or specific SUV models, is indicated by a green nozzle. Before leaving the rental office, always confirm the required fuel type with the staff. Additionally, you can usually find a sticker indicating the correct fuel type on the inside of the car's fuel door.

How to Use a Self-Service Gas Station

Refueling at a self-service station is a straightforward process. First, pull up to the pump ensuring that your car's fuel door is on the correct side, and turn off the engine. Approach the touch screen terminal and press the start button. You will be prompted to select your payment method; you can choose between cash or a credit card. If you choose cash, insert your bills into the machine before proceeding. Next, select the fuel type (Red for Regular) and the amount you want to pump. If you are preparing to return your rental car, look for the "Full Tank" (満タン) button. After confirming your selection, open your car's fuel cap, remove the color-coded nozzle, and insert it into the fuel port. Squeeze the handle to start pumping; it will automatically stop when the tank is full or the specified amount is reached. Return the nozzle to the pump, and don't forget to collect your receipt and any change.

Important Rules for Returning Your Rental Car

The standard policy for most rental car companies in Japan is the "full tank return" rule. This means you must return the vehicle with a completely full tank of gas. It is highly recommended to refuel at a gas station located as close to the rental return location as possible, ideally within a few kilometers. When you return the car, the rental staff will check the fuel gauge. In many cases, they will also ask to see the receipt from your final refueling to verify that the gas was purchased recently and near the shop. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the receipt after you fill up. If you fail to return the car with a full tank, the rental company will calculate the missing fuel based on the distance driven and charge you a premium rate that is often higher than standard gas station prices.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Refueling Experience

To ensure a hassle-free experience, plan your refueling stops in advance, especially if you are driving in rural areas or mountainous regions like Hokkaido or the Japanese Alps, where gas stations can be sparse and may close early in the evening. In urban areas, you will find 24-hour self-service stations easily. If you encounter any issues at a self-service station, look for an intercom button on the pump to call for assistance; there is usually a staff member inside the office even at self-service locations. By understanding the fuel types, knowing how to operate the self-service terminals, and remembering the full tank return policy, you can enjoy your Japanese road trip with complete peace of mind.