Why refueling in Japan deserves a little preparation

A rental car makes it easier to reach coastlines, mountain towns, and rural attractions on your own schedule. Refueling is usually straightforward, but the pump controls, Japanese fuel names, payment process, and rental return rules may be unfamiliar. A few checks before leaving the rental counter can prevent delay and, more importantly, help you avoid putting the wrong fuel in the vehicle.

Confirm the fuel before you drive away

Japanese stations normally offer regular unleaded gasoline, high-octane gasoline, and diesel. Never assume that every rental car uses regular gasoline. Check the rental agreement, the vehicle information supplied at pickup, or the label near the filler opening. If anything is unclear, ask the rental staff before departure. Toyota Rent a Car warns that using the wrong fuel can cause a breakdown, so do not rely only on the nozzle position or your experience with a different car.

• Regular unleaded: Used by many ordinary passenger cars.
• High-octane: Required by some models; use it only when specified.
• Diesel: Used by certain vans, SUVs, and passenger vehicles; it is not gasoline.

Choose full-service or self-service

Japan has both attendant-operated and self-service gas stations. At a full-service station, stop where directed, switch off the engine, and tell the attendant the fuel and quantity. “Regular, man-tan” means regular gasoline, full tank. You may also request a number of liters or a yen amount.

At a self-service station, park with the filler opening beside the pump and follow the screen. The exact sequence varies, but the usual flow is to select a payment method, select the fuel, choose a full tank or a fixed amount, and then refuel. Some machines offer an English menu. If you cannot confirm the correct button, use the station intercom or ask an attendant rather than guessing.

Follow the safety sequence

Turn off the engine, close the doors and windows as instructed, and keep cigarettes and all flames away. Before opening the fuel cap, touch the station’s static-electricity discharge pad. Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency requires safety notices at self-service stations and specifically highlights engine shutdown, fire prevention, and static-electricity precautions. Idemitsu’s self-service guidance also tells customers to discharge static electricity before handling the nozzle.

Open the filler cover, remove the cap, insert the correct nozzle fully, and hold the lever. The pump should stop automatically when the selected amount is reached or the tank is full. Do not continue after automatic shutoff, because forcing in more fuel can cause a spill. Return the nozzle, tighten the cap, close the filler cover, and collect the receipt.

Prepare cash and understand change

Credit cards are accepted at many stations, but not every station accepts every card, and some locations may require cash. Carrying enough Japanese yen is a sensible backup, especially outside major city centers. At some prepaid pumps, cash change is returned at a separate machine by scanning the barcode on the receipt. Read the on-screen message and keep the receipt until the transaction is complete.

Plan the final stop before returning the car

Fuel return conditions differ by rental company and contract, so follow the instructions given at pickup. Some companies require a full tank from a station near the return branch and ask to see the final receipt. Nippon Rent-A-Car, for example, publicly instructs customers to refuel near the return location and present the receipt. If you cannot refuel, the company may calculate a charge using its own mileage or fuel-gauge method, which may cost more than filling the tank yourself.

Before a long rural drive, identify practical fuel stops and check current opening information rather than waiting for the warning light. Save the rental company’s contact number, verify the fuel type once more, and allow extra time for the final refueling stop. With these simple habits, refueling becomes a routine part of the journey rather than a stressful surprise.

Official information

For operating details, consult the public refueling guidance from Toyota Rent a Car, the Idemitsu self-service guide, and the safety notice from Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

What to Do First After an Accident or Breakdown

If you are involved in a traffic accident or your rental car breaks down while driving in Japan, the very first priority is to ensure safety. Stop your vehicle in a safe location immediately, turn on the hazard lights, and place warning triangles or flares behind your car to alert approaching drivers. Under no circumstances should you negotiate a private settlement on the spot, as doing so will render you ineligible for insurance and compensation benefits provided by your rental car company. Many foreign tourists unknowingly void their coverage by skipping official procedures. Taking the correct initial steps protects both your safety and your wallet during your Japanese road trip.

Mandatory Police Notification (Dial 110)

According to the National Police Agency of Japan, you must report all traffic accidents to the police by dialing 110. This rule applies strictly even to minor collisions, scratches, or single-car accidents where no one is visibly injured and no other vehicle is involved. The police will investigate the scene and issue a traffic accident certificate. This certificate is an essential, legally required document for processing any insurance claims with your rental provider. Failing to report the incident to the police is a direct violation of the Road Traffic Act. Without the police report, the rental company will charge you for the full repair costs out of pocket, regardless of the insurance package you purchased.

Medical Emergencies and Ambulance (Dial 119)

If anyone is injured in the accident, you must administer first aid to the extent possible and immediately dial 119 to request an ambulance. Do not move the injured party unnecessarily unless they are in immediate danger from oncoming traffic or a potential vehicle fire. Once the ambulance is called and medical help is on the way, you must still dial 110 to notify the police about the accident. An emergency phone call can be made free of charge from any phone, including public pay phones located across Japan. Emergency operators often have access to multilingual interpretation services to assist foreign drivers.

Special Procedures on Expressways

Experiencing a breakdown or accident on a Japanese expressway requires extreme caution due to the high speed of traffic. Move your vehicle to the shoulder or a sufficiently wide safe space if possible. Turn on the hazard lights and place the warning triangle behind the vehicle. All passengers must evacuate the vehicle and move outside the guardrail or to a safe location immediately. Never stay inside the car or walk on the expressway lanes, as secondary accidents are highly fatal. You can use your mobile phone or the emergency telephones located every 1 kilometer (or every 200 meters inside tunnels) to contact the road management center or the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

Contacting Your Rental Car Company

After securing the site and contacting the police (and ambulance if necessary), you must notify your rental car company. Most major rental companies in Japan operate a 24-hour accident and roadside assistance customer center with multilingual support. Follow their specific instructions regarding towing, vehicle replacement, and further procedures. Remember that an excess fee and a Non-Operation Charge (NOC) may apply depending on the insurance coverage you selected at the time of rental. Do not abandon the vehicle or arrange unauthorized towing services.

Summary of the Emergency Checklist

To ensure a smooth resolution to unexpected road emergencies in Japan, keep this checklist in mind:

• Secure the area and prevent secondary accidents using hazard lights and warning triangles.
• Evacuate to a safe place, especially on expressways, moving behind guardrails.
• Dial 119 for an ambulance if there are any injuries.
• Dial 110 to report the accident to the police, regardless of severity.
• Contact your rental car company's emergency hotline for roadside assistance.

By strictly following these official guidelines, you can navigate stressful situations safely and ensure your insurance coverage remains valid throughout your journey in Japan.

Driving a rental car across Japan is an incredible way to explore the country. However, navigating the expressways and understanding the toll system can seem overwhelming. The Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system is the most efficient way to handle highway tolls. This guide covers the essential information you need regarding ETC cards, toll gate procedures, and how to safely manage unexpected situations.

Understanding the ETC System and Your Rental Car

The ETC system allows drivers to pass through highway toll gates without stopping to pay manually. The system uses wireless communication between an in-vehicle device and antennas at the gates. When you rent a car in Japan, the vehicle will almost always have the device installed. However, the ETC card itself must be requested separately.

• Requesting an ETC Card: Always check the availability of ETC cards when making your reservation. Most rental companies offer them for a small daily fee. Request it early, as supplies can be limited.
• Checking Card Insertion: Before starting, make sure the ETC card is fully inserted in the correct direction. An indicator will confirm the system is ready. A correctly inserted card is vital; otherwise, the gate will not open.
• Exploring Expressway Passes: If covering long distances, inquire about regional fixed-rate passes. These are loaded onto your rental ETC card and offer significant savings.

Navigating Highway Toll Gates Safely

Approaching a toll gate requires attention to overhead signs indicating accepted payment methods. There are three types of lanes: ETC dedicated, General, and Shared. Choosing the right lane early is crucial.

• ETC Lanes (Purple Signs): Exclusively for vehicles with a valid ETC card. Slow down to 20 km/h or less. Maintain a safe distance and proceed slowly. The gate bar opens automatically. Never speed through.
• General Lanes (Green Signs): If you lack an ETC card, use the "一般" (General) lanes. At the entrance, stop completely to take a paper ticket. At the exit, hand the ticket to the attendant or machine, and pay using Yen cash or credit card.
• Shared Lanes (Purple and Green): Accept both ETC and general payments. ETC vehicles pass slowly, while non-ETC vehicles must stop. Exercise caution, as the vehicle ahead may stop unexpectedly.

Handling ETC Gate Errors Safely

Occasionally, the gate bar may fail to open due to an improperly inserted card or communication error. Handle this calmly to prevent accidents.

• Never Reverse Your Vehicle: If the bar stays down, stop immediately. Never attempt to reverse, as this can cause a serious collision. Reversing on a highway is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited.
• Turn on Hazard Lights: Warn approaching vehicles by turning on your hazard lights immediately after stopping.
• Call for Assistance: Use the intercom located near the gate to contact staff. Do not exit your vehicle. Wait for instructions.

Understanding Smart Interchanges (Smart IC)

You may encounter "Smart ICs" on your navigation system. These are special interchanges often located at service areas to improve local access.

Smart ICs are strictly for ETC vehicles. There are no general lanes or staff to collect cash. Without an ETC card, you cannot enter or exit using a Smart IC and must route through standard interchanges.

By understanding how to rent an ETC card, choosing the correct lane, and managing gate issues, you can navigate Japan's expressways confidently. Always adhere to the 20 km/h speed limit at ETC gates.