How to Rent

How to rent, licences and emergencies

All rentals at Omachi Rent a Car must be booked in advance. Here is how the process works from booking to return, which driving licences are valid in Japan, and what to do in an emergency. You can collect your car at the Shinano-Omachi Station Branch or the Omachi Onsenkyo Branch.

Advance booking onlyOnline paymentIDP acceptedTwo branches

Last updated: August 2026

⚠ Please read before booking

Please check our terms and booking policies for insurance coverage and cancellation fees before you book. As all rentals require advance booking, we cannot serve walk-in customers.

The rental process

1

Send a booking request

Fill in the web booking form, choosing your dates, vehicle and pick-up branch (Shinano-Omachi Station or Omachi Onsenkyo). We check availability and reply within two business days.

The form is open 24 hours; replies are sent during opening hours (8:00–18:00).

2

Confirmation and payment email

We send a confirmation of your booking together with a secure online payment link. Please check the vehicle, dates and pick-up branch carefully.

If the email does not arrive, please check your spam folder.

3

Pay online

Pay via the link in the email. Your booking is confirmed once payment is complete.

※ Bookings are not held until payment is received.

4

Collect your car

Come to your chosen branch on the day. Please bring your original driving licence, and your original passport if you are visiting from overseas. We will check the car over with you before you set off.

A shuttle service is available on request (advance booking, chargeable).

5

Return the car

Return to your pick-up branch by the agreed time with a full tank of fuel. Any extension or fuel charges are settled on return.

If you are going to be significantly delayed, please contact us as soon as possible.

Returns and drop-offs

Where to return

As a rule, please return the car to the branch where you collected it. Returning to the other branch (Shinano-Omachi Station ⇄ Omachi Onsenkyo) or delivery to Hakuba, Azumino or Matsumoto may be possible — please ask when you book.

Drop-off after return (chargeable)

We can take you on to your hotel or the station after you return the car (advance booking required).
Within Omachi City ¥3,000 / Ogizawa, Hakuba, Matsumoto etc. ¥6,000 (one way, tax included).

Payment

Payment is by online credit card only, at the time of booking. We do not accept cash or card payments at the counter.

Credit cards

VISA / Mastercard / AMEX / JCB / Diners

Other methods

If you would like to use another payment method, please ask us when you book.

Cancellation fees

WHEN YOU CANCELFEE
More than 48 hours before collectionFree
Within 48 hours of collection50% of the base rate
Same-day cancellation or no-show100% of the base rate

※ Please send cancellations by email. Refunds are processed through the original online payment.
※ Full details are in our terms and booking policies.

Accidents and breakdowns

If you are involved in an accident or your car breaks down, stay calm and follow the steps below. Insurance cannot be applied unless the incident is reported to the police.

1

Help anyone who is injured (dial 119)

If anyone is hurt, call an ambulance immediately.

2

Call the police (dial 110)

Even for a minor scratch, you must call the police and obtain an accident certificate.

3

Contact us and the support desk

Branch +81 50-1793-3310 / Accident support centre 0120-256-110 / Roadside assistance 0120-365-110 (if the car cannot be driven)

Roadside assistance

0120-365-110

※ If the car cannot be driven

Driving licence requirements

To drive in Japan you need one of the following. If you do not have it with you on the day, we cannot hand over the car. Visitors from overseas should also bring their original passport.

1

A Japanese driving licence

A valid licence issued in Japan.

2

An International Driving Permit (IDP)

Your IDP must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
✗ Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention (common in the EU) are not valid in Japan. Look for “1949 GENEVA” on the permit.
✗ Digital copies are not accepted. Please bring the original paper booklet.

3

A foreign licence plus an official Japanese translation

If your licence was issued in one of the countries below, you may drive with the original licence and an official Japanese translation (no IDP required).

Switzerland / Germany / France / Belgium / Slovenia / Monaco / Taiwan

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent on the day, without booking?

No. All rentals must be booked in advance and paid for online before collection. We cannot serve walk-in customers.

What are the cancellation fees?

Cancelling more than 48 hours before collection is free. Within 48 hours the fee is 50% of the base rate, and same-day cancellations or no-shows are charged at 100%.

How can I pay?

By online credit card only (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB, Diners). We do not accept cash or card payments at the counter.

Can visitors from overseas rent a car?

Yes, if you hold an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Please bring your original passport as well. Licences from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco and Taiwan can be used with an official Japanese translation instead.

Which branch should I choose?

If you are arriving by train, the Shinano-Omachi Station Branch is a 2-minute walk from the station. If you are staying in Omachi Onsenkyo, or want the shortest drive to Ogizawa and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, choose the Omachi Onsenkyo Branch.

Questions? We are happy to help.

The booking form is open 24 hours; replies are sent during opening hours (8:00–18:00). The Green Season rate gives 40% off every vehicle.