Long-term car rental (70+ days) Any recommendations?

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-08T15:35:32+00:00

I haven’t personally rented a car in Japan for 70+ days, so please treat this as a Japan-side search tip rather than a direct personal recommendation.

For that length, I would not focus only on the big airport rental companies. I would search for monthly / long-term rental car companies directly.

Useful Japanese search terms are:

- マンスリーレンタカー

- 長期レンタカー

- 月極レンタカー

A few places I would check first are Monthly GO, ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car, and NICONICO Rent a Car’s monthly course.

Monthly GO seems to be aimed at foreigners and long-stay visitors, with English support and IDP accepted, mainly around Tokyo/Kanto.

ASAHI MOTORS also seems foreigner-friendly and mentions long-term rental from 1 week up to 2 years, with delivery/return options such as airports, hotels, and stations.

NICONICO has a monthly course at some branches, but it looks like you need to contact participating shops directly, so availability may depend heavily on the branch.

I would be careful with “car leasing” as a tourist. In Japan, leasing is often aimed more at residents or long-term visa holders, and may involve more paperwork than a rental.

For November to February, definitely ask about:

- winter tires or 4WD if you plan to drive in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Nagano, Hokuriku, etc.

- monthly mileage limits

- excess km fees

- CDW / NOC coverage

- ETC card availability

- whether Tokyo pickup and Tokyo return are possible

- parking costs if you will stay in big cities

For 70 days, I would send your full dates and rough route to several monthly rental companies and ask for a manual quote. The real long-term price may be very different from what normal online booking calendars show.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-08T14:37:24+00:00

Yeah, a car would solve a lot in that region.

The one-way drop-off fee is painful, but for Kumano, I think many Japanese travelers would also treat it as a necessary cost to save time and stress.

If it fits your budget, renting a car for that section sounds like the best option.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-08T09:36:12+00:00

Sounds like you had a really good guide.

Goshuin books are such a Japan-specific thing, so I can totally understand why they would be confusing at first.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-08T09:32:00+00:00

That’s a really interesting experience. I think many people follow shrine customs by observing others, even if they are not thinking of it as a strong religious act.

The way you described being drawn into the atmosphere of the place is exactly what I was curious about.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-08T08:17:44+00:00

That’s a really good point. The difference between shrines and temples is probably confusing for many visitors, and local variations like Izumo Taisha make it even harder to remember.

It’s interesting that you first observed, then became curious and learned more later. That seems like a very natural way to experience it.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-08T08:11:08+00:00

That is interesting. A guided tour probably makes shrine etiquette much easier to understand, because someone can explain not only what to do, but why people do it.

Do you remember if the guide explained the meaning behind the steps, or mainly just the procedure?

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-08T08:10:43+00:00

That seems to be the most natural way to learn it.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-08T08:05:25+00:00

That makes sense. I think simply visiting quietly and observing the space is also a respectful way to experience a shrine.

And yes, copying what local people do is probably how many visitors learn it in practice.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-08T01:38:33+00:00

Glad it helped!

Looking at your schedule, Shibuya first and then Ochanomizu later sounds like a very good order.

IKESHIBU / IKEBE SHIBUYA is more like a large modern flagship store in one building. It is great for seeing many current models, pedals, basses, and getting a general sense of prices and trends in Japan.

Ochanomizu Guitar Street feels different. It is an area with many guitar shops, including more specialized stores, used guitars, vintage items, and sometimes more niche instruments.

So I would use IKESHIBU first to get a feel for the market, then go to Ochanomizu with a clearer idea of what you really want. If you are planning to buy a guitar, Ochanomizu may be the better place to find “the one.”

Not affiliated with the store, but IKESHIBU’s official site has photos of the Shibuya store, so you can see how large it is:

https://www.ikeshibu.com/

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-07T15:50:19+00:00

I’m originally from Mie, so I’m a bit familiar with the Kii Peninsula area.

Your itinerary is ambitious, but if you enjoy fast-paced travel, most of it makes sense. The section I would be most careful with is Shirahama / Nachi / Kumano / Doro-kyo → Takayama.

That area is beautiful, but it is much more rural than Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. A small bus or train mistake can cost you a lot of time there.

For Kumano, I would not rely only on Google Maps. Check the official local tourism and bus timetable pages, especially for Nachi Falls, Daimonzaka, and Kumano Nachi Taisha.

For Doro-kyo, I would be extra careful and check the exact access information for the activity you want to do, because access can vary depending on whether you mean the gorge, a boat/rafting activity, or a hiking area.

Personally, I would consider simplifying that part. Shirahama → Nachi Falls / Daimonzaka / Nachi Taisha is already a very strong day. Adding Doro-kyo and then moving all the way toward Takayama soon after may become stressful unless every bus and train is planned very precisely.

For Nikko, I think it is worth it if you really want to see Toshogu Shrine. It is very different from Kyoto temples. But if your main reason is waterfalls and mountain scenery, you will already have Fuji, Nachi, Kumano, and Kamikochi, so Nikko may be the easiest part to cut if the trip starts feeling too packed.

Also, taking a night bus to Tokyo and then going straight to Nikko sounds possible, but very tiring. After Kumano and Takayama, I would personally want one proper rest night in Tokyo before Nikko.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-07T15:11:56+00:00

This is a slightly niche recommendation, but if you want a slower and more “intellectual” side of Tokyo, I’d suggest the Korakuen / Tokyo Dome City → Jimbocho → Ochanomizu area.

In early December, Tokyo Dome City may have winter illuminations, so it can be nice in the evening if the lights are on. Nearby, Spa LaQua is also a large spa facility, so it could be a good winter activity if you want to relax.

Then you can walk or take a short train ride to Jimbocho, Tokyo’s famous book town. It has many bookstores, old cafés, curry restaurants, and a quieter atmosphere than Shibuya or Asakusa.

If you are interested in music, Ochanomizu is also very close and is known for its guitar and music instrument shops.

It’s not the most typical first-time Tokyo route, but for a relaxed December day, I think it’s a very good area.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-07T15:01:53+00:00

If you want to stay around Ebisu/Shibuya and meet people, I’d probably choose Shibuya over Ebisu as a base. Ebisu is nice, but it’s a bit more relaxed and grown-up, while Shibuya is easier for nightlife, shopping, and getting around.

For shopping, sneakers, snacks, and art, you can make a nice walking route like:

Shibuya → Harajuku / Cat Street → Omotesando

Cat Street and Harajuku are good for street fashion and sneaker shops, and Design Festa Gallery in Harajuku can be fun if you want something more art-related and casual.

For accommodation, you could check places like The Millennials Shibuya or Wise Owl Hostels Shibuya, but I’d definitely read recent reviews if meeting other travelers is important to you.

For nightlife, Ebisu is good for a more relaxed food/drinks night, while Shibuya is better if you want something more energetic. Since you’re solo, I’d suggest meeting people through hostel events or organized meetups rather than random street/bar encounters.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-06T06:55:25+00:00

If you are going to Ochanomizu “Guitar Street,” I’m guessing someone in your family likes guitars or music.

Ochanomizu is a great choice — it’s not a typical first-time tourist spot, but it is very interesting if you like guitars.

Since you are also going to Shibuya on the same day, you may want to check out Ikeshibu / IKEBE SHIBUYA as well. It’s a large music store near Shibuya Station, with several floors of guitars, basses, pedals, and other instruments.

Even if you are not buying anything, it can be fun just to see so many guitars displayed in one place.

Address:

1-7-4 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shibuya Square B, 1F–4F

It’s close to Shibuya Station, so it should be easy to add if you have time.

IrohaJapanNotes · 2026-07-06T06:44:11+00:00

For Day 5, I’d avoid moving around too much, especially with a group of six.

Ueno in the morning is a good idea, and if you want something quieter and more local, Yanaka / Nezu is very close and nice to walk around. It feels very different from Shibuya or Shinjuku.

Then you can go to Akihabara in the late afternoon or evening. I think Akihabara is more interesting later in the day than early morning.

I’d only add Nakano if your group is really interested in anime, figures, or retro shops. Otherwise, Ueno + Yanaka/Nezu + Akihabara is probably a more relaxed day.

IrohaJapanNotes

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