Car rental in Fukuoka

You don't need a car in Fukuoka. The airport is a short subway ride from the centre, and subways, buses and trains cover the city, where parking is expensive. A rental makes sense for the coast and countryside beyond, such as Itoshima, Karatsu and Yufuin, especially with family or luggage. In November 2026, listings started from about US$24 a day, but budget for tolls, fuel and parking as well.

When a car is worth it

Itoshima. Allow about an hour from the centre. Coastal roads lead past beaches, small cafes and the Meoto rocks at Futamigaura, which are hard to link by public transport. Beach stops get busy on summer weekends.

Yanagawa. A canal town about an hour away, known for its boat rides. A car lets you pair it with other stops in the south of the prefecture.

Karatsu and Yobuko. Allow about an hour and a half to the castle town of Karatsu and the fishing port of Yobuko, with its morning market, across the border in Saga.

Yufuin. A hot spring town beside Lake Kinrin, about two hours away across Oita. Weekends and holidays bring heavy traffic in the town itself, so go early.

Before you book

Your licence. Japan accepts international permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, not the 1968 Vienna one. Drivers from some places, including Taiwan, may need an official Japanese translation of their licence instead. You must arrange this before you travel, so confirm with the rental company what your licence requires. Bring your passport and original licence as well.

Where to collect the car. Pick up at Fukuoka Airport or a branch near Hakata Station if you're heading straight out, so you avoid driving through the busy centre.

Insurance. Check what the basic cover excludes. Many companies add a non-operation charge if the car needs repair, and optional cover can reduce it.

Extras. Reserve a child seat if you need one, as young children must use one by law. Ask for an ETC card and an English navigation system.

Driving in Japan

The basics. Traffic drives on the left. Drink-driving rules are very strict, so don't drink at all if you're driving. Stop fully at railway crossings and stop signs.

Tolls. Expressways are comfortable, but tolls add up quickly. An ETC card lets you use the dedicated lanes without stopping. Ask the rental company how tolls are settled.

Traffic and parking. Central Fukuoka is congested at rush hour, and many hotels charge for parking or have none, so check before you book. Parking at popular beaches and in Yufuin can fill up, so arrive early.

Winter. Mountain roads around Yufuin can be icy from about December to March. Ask for winter tyres or chains if you're heading inland then.

Returning the car. Most rentals expect a full tank, so allow time to refuel near the branch and to check the car with the staff.