Full Day Charter Car in Japan: Everything You Need to Know
What Is a Charter Car Service?
A charter car gives you a private vehicle and professional driver for a set number of hours. Unlike a point-to-point transfer where you go from A to B, a charter lets you design the entire day. Visit temples in the morning, stop for lunch wherever you like, drive to a lake in the afternoon, and head back to your hotel when you're done. You set the pace — the driver handles the rest.
This is the most popular way for international visitors to explore areas outside of central Tokyo and Osaka, where trains are infrequent and bus schedules don't align with sightseeing plans.
Pricing
Charter pricing is straightforward: an hourly rate with a 5-hour minimum. Each hour includes 40 km of driving distance.
| Area | Alphard (4 pax, 4 luggage) | HiAce (9 pax, 8 luggage) | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | ¥7,000/hr | ¥8,000/hr | 5 hours |
| Osaka | ¥7,000/hr | ¥8,000/hr | 5 hours |
| Kyoto | ¥8,000/hr | ¥9,000/hr | 5 hours |
What's Included
- 40 km per hour of driving distance
- Parking fees at all stops
- Local tolls (regular road tolls)
- Professional driver for the entire duration
What's Not Included
- Highway tolls — charged separately at actual cost. For example, Tokyo to Hakone via the Tomei Expressway costs roughly ¥3,000–4,000 in highway tolls each way
- Overtime — if you go beyond your booked hours, overtime is charged at 120% of the hourly rate
- Overnight surcharge — if your trip requires an overnight stay (e.g., a 2-day charter), a ¥10,000/night surcharge covers driver accommodation
How Flexibility Works
One of the biggest advantages of chartering is that you can change your mind. Saw a sign for a pottery workshop? Pull over. The kids fell asleep and you want to skip the next temple? No problem. As long as you stay within your booked hours and the 40 km/hour distance allowance, your itinerary is entirely up to you.
Your driver knows the roads and can suggest timing adjustments. If a particular route looks congested, they'll recommend an alternative so you don't waste charter time sitting in traffic.
Suggested Itineraries
These are our most popular charter routes. All prices are based on Alphard (Tokyo/Osaka rate). You can customize any of these or create your own from scratch.
1. Tokyo → Hakone Day Trip (~8 hours, from ¥56,000)
Hot springs, volcanic valleys, and lake views with Mt. Fuji in the distance. A typical day covers Owakudani (famous black eggs), a cruise on Lake Ashi, and a soak in an onsen before heading back. By car, you skip the Hakone Loop bus hassle and visit spots in any order you like.
Coming from the airport? See: Haneda → Hakone transfer.
2. Tokyo → Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko (~8 hours, from ¥56,000)
Japan's iconic mountain up close. Drive to the Fuji Five Lakes area, stop at Chureito Pagoda for the classic photo with the pagoda and Mt. Fuji, explore Kawaguchiko's lakeside shops and museums. The viewpoints around Fuji are spread far apart — a car is the only practical way to hit multiple spots in a day.
Related route: Haneda → Mt. Fuji transfer.
3. Tokyo → Kamakura & Enoshima (~6 hours, from ¥42,000)
The Great Buddha, seaside temples, and a charming island. Kamakura's attractions are scattered across hills and narrow valleys. Visit Hasedera Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, then cross the bridge to Enoshima for fresh seafood and panoramic ocean views. A shorter day trip that still packs a lot in.
4. Kyoto Temple Circuit (~8 hours, from ¥64,000)
Fushimi Inari's thousand vermillion gates, Kinkakuji's golden pavilion, Arashiyama's bamboo grove. Kyoto's top sights are scattered across the city — getting between them by bus involves long waits and crowded rides. A charter car lets you hit all three plus a leisurely lunch in Gion, something that's nearly impossible to do efficiently on public transport.
5. Nara + Kyoto Day Trip (~8 hours, from ¥64,000)
Ancient capital meets friendly deer. Start in Nara with Todaiji Temple (housing Japan's largest bronze Buddha) and a walk through Nara Park where hundreds of bowing deer roam freely. Then drive to Kyoto and visit Fushimi Inari on the way back. The car saves you 2+ hours of train transfers between the two cities.
Vehicles
| Vehicle | Passengers | Luggage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Alphard | Up to 4 | 4 large suitcases | Couples, small families, business |
| Toyota HiAce Grand Cabin | Up to 9 | 8 large suitcases | Large families, groups, heavy luggage |
Both vehicles are non-smoking, air-conditioned, and equipped with phone charging ports.
Rules & Policies
- No pets in the vehicle
- No smoking inside or near the vehicle
- No food — water and beverages in sealed bottles are fine
- Overtime: 120% of the hourly rate, calculated per 30-minute block
- Overnight: ¥10,000 per night surcharge when the charter extends past one day
- Distance limit: 40 km per hour is included. Excess distance may be charged separately
How to Book a Charter with RydAgent
- Tell us your plan — "8-hour charter from Tokyo, visiting Hakone" or "full day Kyoto sightseeing, 4 people." You don't need a detailed itinerary — a rough idea is enough
- Get your price — fixed hourly rate × number of hours, shown instantly
- Confirm and pay — credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or cash to driver
- Driver contacts you — usually the day before, to confirm the pickup location and discuss the route
On the day, your driver meets you at your hotel or any address you specify. From there, the day is yours.
Charter vs. Transfer: Which Do You Need?
| Charter | Transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Sightseeing, multi-stop, flexible | A to B (airport, hotel, station) |
| Pricing | Hourly rate | Fixed route price |
| Highway tolls | Separate (actual cost) | Included in price |
| Itinerary | You decide, can change on the fly | Fixed route |
| Minimum | 5 hours | None |
FAQ
Can I change destinations during the charter?
Yes, that's the whole point. As long as you're within your booked hours and the 40 km/hour distance allowance, you can adjust your itinerary on the fly. Just tell the driver.
What happens if we go over time?
Overtime is charged at 120% of your hourly rate, calculated in 30-minute blocks. Your driver will let you know when you're approaching the end of your booked time so there are no surprises.
Are highway tolls expensive?
It depends on the route. Tokyo to Hakone is roughly ¥3,000–4,000 each way. Tokyo to Kawaguchiko is similar. Your driver can estimate toll costs before departure so you know what to expect.
Can I do an overnight charter?
Yes. Add ¥10,000 per night to cover driver accommodation. Multi-day charters are popular for trips combining Hakone, Mt. Fuji, and the Izu Peninsula.
What if it rains?
Charters run rain or shine. A car-based sightseeing day is actually one of the best ways to handle rainy weather — you stay dry between stops, and your driver drops you at the entrance of each attraction.
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