Car Rental or Tours in Tokyo?
Quick summary: Inside Tokyo, trains, walking and tours beat a rental car. Neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Harajuku and Akihabara are linked by fast trains, and food, sushi and nightlife tours work best on foot. A rental car is worth it for Mt Fuji, Hakone and the countryside, though day trips with transport cover those too.
| At a glance | Car rental | Tours |
|---|---|---|
| Neighborhoods | Parking is hard | Shibuya tours |
| Food | Plan your own | Food tours |
| Nightlife | Zero alcohol limit | Bar and nightlife tours |
| Mt Fuji | Flexible | Mt Fuji tours |
| Something different | Not possible | Go-kart tours |
Compare car rental at Haneda Airport
Which Tokyo experiences need no car?
| Experience | Tours |
|---|---|
| Neighborhoods | Shinjuku tours, Asakusa tours, Harajuku tours, Akihabara tours |
| History | Imperial Palace tours, Temple and shrine tours |
| Food | Sushi experiences, Ramen experiences, Cooking classes, Tsukiji market tours |
| Sport | Sumo experiences |
| Getting around | Rickshaw tours, Bike tours, Walking tours |
Which tour styles are available?
Private tours, featured tours and all tours.
Can you combine both?
Yes. Use trains and tours in Tokyo, then rent a car for the countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a car in Tokyo?
No, trains, walking and tours are easier.
Can you visit Mt Fuji without a car?
Yes, on a Mt Fuji tour.
Are go-kart tours in Tokyo a real thing?
Yes, they’re a popular way to see the streets.
Can you combine car rental and Tokyo tours?
Yes, tours in the city and a car for the countryside.