The Navigation Dilemma
One of the first challenges you'll face after renting a car in Japan is deciding how to navigate. Should you rely on your smartphone with Google Maps, or should you use the built-in GPS navigation system provided in the rental car? The answer depends on your itinerary.
Japanese Car Navigation Systems (Navi)
Almost all rental cars in Japan come equipped with an advanced, built-in GPS system (called "Navi"). These systems are highly accurate and are integrated with the car's ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system to calculate exact toll costs.
- Pros: Does not require mobile data; highly accurate lane guidance for complex Japanese highway junctions; alerts you to rest stops (Michi-no-Eki).
- Cons: The English interfaces can sometimes be clunky. Searching by English names can be frustrating.
Pro Tip: The best way to use a Japanese Navi is by searching using a Mapcode or a destination's Phone Number. Always ask your hotel or rental agency for their phone number for easy input!
Google Maps in Japan
Google Maps is incredibly reliable in Japan, but it has some distinct drawbacks when driving.
- Pros: Familiar interface; easy to search for English names; real-time traffic updates.
- Cons: Google Maps often struggles with Japan's multi-level elevated highways (especially the Shuto Expressway in Tokyo), causing it to mistakenly think you are on a ground-level street. It also sometimes routes you down incredibly narrow, terrifying backstreets to save 30 seconds.
The Best Strategy
Use Google Maps on your phone as a general overview and to find restaurants. Use the car's built-in Navi (via phone number search) for actual highway driving, as its lane-assist graphics will save you from missing complex highway exits.