Fukuoka Car Rental: Kyushu Drives, ETC and Documents
A car makes sense for Kyushu side trips such as Yufuin and Beppu. At Fukuoka Airport the rental counters are in the international terminal only. Foreign passport holders can buy the Kyushu Expressway Pass through participating rental companies.
Can you drive with a foreign licence?
Korean licence holders can drive in Japan with a Korean IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, for up to one year from entry into Japan (and within the IDP's own 1-year validity). IDPs under other conventions are not valid. Rental companies also ask for your Korean licence and passport.
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What to bring
- Korean IDP (1949 Geneva Convention)
- Korean driving licence
- Passport
- Credit card in the driver's name
- Booking confirmation
Road rules that catch visitors out
- Traffic keeps left; the driver's seat is on the right.
- No turning on a red light — straight, left and right must all stop.
- Stop before every railway crossing and check it is safe, unless a signal tells you to go.
- Drink-driving: from 0.15 mg per litre of breath is a crime (up to 3 years or ¥500,000). Do not drink at all before driving.
- Children under 6 must ride in a child seat.
- Expressways: 100 km/h for cars unless signed otherwise. General roads: 60 km/h with a centre line or marked lanes, 30 km/h on other roads (Enforcement Order Art. 11).
Where to pick up
Rental company counters (Toyota, Nippon, Times, ORIX, Nissan, Avis/Budget and others) are on 1F of the International Passenger Terminal. There are none in the Domestic Terminal.
Insurance to check
- CDW (collision damage waiver) covers your share of damage costs, but not the NOC.
- NOC (Non-Operation Charge) compensates the rental company for lost business while the car is repaired. It applies regardless of damage size. Toyota Rent a Car lists ¥20,000 if the car can be driven back and ¥50,000 if not.
- Some companies sell an add-on that waives the NOC (e.g. Toyota's extra protection package).
- Check what happens with a flat tyre, lost key or running out of fuel under your plan.
Booking tips
- The Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP) gives unlimited use of Kyushu expressways for a fixed price; city expressways are not included. You need a non-Japanese passport, a licence valid in Japan and an ETC card from a participating rental company.
- Driving city centre streets and parking in Fukuoka is slower than the subway; a car pays off once you leave the city.
FAQ
Is the Kyushu Expressway Pass still sold?
Yes. NEXCO West lists it for foreign passport holders, booked with a rental car at participating companies (checked 2026-09-29).
Can I pick up at the domestic terminal?
There are no rental counters in the domestic terminal; they are in the international terminal.