If you don’t have a resident’s visa, your only option is to lease a vehicle. For this you need an international driving licence. There are plenty of leasing companies in the city, and some will allow those leasing with resident visas to buy the car at the end of the lease period, usually between two and four years. If you think you might want to purchase your lease car further down the line, look at companies like Occidental Corporation who offer finance leasing options.

A wide variety of cars are available, from Nissans and Volvos to Hummers (see table opposite). While cars like Hummers are popular among Tokyo’s young and wealthiest, they are not so practical for Tokyo’s narrow side streets. Japanese cars can be the best option, as they are well made, efficient and easily serviceable.

Lease rates can be calculated on a variety of different bases – from one day or one week to one month or six months. Shop around for the best deals for the duration you are looking at. Expect to pay around ¥9,000 a day for a Toyota Corolla, with any additional days at a slightly discounted rate. Luxury sedans start at around ¥15,000 a day. Insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance are often included in the cost, along with basic maintenance, vehicle inspection test and taxes. If your Japanese skills are not so hot, it’s best to use a company that has an English-language helpline.