Toyota Rent A Car Odawara Station Shinkansen Exit — Local services in Odawara

Harassing and Discriminatory Experience at Toyota Rent a Car, Odawara Station

I’m deeply disappointed and shaken by the treatment we received at the Toyota Rent a Car branch at Odawara Station, particularly by Ken and the management on duty. What initially felt like a shocking misunderstanding quickly revealed itself to be something far worse—discrimination.

Despite holding valid International Driving Permits issued by the Indian Government, our licenses were flat-out refused. But the situation escalated beyond policy. The staff went on to make disparaging remarks about the Indian Government, accusing it of “committing fraud” by issuing what they claimed were invalid documents. Not accepting a license is one matter—insulting a nation and its government is quite another.

This wasn’t an isolated incident either. Two of my friends, who coincidentally rented from the same location just last month, experienced similar treatment. This pattern suggests a clear bias and preferential treatment based on nationality—something deeply upsetting, especially in a country we’ve loved and respected through multiple visits.

Until now, our time in Japan has been filled with warmth and hospitality. But today, for the first time, I experienced something I can only describe as racist. It’s disheartening to leave a place you love with such a...

Could not rent from them but 5 star review because the staff were really kind and tried their best. I agree with the two Italian reviews about the international driving license, in the sense that I arrived with valid international papers, however I am giving 5 stars for the amazing service provided. Japan has his own exceptions and rules and it's a matter of international law, a translated Japan license is needed beforehand and it's down to the user renting to look this up. My country (Switzerland) issued what they said was valid in Japan but it looks like you need a Japanese paper too. Toyota could be a bit more thorough in their confirmation emails, maybe with a comprehensive link to all the necessary papers. This said, the staff were so polite and apologetic and spent a huge amount of time trying to help us out, even with a translator colleague on the phone line. They even called the road office for us, asked them how long it would take to translate our international license etc

We did not rent and they didn't charge us, which is also admirable, given the usual scammy rental car experiences. So we are very grateful and compliment you on your ethics and great...

It is the responsibility of every visitor to a country to take the time and effort to research in-country requirements and laws before going there. Just because one's home country's authorities say that their documentation is accepted in another country does not make it so. It is basic expectation and the responsibility of all travellers to check with the relevant parties in the destination country BEFORE they travel regarding documentation requirements such as driver permits.

The translation requirements for certain other countries (notably EU countries) are clearly stated and found online if one bothers to do a basic Google search.

The websites of various Japanese car rental companies clearly state that various EU countries require a Japanese translation (see attached photo). I have rented cars in japan many times and have never had any problems, because i take the time and effort to research the regulations of the country that i am visiting.

A visitor giving negative 1-star reviews of a business just because the visitor can't be bothered to do their homework clearly shows who is at fault and it isn't...