Japanese rental car navigation: English mode, phone number and MAPCODE

Most Japanese rental cars have car navigation, but an English (multilingual) unit is not guaranteed, so ask for one when you book. The easiest way to set a destination is to enter the place’s phone number. For places with no phone number, such as viewpoints, enter its MAPCODE, a number code of up to 10 digits. Do all of this before you start driving, because holding a phone while driving is illegal in Japan.

Can I get English navigation in a Japanese rental car?

It depends on the company and the car. Ask when you book, and check the language again at pick-up.

Company	What it says about navigation
Toyota Rent a Car	Multilingual navigation is available; request it when you reserve. Navigation is a free option on passenger car classes, including station wagons and SUVs.
Nippon Rent-A-Car	All cars have navigation, but multilingual navigation cannot be guaranteed. You may get a Japanese-language unit; Japanese units support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Times Car Rental	Some cars have no navigation. Tick “Navigation System” when you reserve on the website.

Source: Toyota Rent a Car, Car navigation systems; Accessories and options. Nippon Rent-A-Car, Useful services. Times Car Rental, FAQ (checked on 26 October 2026)

The companies’ English pages do not list which languages each unit supports. Ask the staff to switch the screen to your language before you leave. Times Car Rental has short videos for its Pioneer and Mitsubishi units, including “Changes the language displayed on the menu items and maps”. Check the model name in the upper left of the screen first, because the unit in your car may differ from the video.

Source: Times Car Rental, How to use GPS navigation (checked on 26 October 2026)

How do I set a destination by phone number?

Japanese car navigation can find a place from its phone number. Use this for hotels, restaurants, shops and other places with a phone number.

1. Find the place’s phone number (on its website or your booking).
2. On the navigation screen, choose the phone number search.
3. Enter the number and choose the place.
4. Start route guidance.

Source: Toyota Rent a Car, Car navigation systems; Times Car Rental, How to use GPS navigation, "Search by Telephone Number" (checked on 26 October 2026)

The menu names differ by unit. If you cannot find the search, ask the staff at pick-up.

What is a MAPCODE and how do I use it?

A MAPCODE is a number code that points to a location in Japan. It was developed by DENSO, and “MAPCODE” is DENSO’s registered trademark. You use it for places that have no phone number or address, such as scenic spots, mountains or beaches.

Point	Details
What it looks like	Numbers only. Toyota Rent a Car describes it as up to 10 digits. Panasonic says up to 12 digits, not counting a “*”
Where it works	Car navigation units with a MAPCODE search (Toyota, Times and OTS explain it for their cars)
Cost	OTS RENT-A-CAR says searching and using MAPCODE is free

Source: Toyota Rent a Car, Car navigation systems; Panasonic car navigation FAQ; OTS RENT-A-CAR, What is MAPCODE? (checked on 26 October 2026)

To use it:

1. Find the MAPCODE of your destination before you leave.
2. On the navigation screen, choose the MAPCODE (map code) search.
3. Key in the number and start route guidance.

Source: Toyota Rent a Car, Car navigation systems; Times Car Rental, "Search by Map Code" (checked on 26 October 2026)

Where can I find the MAPCODE of a place?

• Guidebooks: some drive guidebooks list MAPCODEs for sightseeing spots. Not all of them do, so check before you buy.
• Web and phone: OTS RENT-A-CAR says MAPCODEs can be searched on the web and on mobile phones, free of charge.
• Rental counter: ask the staff when you pick up the car.

Source: Panasonic car navigation FAQ; OTS RENT-A-CAR, What is MAPCODE? (checked on 26 October 2026)

Do not confuse it with the international mapcode. The site mapcode.com is run by the Mapcode Foundation in the Netherlands. Its codes mix letters and digits with a dot (for example “NLD 49.4V”). Japanese car navigation expects DENSO’s number-only MAPCODE.

Source: Mapcode Foundation, What is a mapcode? (checked on 26 October 2026)

Can I use my phone for navigation while driving?

Not in your hand. Holding a phone while driving can lead to up to 6 months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 yen. The National Police Agency also warns against looking at devices such as car navigation while driving. If you need to use the phone, stop in a safe place first.

Source: National Police Agency, Stop Using Your Smartphone While Driving (checked on 26 October 2026)

So set your destination, or your whole route, before you start. If you use a phone map, let a passenger handle it. For the full phone rules and penalties, see Japan’s road rules.