Why You Need This Guide
Renting a car in Japan gives you freedom to explore rural areas, hot spring towns, and hidden scenic spots.
But many travelers face a challenge: how to refuel at a Japanese gas station.
The process can be confusing at first, especially with language barriers. This guide explains everything step by step so you can drive with confidence.
Types of Gas Stations in Japan
Full-Service (フルサービス)
- Staff will guide you to a pump.
- You don’t leave your car – they handle the refueling.
- Simply say the fuel type: “Regular” (レギュラー), “High-octane” (ハイオク), or “Diesel” (軽油).
- Payment is made by cash or card, usually inside the car window.
Self-Service (セルフ)
- In Japan, many gas stations are self-service.
- You must get out and operate the machine yourself.
- Machines usually have English menus, but not always.
Fuel Types You Must Know
- Regular (レギュラー / Red pump cap) → standard gasoline.
- High-octane (ハイオク / Yellow pump cap) → premium gasoline.
- Diesel (軽油 / Green pump cap) → for diesel vehicles.
⚠️ Never confuse Regular with Diesel – using the wrong fuel may damage the car.
Step-by-Step: How to Use a Self-Service Pump
- Park and stop the engine.
- Select fuel type on the touch screen.
- Choose the amount: full tank (満タン / mantan) or by liters/yen.
- Insert payment (credit card, cash, or IC card).
- Take the nozzle and insert into the tank.
- Press the lever until it stops automatically.
- Return the nozzle, collect receipt if needed.
Payment Options
- Cash (insert bills/coins at the machine)
- Credit card (international cards usually accepted)
- IC cards like Suica, WAON, or nanaco (less common for tourists)
Useful Phrases for Full-Service
- “Regulat Mantan de onegaishimasu” (レギュラー満タンでお願いします)
= Full tank, please. (Most polite phrases)
(Note) “Mantan” can be replaced if you would like to pour sprcified litters or specifed yen of gas. - “Kurejitto kādo” (クレジットカード) = Credit card.
Tip: On highways, ETC card is for tolls, not fuel.
Tips for Travelers in Rural Japan
- Gas stations may close early (around 7–8 pm) outside cities.
- On some islands or mountain areas, stations are limited – refuel before exploring.
- Always return your rental car with a full tank. Most agencies require a fuel receipt.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to refuel is a small but important step in enjoying a stress-free road trip in Japan.
With this guide, you can confidently rent a car, explore hidden destinations, and discover the countryside beyond the train lines.
Explore Japan by Car
If you’re planning to rent a car and experience Japan beyond the big cities, Hitachinaka in Ibaraki Prefecture offers the perfect first step.
This seaside town is known for Hitachi Seaside Park, its calm local restaurants, and scenic coastal drives — all easily enjoyed in a single day.
Whether you’re already exploring by rental car or just starting to consider it, this guide shows how rewarding and simple a one-day local trip can be.
👉 Hitachinaka One-Day Itinerary: A Local Journey Beyond Tokyo