Summer Road Trip from Higashimiyoshi: Iya Valley and Kagawa by Rental Car
みかもレンタカーQuick answer: You can rent at Mikamo Rent-a-Car's staffed Nishi-Awa Mikamo branch with an International Driving Permit valid in Japan, even without a Japanese driver's license. Bring your original IDP and passport, and contact the branch before booking to confirm your documents. Travelers who meet the rental conditions can plan Iya and Oboke as one mountain-road day and choose one Kagawa area for a separate day.
Mikamo Rent-a-Car is located at 5562-1 Kamo, Higashimiyoshi, Tokushima, on the same site as ENEOS Mikamo Service Station. The location makes it possible to pick up a car near western Tokushima, refuel on the same site before returning it, and travel in two different directions without starting in a large city.
Who this road-trip plan is for
This guide is designed for international travelers, exchange students, university friends and small groups whose designated drivers meet this branch's driving-document requirements. It is especially useful when you have suitcases, want to stop for scenery, or plan to visit places that are far from a railway station.
A rental car is not automatically the best option for everyone. If no one is comfortable driving on the left side, on narrow mountain roads or in summer weather, use official bus, train, taxi or tour information instead. A safe, shorter plan is better than a long list of places.
Day 1: Iya Valley and Oboke
Check the official tourism and road information first
Use the official Oboke-Iya tourism website to choose a small number of stops and check current notices, weather and access information. Mountain conditions may be different from the weather at your hotel or pickup location.
Drive during daylight when possible
Iya has narrow sections, curves, slopes and places where two vehicles cannot pass at the same time. Put the most experienced driver in the first mountain section. Slow down before a curve, look far ahead for a passing place, and do not speed up simply because another car is behind you.
Choose two main stops, such as an Oboke area stop and one Iya destination. Keep one optional stop only if the weather, road and return time remain comfortable. This article does not guarantee that any particular road or attraction is open.
Day 2: Choose one area in Kagawa
Do not combine every famous place in one day
Kotohira, Mitoyo and Takamatsu offer different experiences and are not one compact sightseeing area. Decide whether your main interest is a shrine and town walk, Seto Inland Sea scenery, udon, art or city sightseeing. Then group nearby stops.
Check opening days, parking and events on the official Visit Kagawa website. Popular restaurants and sunset locations may add waiting time. Set a time to leave your final stop, rather than waiting until your rental-car return deadline feels close.
License requirement at this branch
Every driver must bring either an original, valid Japanese driver's license or an original International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention and valid for driving in Japan. IDP holders must also bring their passport. The documents must cover the vehicle class and permitted driving period through the return date.
A Japanese driver's license is not required if you hold an IDP valid in Japan. A foreign national license alone, or a foreign license with a Japanese translation, is not accepted for rental at this branch. See the official guidance on IDPs valid in Japan, and contact the staffed branch before booking to confirm your documents and arrival date in Japan. The unmanned Rakunori Smart station has separate registration and document requirements; confirm eligibility before booking.
Register every driver before booking
Tell the rental office who may drive and confirm the original documents required for each person. IDP holders should bring their original IDP and passport. A photo or copy does not replace the original at pickup.
Every possible driver must be declared and checked before departure, including drivers using an IDP valid in Japan. Do not let an unregistered friend take over because the registered driver becomes tired. Build the route and rest plan around the drivers accepted by the branch.
Choose the car by people and luggage
A small car can be easier on narrow roads, but it may not hold four people and four large suitcases safely. A large vehicle can carry more luggage, but a driver with little experience may find it harder on mountain roads. Tell the staff both the number of passengers and the number and approximate size of bags.
| Group | What to discuss |
|---|---|
| Two or three people, light bags | Kei or compact-car availability |
| Four or five people, travel luggage | Rear-seat comfort and luggage space |
| Larger group | Minivan availability and driver experience |
Navigation and ETC equipment are available, but do not assume that an ETC card, tolls, fuel or optional equipment is included. Confirm the exact booking conditions.
Pickup and shuttle information
Mikamo Rent-a-Car can arrange a free shuttle from Awa-Kamo Station or Yoshinogawa Highway Oasis. After 5:00 p.m., shuttle service is limited to those two locations. A shuttle must be arranged in advance; it is not an on-demand service that is guaranteed without a booking.
At pickup, confirm the return time, fuel type, fuel-return rule, insurance and compensation options, existing vehicle marks, emergency contact method, navigation language, ETC use and who is registered to drive. Adjust the seat, mirrors and navigation before entering traffic.
Driving safely in Iya and Kagawa
- Drive on the left side of the road.
- Stop fully where required and obey posted speed limits.
- Do not use a handheld phone while driving.
- Use a parking area before changing navigation or translating a message.
- Take breaks before the driver becomes tired.
- Never leave a person or animal inside a parked car in summer.
- Cancel or shorten mountain travel in dangerous weather.
Navigation can suggest a very narrow local road because it appears shorter. If a road looks unsuitable, do not continue simply because the screen says to proceed. Stop in a safe place and choose a main road.
Fuel and return steps
- Check the required fuel type at pickup.
- Refuel before entering a long mountain section if the remaining fuel is uncertain.
- For self-service fuel, stop the engine and follow the instructions on the pump.
- Do not guess that a kei car uses diesel; “kei” means a vehicle class, not light oil.
- Before return, refuel with the specified fuel and keep the receipt.
- Check luggage, phone cables, toll cards and the whole cabin before handing back the key.
ENEOS Mikamo Service Station is on the same site as the rental office and provides 24-hour self-service fueling. This does not mean that rental-car pickup and return staff are available 24 hours. Follow the time confirmed in your booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can an international visitor rent a car here?
Yes, if every person who will drive has a valid Japanese driver's license or an IDP valid in Japan and completes the required document checks and registration. You do not need a Japanese driver's license when renting with an eligible IDP.
Can I use an International Driving Permit or a foreign license?
An IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention and valid for driving in Japan is accepted at the staffed branch. Bring the original IDP and passport. A foreign national license alone or with a Japanese translation is not accepted for rental at this branch.
Can I visit Iya Valley and Kagawa in one day?
It may be physically possible for limited destinations, but it creates a long driving day with little time for sightseeing. Separate mountain travel and Kagawa travel when possible.
Is there a student discount?
This guide does not advertise a student discount. Ask for the current total price for your dates, vehicle class, options and compensation plan.
Is English support guaranteed at every moment?
Use the English guide and send questions before arrival. Staff availability and communication methods may vary, so confirm how the pickup explanation will be provided.
Contact and final checklist
Mikamo Rent-a-Car is at 5562-1 Kamo, Higashimiyoshi, Miyoshi District, Tokushima. The phone number is 0883-82-2262. The listed reception hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., daily, but vehicle availability, shuttle arrangements and pickup details must be confirmed for your booking.
Before sending a request, prepare your dates, pickup time, number of passengers, luggage, all possible drivers, their original driving documents, and your preferred route. IDP holders should also prepare their passport. Read the full English rental guide and use the contact page to check availability. The rental license policy was updated on October 5, 2026.
