Marko from Poland: A Smooth Journey in Japan with Japan Travel Assist

Introduction

Traveling to Japan with my family had always been a dream. After months of planning, I couldn’t wait for the day when my wife, three children, and I would land in Tokyo to explore the unique culture, breathtaking sights, and modern marvels that the country offers. We were all set for our two-week trip to Japan, and everything was organized—flights, hotels, and even the car rental. But as with most travel stories, there were unexpected hurdles along the way. Despite having everything pre-booked, we ran into a major issue with our car rental just before our departure.

Little did we know, Japan Travel Assist would come to our rescue at the last minute, and they would turn what could have been a stressful situation into an unforgettable experience. Here’s how we managed to find a solution, and why I highly recommend this company to anyone traveling to Japan.

1. The Dream Trip to Japan: Everything Was Set

As a family, we had always wanted to travel to Japan. The culture, history, and technology of the country fascinated us. After carefully researching the best places to visit, we decided on a two-week itinerary that would take us to iconic locations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. We also planned a trip to Hokkaido to explore its natural beauty and famous hot springs.

The first part of our planning was easy—flights were booked, and we secured accommodations in advance at well-rated hotels. For us, it was important to have comfort and convenience while exploring Japan, and finding the right places to stay was crucial. The hotels we selected were near major tourist attractions, so it would be easy to explore the area and get around.

But what really excited me was the plan to rent a car for the entire trip. We knew that Japan’s public transportation system is world-class, but having a car would give us the freedom to explore remote areas and scenic drives, especially in places like Hokkaido. We’d also be able to visit several locations outside major cities and take spontaneous detours to interesting spots along the way.

Booking the Rental Car in Advance Rent a car in Tokyo 24/7

Several months before our departure, I decided to book a rental car for the trip. After researching different rental car companies in Japan, I selected a company with good reviews that offered the 4WD vehicle we needed for our travels. I made the reservation, confirmed the details, and received a confirmation email stating that the car would be ready for pick-up at Narita Airport on the day we arrived.

I thought that by booking in advance, everything would go smoothly. We were traveling as a family with three young children, so having a reliable vehicle was an essential part of our trip. We wanted to be able to get around easily, especially since we had planned to visit several tourist destinations outside of Tokyo.

Everything seemed perfect, and we were looking forward to the trip. Little did I know, just days before our departure, this plan would face a serious hiccup.

2. The Shocking News: Car Rental Disaster Rent a car in Tokyo 24/7

Just a few days before our flight, I received an unexpected email from the rental company. It was a message that caused immediate stress and frustration—it read:

“Unfortunately, the vehicle you have booked will not be available when you arrive. The previous customer is delayed, and the car will not be returned in time. We regret to inform you that we cannot provide you with the vehicle you reserved.”

I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Our rental car—the one that had been confirmed for months—was no longer available. The email further explained that they were unable to offer an alternative because all their cars were already booked by other customers.

I was taken aback. We had no backup plan. With three children in tow and no reliable vehicle in place, it felt like we were on the brink of a disastrous start to our trip.

3. Desperation: Searching for a Solution

I immediately began calling other rental car companies in Japan, hoping to find something last minute. To my shock, I discovered that no cars were available at Narita Airport. Every rental company I contacted told me that their cars were already fully booked for the dates we needed.

I even turned to online platforms that list available cars, only to find that the situation was the same. Nothing was available for immediate rental. After calling and checking for hours, we were facing a real dilemma—we had a confirmed flight and hotel bookings, but no car.

At this point, I started to feel a sense of panic. It seemed like we would have to rely on public transportation for our entire trip, but it wasn’t ideal for our plans, especially considering that we would be traveling with young children. We didn’t want to be stuck relying on trains and buses for every outing.

4. The Discovery: Japan Travel Assist Comes to the Rescue

Just as we were about to lose hope, I decided to search for other car rental options online. That’s when I stumbled across Japan Travel Assist. I had never heard of the company before, but after reading their positive reviews and seeing their quick response time, I decided to reach out.

I contacted them through WhatsApp, explaining our situation in detail. Within minutes, I received a reply from a friendly representative who assured me that they could provide a 4WD vehicle for our trip. It felt like a ray of hope in what had been a stressful day.

Their team was professional and helpful, and they made it clear that they could have the car delivered to the airport upon our arrival, even though our flight was scheduled to arrive at 3 AM. They explained that everything was covered, from insurance to guarantees, and they reassured me that the vehicle would be in excellent condition.

We had finally found a solution—and I was relieved.

5. Arriving in Tokyo: A Smooth Pickup Experience

Our flight landed in Narita Airport at 3 AM, and I was feeling both exhausted and relieved. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Japan Travel Assist had made all the arrangements, so I was hopeful.

As soon as we got through customs and baggage claim, I received a message from the company, confirming that the car was waiting for us. They gave me detailed instructions on where to pick up the car, and it was exactly as promised—the vehicle was there waiting for us, ready to go.

We were handed the keys, and the staff walked us through the details of the car, including how to use the GPS system, driving laws in Japan, and how to manage the tolls. They even gave us a thorough explanation of insurance and the coverage for the vehicle, making us feel secure and confident.

The car was in perfect condition, and it was exactly the 4WD model we had initially wanted. Japan Travel Assist went above and beyond, ensuring that our experience was as smooth as possible, despite the last-minute change of plans.

6. Exploring Japan: The Freedom of a Rental Car

Сar in hand, we set off to explore Japan. It was exactly the freedom we had hoped for. The 4WD vehicle allowed us to drive comfortably through the various landscapes of Japan, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the peaceful countryside in Kyoto. The roads were easy to navigate, and having a reliable car made all the difference.

We visited many iconic destinations, including:

• Tokyo Disneyland for the kids, which they absolutely loved.

• The beautiful temples of Kyoto, including Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion).

• The vibrant city of Osaka, where we explored Dotonbori and tried local street food.

• The hot springs in Hakone, where we relaxed and rejuvenated after long drives.

Having a car meant that we could plan our own schedule. We didn’t have to wait for trains or taxis, which was especially helpful with children. It allowed us to explore hidden gems and enjoy the scenery without the stress of public transport.

7. Final Thoughts: Why We Recommend Japan Travel Assist

Our journey in Japan was nothing short of amazing, and the team at Japan Travel Assist played a huge role in making it possible. Despite the initial setbacks with our car rental, they were able to provide us with exactly what we needed—fast, efficient, and reliable service.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, I highly recommend Japan Travel Assist. Their customer service is top-notch, and they went out of their way to ensure our trip was smooth and stress-free. Thanks to them, we were able to enjoy a memorable family trip without any major issues.