Children under 6 generally need an appropriate car seat in Japan. Learn which seat suits your child, how to rent one with a car, and what to check if you bring your own.
Baby seat, junior seat and vehicle fit—checked together before departure
The law in Japan
Age determines the legal requirement. Your child's size determines whether an adult seat belt can protect them correctly.
Legal requirement
Japan's Road Traffic Act, Article 71-3(3), prohibits a driver from carrying a child under six without an appropriate child restraint, apart from limited exceptions specified by law.
National Police Agency guidance in EnglishSafety guidance
Turning six does not automatically mean that the adult seat belt fits. JAF recommends an appropriate child or junior seat for children under 150 cm. This is a safety guideline, not a separate legal height requirement: check whether the belt fits correctly across the shoulder and low on the hips.
JAF child seat safety guidanceThis page is a practical summary, not legal advice. The driver is responsible for carrying each passenger safely and using the restraint according to its instructions. See the latest National Police Agency information.
Choosing the right restraint
Use the approved limits on the specific restraint, not the name alone. We use your child's current age and height to help narrow down the suitable option.
Baby or young child
A dedicated restraint with its own harness. Rear-facing or forward-facing use depends on the child's size and the specific product instructions.
Older or larger child
Raises and positions the child so the vehicle's shoulder and lap belt can sit correctly. Use only when the seat's approved limits are met.
Adult belt fits correctly
The shoulder belt should cross the centre of the shoulder and the lap belt should stay low across the hips—not the neck or abdomen.
When the seat instructions call for rear-facing use, the child faces the rear of the vehicle with the harness lying flat and fitting snugly.
Use your child's age and current height to narrow down the suitable seat, then follow the direction and approved limits shown on the actual product.
Planning your family drive
For a family drive from Kawaguchiko or Hakone, arrange the child or junior seat with your rental car. Check the options for your vehicle and travel dates before booking.
Search with your dates, pickup location and vehicle, then select a suitable child or junior seat from the available booking options. Available seats depend on stock and vehicle compatibility.
The options page shows current seat prices and whether the charge is per day or per rental. Check the total for your dates and selected options in the booking flow.
Share each child's age and current height, the number of seats needed and your luggage plans. If a baby seat, a specific model or several seats are essential, contact us before booking to confirm suitability and availability.
Our owner is raising two children and knows that a family rental is about more than adding a seat to a booking. You need enough room, the right restraint, a calm pickup and answers you can understand before you set off.
Child and junior seats are limited and exact models may vary. Reserve early and wait for confirmation when a specific seat type is essential to your trip.
A smoother family pickup
Send the age and current height of every child, plus the number of seats needed.
We help you consider passenger space, luggage and seat compatibility before you book.
Reserve the child or junior seat in advance and wait for confirmation of the requested category.
At pickup, confirm the mounting, harness or belt route and your child's fit before departure.
A suitable product only works when it is installed and used correctly. Take a few minutes before leaving the shop.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Under Japan's Road Traffic Act, a driver must not carry a child under six years old without an appropriate child restraint, except in limited circumstances defined by law.
Not necessarily. If the adult seat belt does not sit correctly across the shoulder and low on the hips, use an appropriate junior or booster seat. JAF recommends a child restraint for children under 150 cm; this is a safety guideline, not a separate legal height requirement.
Please send the age and current height of every child. Also tell us how many child or junior seats you need so we can check seat and vehicle availability.
No. An adult cannot safely restrain a child during a collision or sudden stop. Each child should use a restraint that is suitable for their size.
Please contact us before booking with the seat model and your preferred vehicle. Check with the manufacturer that the seat meets the safety standards applicable in Japan. Separately, confirm compatibility with the vehicle and follow the restraint and vehicle instructions.
MLIT child seat questions and answersYes. Fuji Premium Car Rental offers child and junior seat options with rental cars for trips from Kawaguchiko or Hakone. Select a suitable seat from the options offered during booking, and tell us each child's age and current height. Availability depends on your dates, vehicle and the seat type required.
See the options page for current child and junior seat prices and the charging unit. The booking flow shows the total for your travel dates and selected options. Confirm the available seat type before booking if your trip depends on a particular restraint.
Taxis carrying children as passengers in their transport business are exempt from Japan's child seat requirement. This exemption does not apply to ordinary self-drive rental cars. A legal exemption does not mean a taxi will have a suitable seat: ask the operator about child restraints before travel.
Kanagawa Prefectural Police child seat Q&AWe will help you think through the seat category, vehicle space and pickup checks so your family can start the trip with confidence.