How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kyoto
Searching for a cheap rental car in Kyoto? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging 160 € a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices in Kyoto start from just 32 €.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from 221 € and make room for more adventures.
Score the best price on a Kyoto car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.
Get behind the wheel with Nissan Rent a Car, NIPPON Rent A Car or Hertz. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Whether you go with Nissan Rent a Car or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Kyoto car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at 96 € a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around 88 €.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly 95 € a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not sure which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of car in Kyoto.
Compare car hire types in Kyoto
Small: These cheap rental cars in Kyoto may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this Kyoto car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Kyoto that can handle the heavy stuff. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Kyoto car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Kyoto.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by supplier and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some providers in Japan may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Add a car seat to your Kyoto car rental booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest option.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Get familiar with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get used to its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the left side of the road in Japan.
Local speed limits are often about 55kph in built-up areas and around 85kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) here. In addition to your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Kyoto for drivers
Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Daitokuji Sushicho. Offering parking as well as bicycle rentals and a golf course, this hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Kyoto.
Nishijin Narahian makes life simpler with parking and features such as room service and a laundry. It's roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in Kyoto for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Kyoto and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto Gion Matsuri and Gion give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Kyoto
Osaka should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Dotonbori and Osaka Castle. This city is about 48 kilometres southwest of central Kyoto.
Hotel Plaza Osaka and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection by IHG are reliable accommodation options with parking in Osaka.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Kyoto and then set out for Ichinomiya. Around 97 kilometres east of Kyoto, Atsuta Shrine and Hakusan Shrine are standout attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
APA Hotel Gifu Hashima Ekimae and Hotel LC Gifu Hashima are comfy places to stay in Ichinomiya if you're in town for a while. Go for one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.
Check out the room availability at Le.Blanche or Sunset View Hotel Keinoumi. They make it a breeze to discover everything Minato has to offer. They also come with a place to park.
