How to find a cheap car hire deal in Matsumoto
In search of a cheap rental car in Matsumoto? With prices averaging 135 € a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're wanting a compact ride, a large SUV, or something in between, we round up all the best offers to get you more for your money.
Daily rental prices in Matsumoto start from just 29 €.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from 199 € and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Land the best price on a Matsumoto car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value with the most choice.
Rent your wheels from Europcar, Times or Hertz. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
The coverage Europcar or another supplier includes with your Matsumoto car hire can vary, so remember to read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Matsumoto.
Avoid any surprise charges by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Explore without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of 89 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 72 €, this provider is next in line.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly 87 € a day.
Want a car that handles just about any journey? The Intermediate rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Matsumoto.
Flying to Matsumoto? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Matsumoto plans by picking up a car hire at Matsumoto Airport. The city centre is about 10 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Matsumoto
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Matsumoto gives you the freedom to explore for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Matsumoto car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Matsumoto that can handle the heavy stuff. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Matsumoto car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you book.
Upgrade your ride with handy extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These features can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Matsumoto.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by company and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Japan may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat regulations vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Be sure to add the right one to your Matsumoto car hire booking.
You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
Driving in Japan can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the left side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03% applies in Japan. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The Japanese yen (JPY) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's convenient, but carry a little cash for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Best hotels in Matsumoto for drivers
Pull in and enjoy your stay at Koranso. Offering parking as well as a hot spring and Wi-Fi, this hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Matsumoto.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at Onyado Nono Matsumoto Natural Hot Spring. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this stay, which also features internet access and a hot spring.
Browse through the range of hotels in Matsumoto for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
You're ready to make some memories now you've found a car hire deal in Matsumoto and your hotel. From Matsumoto-jō Castle to Myoshoji Temple and Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, there's loads to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Matsumoto
Shift gears and make tracks to Iida. Around 88 kilometres south of central Matsumoto, it's home to must-see sights like Yugahora Forest Park and Shingen-taki Fall.
Add Fujioka to your journey too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Matsumoto and drive around 88 kilometres east to take in main draws such as Kairakuen and Shiroyama Park.
Take it easy after a day spent exploring Fujioka at Onishi Kanko Hotel or Hotel R9 the Yard Fujioka. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Up for a bigger adventure? Nagoya is a popular road trip destination that's about 153 kilometres southwest of Matsumoto. Make a few pit stops at Nagoya Castle and Ninomaru Garden.
Drift off to sleep in Nagoya at either Dormy Inn Premium Nagoya Sakae or the b Nagoya. They have a room waiting for you and parking availability too.
