How to find a cheap car hire deal in Ōtsu
Pick up a cheap rental car in Ōtsu for around 199 € a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching the best rental providers, putting amazing deals at your fingertips.
76 € is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Ōtsu.
Staying a while and want to explore beyond the main attractions? 531 € is the best rate for a weekly rental.
To land the best price on a Ōtsu car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates tend to climb as your travel dates get closer, and you might have less to pick from.
Check out the offers available with NIPPON Rent A Car, Orix and National. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Ōtsu car hire policy, whether you go with NIPPON Rent A Car or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Ōtsu.
Skip the hidden fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Pack more into your journey by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at 122 € a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around 139 €.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly 179 € a day.
The Intermediate rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Ōtsu.
Compare car hire types in Ōtsu
Small: These cheap rental cars in Ōtsu may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, fuel efficient, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this Ōtsu car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Ōtsu big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group outings, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Ōtsu car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Ōtsu by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by provider (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 range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
If you're going away with the kids, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Ōtsu car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in Japan, be aware that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03% applies in Japan. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) for everything you buy on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash so you always have a backup option.
Best hotels in Ōtsu for drivers
Offering parking, Toyoko Inn Biwako Sen Minami Kusatsu Eki Nishi Guchi makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 10 kilometres from central Ōtsu and also comes with Wi-Fi and a restaurant.
Yumoto Onsen OharaSansou makes travel simpler with parking and features like a hot spring and internet access. It's roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the range of hotels in Ōtsu for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can also apply 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 Ōtsu and your hotel. From Enryaku-ji Temple to Biwako Valley and Mangetsu-ji Ukimido (Floating Hall), you're spoiled for choice on things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Ōtsu
Shift gears and make tracks to Osaka. Around 56 kilometres southwest of central Ōtsu, it's home to must-sees like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle.
You'll be well taken care of at Hotel Plaza Osaka and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection by IHG, two accommodation options with parking in Osaka.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Ōtsu and then set out for Nagoya. Around 88 kilometres east of Ōtsu, Nagoya Castle and Ninomaru Garden are major attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Take it easy after a day spent exploring Nagoya at Dormy Inn Premium Nagoya Sakae or the b Nagoya. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Want to head even further out? Wakayama is a top road trip destination that's around 113 kilometres southwest of Ōtsu. Consider making a few pit stops at Jogasaki Coast and Mt. Tengu.
Check out the room availability at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Wakayama or Wakayama Daiichi Fuji Hotel. They make it a breeze to discover everything Wakayama has to offer. They come with room for your wheels too.
