How to find a cheap car hire deal in Shimonoseki
In search of a cheap rental car in Shimonoseki? With an average price of 75 € a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're wanting a go-anywhere compact, a family sedan, or anything in between, we compare all the top deals to help you book smart.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Shimonoseki is 27 €.
Planning a longer trip and want to go further than the usual stops? 188 € is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Book early to snap up the best price for a Shimonoseki car hire. On top of better deals, you can actually get the car you wanted, not just what's left.
Check out the offers available with Times, Europcar and NIPPON Rent A Car. They're some of the top providers in the city.
The coverage Times or another supplier includes with your Shimonoseki car hire can differ, so always read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Shimonoseki.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at 62 € a day.
Coming in next is this provider, offering daily rates of around 61 €.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly 81 € a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a reliable option if you're not quite sure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Shimonoseki.
Compare car hire types in Shimonoseki
Small: These cheap rental cars in Shimonoseki may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, fuel efficient, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra tech features, this Shimonoseki car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Shimonoseki that can handle the heavy stuff. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Shimonoseki car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Shimonoseki.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your rental in Japan. Rules can differ, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your Shimonoseki car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest choice.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in Japan.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Usually 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 only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Shimonoseki for drivers
Sungreen Kikugawa is a popular option about 6 kilometres from central Shimonoseki. It comes with plenty of amenities including a laundry and room service.
Kotengu Sanroji keeps guests happy with parking and features such as internet access and a bar. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in Shimonoseki for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Shimonoseki and the right hotel, all that's left is deciding where to head to first. Get things started with major attractions such as Itsukushima Shrine, Jinjoji and Tokusen no Taki Fall.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Shimonoseki
Shift gears and take off to Koga. Around 72 kilometres southwest of central Shimonoseki, it's home to must-see sights like Kiyotakidera and Firefly View Spot.
The358 UMI and The358 Sora are popular accommodation options with parking in Koga.
Add Nōgata to your journey too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Shimonoseki and drive roughly 56 kilometres southwest to explore highlights such as Matsuwa Art and Kohno Ken'ichi Memorial Museum.
HOTEL R9 The Yard Iizuka and Plaza Hotel Nogata are comfy places to stay in Nōgata if you're hanging around for a while. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Want to head even further out? Isahaya is a popular road trip destination that's around 177 kilometres southwest of Shimonoseki. Make a few pit stops at Honmyo River Cherry Blossom Levee and Karako Marsh Park Lotus Pond.
The only thing left to do now is hit the pillow. New Station Hotel Premiere and Isahaya Terminal Hotel have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Isahaya.
