How to find a cheap car hire deal in Yamagata
In search of a cheap rental car in Yamagata? With prices averaging 61 € a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're after a go-anywhere compact, a large SUV, or something in between, we round up all the top offers to get you more for your money.
38 € is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Yamagata.
Planning to stay longer? Pick up a weekly rental from 240 € and say yes to more adventures.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Yamagata car hire. Try booking around three weeks before you go.
Browse the offers available with Europcar, NIPPON Rent A Car and Orix. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
The coverage Europcar or another supplier includes with your Yamagata car hire can vary, so be sure to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average 74 € a day.
In second position is this provider, which offers daily rates of around 88 €.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly 60 € a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you're unsure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Yamagata.
Flying to Yamagata? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Yamagata, get on the road sooner by picking up a car hire at Yamagata Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 27 kilometres and takes about 35 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Yamagata
Small: These cheap rental cars in Yamagata may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this just-right ride is calling your name. 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 enhanced tech features, this Yamagata car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Yamagata that can handle the heavy stuff. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Yamagata car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Yamagata.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the exact rules for each supplier before booking your rental in Japan.
Add a car seat to your Yamagata car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest option.
You'll need some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you haven't driven before in Japan, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 55kph in built-up areas and around 85kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
In Japan, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.03%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, leave the driving to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) on your trip here. Along with your bank cards, consider bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
Japanese is the language spoken in most parts of the country.
Best hotels in Yamagata for drivers
Pull in and enjoy your stay at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Yamagata Ekimae. Offering parking as well as a restaurant and luggage storage, this hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Yamagata.
Pension Swiss gets the details right with parking and features such as a 24-hour front desk and Wi-Fi. It's roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Yamagata and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Yamagata and your hotel, all that's left is deciding where to head to first. Kick things off with must-see attractions like Frost Covered Trees of Zao, Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Central Run) and Risshaku-ji Temple.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Yamagata
Sendai has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Cherry-blossom viewing square and Cherry blossom Square. This city is about 40 kilometres east of central Yamagata.
ANA Holiday Inn Sendai by IHG and Mitsui Garden Hotel Sendai - Reopening on June 14 are recommended accommodation options with parking in Sendai.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Yamagata and drive around 97 kilometres south to Kōriyama. Featuring Uchide Cherry Blossom and Sakura, it's every bit as good as advertised.
Comfort Hotel Koriyama and Smile Hotel Koriyama are comfortable places to stay in Kōriyama if you've got more than a quick stop in mind. Book one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Still got fuel in the tank? Take off to Chiba, about 290 kilometres south of Yamagata. From Itsukushima Shrine to Inari Shrine, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
Check out the room availability at HOTEL LiVEMAX Budget Chiba Mihama or Keisei Hotel Miramare. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Chiba has to offer. They also come with parking.
