How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kyoto
Need a cheap rental car in Kyoto? With prices averaging ₹ 8,188 a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're after a compact ride, a spacious family car, or something in between, we round up all the top offers to get you more for your money.
Daily rental prices in Kyoto start from just ₹ 3,618.
Staying a while and want to explore beyond the main attractions? ₹ 21,804 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Book early to lock in the best price for a Kyoto car hire. Besides saving money, you'll have a wider range of options to pick from.
Line up your ride with Nissan Rent a Car, NIPPON Rent A Car or Hertz. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Whether you book with Nissan Rent a Car or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Kyoto car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected 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.
Explore without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average ₹ 6,822 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around ₹ 8,500.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly ₹ 5,457 a day for one of their rentals.
If you can't decide which ride is right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of vehicle in Kyoto.
Compare car hire types in Kyoto
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or simply planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and improved tech features, this Kyoto car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Kyoto that can handle the big jobs. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Kyoto car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These features can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Kyoto.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your rental in Japan. Rules can vary, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Travelling with kids? Child car seat laws vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Kyoto car hire reservation.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And don't forget to stick to the left side of the road in Japan.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
In Japan, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.03%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, pass the keys 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 busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
The Japanese yen (JPY) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and outings. Pay with a card when you can, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't possible.
The language most commonly used in this country is Japanese.
Best hotels in Kyoto for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time enjoying the comfort of Kamuroan. Around 0.97 kilometres from central Kyoto, it comes with parking, luggage storage and air conditioning.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at Hotel Chourakukan. The city centre is roughly 0.16 kilometres from this option, which also features a bar and a laundry.
Browse the lineup of hotels in Kyoto for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Kyoto and the right hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to go first. Get things started with big attractions like Kinkaku-ji, Gion and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Kyoto
Navigate your way to Osaka. Around 40 kilometres southwest of central Kyoto, it's home to must-do sights like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle.
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 head for Kobe. Around 64 kilometres southwest of Kyoto, Chinatown (Nankinmachi) and Cherry Blossom Promenade along the Toga River are major attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
Take it easy after a day spent exploring Kobe at Kobe Luminous Hotel Sannomiya or ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe by IHG. These hotels cater to guests with cars.
Still got fuel in the tank? Take off to Okayama, about 177 kilometres west of Kyoto. From Itsukushima Shrine to Kotohira Shrine, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
Rest your head in Okayama at either The OneFive Okayama or Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama. They've got a room waiting for you and a place to park too.
