Self-Drive Car Rental in Sendai, Japan

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There are 38 car hire providers in Sendai. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Sendai

Hiring a car in Sendai: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyTimes
Most popular carFullsize, SUV
Average daily price₹ 15,235
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Sendai

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Sendai car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Sendai

  • Get into the driver's seat with a cheap rental car in Sendai. With prices averaging ₹ 15,235 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From no-frills city cars to big-capacity SUVs, we'll help you find the right rental for less.

  • The cheapest daily price for a rental in Sendai is ₹ 5,188.

  • Taking a longer break? Book a weekly rental from ₹ 25,080 and say yes to more adventures.

  • If you like to plan with precision, book about three weeks ahead to grab the best price on a Sendai car hire.

  • Europcar, Nissan Rent a Car and Times are some of the most reliable providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Sendai car hire policy, whether with Europcar or a different supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Sendai.

  • Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.

  • Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average ₹ 9,509 a day.

  • Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around ₹ 10,997.

  • The third option also performs well on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly ₹ 11,893 a day.

  • After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Fullsize rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Sendai.

Flying to Sendai? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Take the hassle out of arrival day by picking up a car hire at Sendai Airport. If you're flying to Sendai through this hub, simply pick up your wheels after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 14 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Sendai

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Sendai may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this Sendai car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and winding backroads alike.

  • Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Sendai makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're roomy, reliable, and ready for whatever the journey demands.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Sendai car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.

  • From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Sendai.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you might run into extra costs or rules. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your rental in Japan.

  • Bringing the kids with you? Car seat laws vary from one place to another, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Sendai car hire reservation.

  • Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.

  • Driving in Japan can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the left side of the road.

  • Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • 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 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) on your trip here. As well as your debit and credit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.

Best hotels in Sendai for drivers

  • Offering parking, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi Premier gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Sendai and also comes with ironing services and a restaurant.

  • Richmond Hotel Sendai - Reopened After Renovation on 28 Dec 2024 also works well for a trip built around driving. It features accessible parking, along with room service and internet access. Check in here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse through the range of hotels in Sendai for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.

  • You're ready to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Sendai and your hotel. From Sendai Toshogu Shrine to Rairaikyo Gorge and Sendai Castle, there's plenty to keep you busy here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Sendai

  • Shift gears and head toward Ishinomaki. Around 48 kilometres northeast of central Sendai, you'll find must-see sights like Ishinomaki Manga Road and Ryusenin.

  • HOTEL ROUTE-INN Ishinomaki Kanan Inter and Hotel Route Inn Ishinomaki Chuo are reliable accommodation options with parking in Ishinomaki.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Sendai and drive around 40 kilometres west to Tendō. Featuring Shidare zakura along Kurazu River and Onsen Shrine, its highlights live up to the buzz.

  • Comfort Hotel Tendo and Super Hotel Yamagata Sakurambo-Higashine Station Front are comfortable places to stay in Tendō if you're hanging around for a while. Choose one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.

  • There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Motor on to Kashiwa, about 274 kilometres south of Sendai. From Akebonoyama Japanese Garden to Yutaka Inari Hongū, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.

  • Browse the room options at Toyoko Inn Kashiwa-eki Higashi-guchi or Sotetsu Fresa Inn Chiba Kashiwa. They make it a breeze to discover everything Kashiwa has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Sendai will set you back around ₹ 15,235 per day or ₹ 94,027 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Sendai is a mini crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Fullsize, SUV.
The cheapest car hire companies in Sendai are currently Alamo and Enterprise.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Sendai is currently August.
On average, around ₹ 94,027. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Sendai is ₹ 25,080.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Sendai for a whole month is ₹ 256,011. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Sendai, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Sendai that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Sendai.
Most places – Sendai included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is ₹ 7,027 per day. The average price per day is around ₹ 10,481.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Times, Orix and バジェットレンタカー offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Times as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Sendai.