How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kobe (UKB)
Your plane may have landed, but your journey's just getting started. Pick up a cheap Kobe rental car for around R 2,581 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, making it easy to compare prices and book.
Daily rental prices at Kobe start from just R 422.
Staying a while in Osaka and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? R 2,950 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Book early to reserve a cheap UKB car hire. Beyond just getting a good price, you'll have a wider range of options to pick from.
Check out the offers available from Europcar, Times and Rakuten. These are some of the popular providers at Kobe.
Whether you book with Europcar or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Kobe car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in UKB.
Skip the hidden fees by choosing a car hire in Kobe 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 additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with prices averaging R 2,193 a day.
Taking second place, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,311.
The third option won't dent your budget either. You'll pay roughly R 1,540 a day with this provider.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Large rental category is the number one choice for travellers at UKB.
Compare car hire types from Kobe (UKB)
Small: These cheap Kobe rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! 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: Long drives fly by in this UKB car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Kobe that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your UKB car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you commit.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Kobe by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals often vary by supplier and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Japan may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
If the kids are coming with you, check if you need to add a car seat to your UKB car rental booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on 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 built-up areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) here. In addition to your bank cards, consider having some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've picked up the keys to your UKB car hire, it's time to map out your journey. Central Osaka is about 32 kilometres east and a drive of around 40 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
At peak travel times, expect the drive from Kobe to the centre to take up to 1 hour 20 minutes.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
Don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive? Consider grabbing a car hire in Osaka instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Other airports around Osaka also have car hire services. For more options, explore the car hire options at Kansai International (Osaka) or car rentals from Itami Domestic (Osaka).
Hit the road: Where to drive from Kobe (UKB)
Check out some of the major attractions in Osaka before you do anything else. Dotonbori and Osaka Castle are a great way to kick things off.
Or collect your Kobe car hire and set off for Wakayama. Roughly 40 kilometres south of the airport, Jogasaki Coast and Mt. Tengu are standout attractions that are well worth the trip.
Still got fuel in the tank? Cruise on over to Kasugai, around 177 kilometres northeast of UKB. From Rokugaike Park to Greenpia Kasugai, it'll round out your trip nicely.
