How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kobe
Searching for a cheap rental car in Kobe? With prices averaging R 1,400 a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're wanting a go-anywhere compact, a large SUV, or anything in between, we round up all the best deals to land you a bargain.
R 720 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Kobe.
Staying a little longer and want to go further than the usual stops? R 4,027 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Pick up the best price on a Kobe car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.
Rent your wheels from Nissan Rent a Car, Europcar or Times. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Kobe car hire policy, whether you go with Nissan Rent a Car or another supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Kobe.
Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of R 1,399 a day.
Next in line is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/orix/1570)), which offers daily rates of around R 988.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly R 1,564 a day for one of their rentals.
The Economy rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Kobe.
Compare car hire types in Kobe
Small: These cheap rental cars in Kobe may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient, and a match made in heaven for short trips.
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 strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this Kobe car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Kobe that makes light work of heavy loads. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Kobe car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Kobe by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your rental in Japan.
Add a car seat to your Kobe car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest way to travel.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you're new to driving in Japan, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
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 use public transport instead.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The Japanese yen (JPY) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with a card when it's possible, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.
Best hotels in Kobe for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying your stay at Dormy Inn Kobe Motomachi Natural Hot Springs. About 3 kilometres from central Kobe, it comes with accessible parking, a spa and a restaurant.
Alternatively, take advantage of the accessible parking at THE Orient. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometres from this option, which also features internet access and Wi-Fi.
Want more inspiration? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Kobe. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've found a car hire deal in Kobe and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Cherry Blossom Promenade along the Toga River, Onsenji and Rokko Garden Terrace are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Kobe
Shift gears and head toward Osaka. Around 32 kilometres east of central Kobe, you'll find must-see sights like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Hotel Plaza Osaka and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection by IHG, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Osaka.
Hotel Anaga and Sunrise Awaji are comfortable places to stay in Minato if you're hanging around for a while. Go for one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.
Want to head even further out? Kasugai is a popular road trip destination that's about 177 kilometres east of Kobe. Make a few pit stops at Rokugaike Park and Greenpia Kasugai.
The only thing left to do now is hit the pillow. Kasugai Station Hotel and Hotel Plaza Kachigawa have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Kasugai.
