How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kyoto
Searching for a cheap rental car in Kyoto? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging R 1,171 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices in Kyoto start from just R 443.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from R 3,097 and make room for more adventures.
Score the best price on a Kyoto car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.
Get behind the wheel with Nissan Rent a Car, NIPPON Rent A Car or Hertz. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Whether you go with Nissan Rent a Car or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Kyoto car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at R 719 a day.
Not far behind, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/nippon-rent-a-car/1021)) offers daily rates of around R 1,324.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly R 1,185 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not sure which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Mini rental category. It's the most widely booked type of car in Kyoto.
Compare car hire types in Kyoto
Small: These cheap rental cars in Kyoto may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this Kyoto car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Kyoto that can handle the heavy stuff. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Kyoto car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Kyoto.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car hire in Japan. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions 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.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you need to add a car seat to your Kyoto car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and another form of photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in Japan, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
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 intend to have a few drinks, pass the keys to someone else or choose another way to travel.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) for everyday expenses throughout your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash for more flexibility when paying.
Best hotels in Kyoto for drivers
Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Daitokuji Sushicho. Offering parking as well as bicycle rentals and a golf course, this hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Kyoto.
Nishijin Narahian makes life simpler with parking and features such as room service and a laundry. It's roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in Kyoto for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Kyoto and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto Gion Matsuri and Gion give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Kyoto
Osaka should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Dotonbori and Osaka Castle. This city is about 48 kilometres southwest of central Kyoto.
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 set out for Ichinomiya. Around 97 kilometres east of Kyoto, Atsuta Shrine and Hakusan Shrine are standout attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
APA Hotel Gifu Hashima Ekimae and Hotel LC Gifu Hashima are comfy places to stay in Ichinomiya if you're in town for a while. Go for one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.
Check out the room availability at Le.Blanche or Sunset View Hotel Keinoumi. They make it a breeze to discover everything Minato has to offer. They also come with a place to park.
