We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Kobe. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Kobe in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Kobe and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Kobe and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Kobe so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


location image

Why rent a car in Kobe?

Renting a car in Kobe offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the city's diverse attractions at your own pace. From the bustling streets of Nankin-machi to the serene landscapes of Mount Rokko, having a vehicle allows you to seamlessly transition between urban and natural settings without the constraints of public transport schedules.

Additionally, a car provides the convenience to venture beyond Kobe's city limits, enabling day trips to nearby destinations such as the historic Arima Onsen or the scenic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. This autonomy enhances your travel experience, allowing for spontaneous detours and the discovery of hidden gems along the way.

Car rental tips for Kobe

  • Kobe is served by multiple airports, including Kansai International Airport and Kobe Airport. Both offer car rental services, but it's advisable to book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Driving in Kobe requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your valid driver's licence. Ensure you obtain the IDP before arriving in Japan, as it cannot be issued locally.
  • Be aware that many highways and expressways in and around Kobe are toll roads. Familiarise yourself with the toll system and consider obtaining an electronic toll collection (ETC) card for smoother travel.
  • While driving in Kobe, be mindful of local driving customs, such as stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks and adhering to strict parking regulations to avoid fines or towing.

FAQs about renting a car in Kobe

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is ideal for navigating Kobe's urban areas, where streets can be narrow and parking spaces limited. For excursions to mountainous regions like Mount Rokko, a vehicle with good handling and power is recommended to manage steep and winding roads.

What are the parking options?

Kobe offers various parking options, including metered street parking, public parking lots, and multi-storey garages. In busy districts like Nankin-machi and Harbourland, parking can be scarce during peak hours, so it's advisable to use parking facilities located slightly away from main attractions and walk to your destination.

What's the speed limit?

In Japan, the general speed limits are 100 km/h (62 mph) on expressways, 60 km/h (37 mph) on regular roads, and 40 km/h (25 mph) in urban areas. Always adhere to posted signs, as speed limits can vary, especially in residential zones and near schools.

Popular attractions

  • Kobe Port Tower: An iconic 108-metre-high observation tower offering panoramic views of the city, harbour, and surrounding mountains. Its unique design resembles a traditional Japanese drum.
  • Nankin-machi (Kobe Chinatown): A vibrant district featuring over 100 Chinese restaurants, shops, and a Chinese temple, reflecting Kobe's rich multicultural heritage.
  • Meriken Park: A waterfront park housing landmarks like the Kobe Maritime Museum and the 'BE KOBE' monument, commemorating the city's resilience after the 1995 earthquake.
  • Nunobiki Falls: A series of four picturesque waterfalls located on the slopes of Mount Rokko, accessible via a scenic hike or the Shin-Kobe Ropeway.
  • Ikuta Shrine: One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, dating back to the 3rd century, nestled amidst a serene forest in the heart of Kobe.

More places to visit

  • Arima Onsen: One of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, renowned for its therapeutic waters and traditional ryokan accommodations.
  • Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: The world's longest suspension bridge, spanning 3,911 metres, connecting Kobe to Awaji Island, offering breathtaking views of the Akashi Strait.
  • Himeji Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japan's most well-preserved feudal castle, located approximately an hour's drive from Kobe.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Kobe

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

9.06 / 10

Times Car Hire

View more

National Car Hire

View more

Alamo Car Hire

View more

Enterprise Car Hire

View more

Budget Car Hire

View more

Hertz Car Hire

View more

Europcar Car Hire

View more

Keddy Car Hire

View more

Thrifty Car Hire

View more

AVIS Car Hire

View more

Firefly Car Hire

View more

: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

Car image for small and economy car category

Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

Car image for hybrid and electric car category

Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

Car image for prestige car category

Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

Car image for stationwagon and minibus car category


Kobe: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.