We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Yakushima. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Yakushima 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 Yakushima 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 Yakushima and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

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


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Why rent a car in Yakushima?

Renting a car in Yakushima offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the island's diverse landscapes, from ancient cedar forests to pristine beaches, at your own pace. With a personal vehicle, you can access remote hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and other natural wonders that are less accessible by public transportation.

Additionally, Yakushima's ring road encircles the island, providing a scenic drive that connects various attractions. Having a car allows you to fully immerse yourself in the island's unique environment, making spontaneous stops and detours to discover its many hidden gems.

Car rental tips for Yakushima

  • Ensure you have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, as it's required for driving in Japan. Travellers from certain countries may also need an official translation of their driver's licence.
  • It's advisable to book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure availability and preferred vehicle types. Some rental services may not accommodate last-minute bookings.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions, including narrow mountain passes and occasional wildlife crossings. Drive cautiously, especially in less populated areas where roads may be less maintained.
  • Familiarise yourself with local traffic rules and signage, as some may differ from those in your home country. For instance, Japan drives on the left side of the road, and seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.

FAQs about renting a car in Yakushima

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is ideal for navigating Yakushima's narrow and winding roads, especially when accessing remote areas like the Western Forest Road. For eco-conscious travellers, some local services offer electric vehicles charged with the island's renewable hydroelectric power.

What are the parking options?

Parking is generally available at major tourist sites and trailheads, though spaces can be limited during peak seasons. In towns like Miyanoura and Anbo, public parking lots are accessible, and many accommodations provide parking for guests.

What's the speed limit?

In Japan, speed limits are typically 60 km/h (37 mph) on general roads and 100 km/h (62 mph) on expressways. However, Yakushima's roads are often narrow and winding, so it's advisable to drive cautiously and adhere to posted speed limits, which may be lower in certain areas.

Popular attractions

  • Jōmon Sugi: An ancient cedar tree estimated to be between 2,170 and 7,200 years old, accessible via a challenging hike through lush forests.
  • Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine: A moss-covered forest that inspired Studio Ghibli's 'Princess Mononoke,' offering enchanting hiking trails through verdant landscapes.
  • Senpiro-no-Taki Waterfall: A majestic waterfall cascading 60 metres down a granite cliff, easily accessible by car with a nearby viewing platform.
  • Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen: A unique seaside hot spring that emerges during low tide, allowing visitors to soak while gazing at the ocean.
  • Nagata Inaka Beach: A pristine beach known for its role as a nesting site for sea turtles between May and July.

More places to visit

  • Kagoshima City: A vibrant city on Kyushu's mainland, known for its active volcano, Sakurajima, and rich samurai history.
  • Ibusuki: A coastal town famous for its natural sand baths and hot springs, offering a unique wellness experience.
  • Kirishima: A region renowned for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and the historic Kirishima Shrine nestled in the mountains.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Yakushima

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

National Car Hire

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Alamo Car Hire

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Enterprise Car Hire

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Budget Car Hire

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Hertz Car Hire

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Europcar Car Hire

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Keddy Car Hire

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Thrifty Car Hire

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AVIS Car Hire

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Firefly Car Hire

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: 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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Yakushima: 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.