We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Kyoto. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Rental in Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto and surcharges from our partners on the final price.
Quality & Expertise
We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Kyoto so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.
Why rent a car in Kyoto?
Renting a car in Kyoto offers the flexibility to explore the city's surrounding regions at your own pace, allowing access to less frequented sites and scenic countryside areas that are not easily reachable by public transportation. This is particularly advantageous for travelers interested in visiting rural temples, hot springs, or engaging in seasonal activities like cherry blossom viewing in remote locations.
Additionally, having a rental car enables convenient day trips to nearby cities such as Nara or Uji, where you can experience additional cultural and historical attractions without the constraints of public transport schedules. This autonomy enhances your travel experience, providing opportunities to discover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist paths.
Car rental tips for Kyoto
When renting a car in Kyoto, ensure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid driver's license, as both are required for foreign drivers in Japan. Be aware that Kyoto's streets can be narrow and congested, particularly in historic districts like Gion; opting for a compact vehicle can make navigation and parking more manageable. Many car rental agencies in Kyoto offer English-language services and GPS systems with English options; confirm these features when booking to ensure a smoother driving experience. If planning to use expressways, consider renting an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card from the rental agency to facilitate seamless toll payments and potentially lower toll fees.
FAQs about renting a car in Kyoto
What is the recommended car type/category?
A compact car is recommended for navigating Kyoto's narrow streets and limited parking spaces. For trips to mountainous or rural areas, a mid-sized sedan or SUV may provide additional comfort and stability.
What are the parking options?
Parking in Kyoto can be challenging, especially in the city center. It's advisable to use designated parking lots, as street parking is limited and often expensive. Many temples and tourist attractions offer parking facilities, but spaces may fill up quickly during peak seasons.
What's the speed limit?
In Kyoto, the speed limits are typically 40–50 km/h (25–31 mph) in urban areas, 30 km/h (19 mph) in residential zones, and 80–100 km/h (50–62 mph) on highways. Always adhere to posted signs and be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Popular attractions
Fushimi Inari Taisha: Renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up Mount Inari, offering a picturesque and spiritual hiking experience. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond and gardens. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A serene pathway through towering bamboo stalks, creating a unique and tranquil atmosphere ideal for leisurely walks. Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A historic temple famous for its wooden stage that offers panoramic views of Kyoto, especially breathtaking during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Nijō Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring impressive architecture and beautiful gardens, showcasing the power of the Tokugawa shogunate.
More places to visit
Nara: Home to the Great Buddha statue at Todai-ji Temple and friendly free-roaming deer in Nara Park, just an hour's drive from Kyoto. Uji: Famous for its high-quality green tea and the historic Byōdō-in Temple, depicted on the Japanese 10 yen coin. Amanohashidate: Known as one of Japan's three scenic views, featuring a sandbar covered with pine trees that stretches across Miyazu Bay.
Highly recommended by our customers
All Car Rental Brands in Kyoto
Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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