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

Quality & Expertise

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


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Why rent a car in Otsu?

Renting a car in Ōtsu offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the city's rich historical sites, scenic landscapes, and cultural attractions at your own pace. With a personal vehicle, you can easily access both well-known landmarks and hidden gems that may be less accessible by public transportation.

Additionally, having a car allows for convenient day trips to nearby destinations such as Kyoto and Nara, enhancing your travel experience by providing the freedom to create a personalized itinerary that suits your interests and schedule.

Car rental tips for Otsu

  • Car rental services are available in Ōtsu, with options ranging from local agencies to international chains. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and better rates.
  • Driving in Japan requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid driver's license. Ensure you obtain the IDP before your trip, as it's mandatory for foreign drivers.
  • Be aware that many highways and expressways in Japan are toll roads. Having cash or an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card can facilitate smoother travel and reduce delays at toll booths.
  • Gas stations in Japan may have varying operating hours, especially in rural areas. Plan your refueling stops accordingly, and note that some stations may only accept cash payments.

FAQs about renting a car in Otsu

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is ideal for navigating Ōtsu's urban areas and nearby attractions, providing ease of parking and maneuverability on both city streets and rural roads.

What are the parking options?

Ōtsu offers various parking options, including public parking lots and street parking. Near popular attractions, parking may be limited, so it's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative parking areas within walking distance.

What's the speed limit?

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

Popular attractions

  • Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park: A picturesque park stretching 4.8 km along Lake Biwa's shore, offering stunning views, especially during cherry blossom season and the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival in August.
  • Omi Shrine: A Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Tenji, known for its vibrant red architecture and historical significance, including the establishment of Japan's first water clock system.
  • Anō Temple Ruins: Archaeological site of an Asuka period Buddhist temple, offering insights into ancient Japanese architecture and history.
  • Sakamoto Castle Ruins: Site of a former lakeside castle built in 1571, with remnants and a statue of Akechi Mitsuhide, providing a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
  • Takebe Taisha: A prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to Yamato Takeru and Ōkuninushi, featuring traditional architecture and cultural artifacts.

More places to visit

  • Kyoto: A historic city renowned for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses.
  • Nara: Famous for its significant temples and artwork dating back to the 8th century, including the iconic Todai-ji Temple housing a giant Buddha statue.
  • Hikone: Home to Hikone Castle, one of Japan's few original castles, offering panoramic views and historical exhibits.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Rental Brands in Otsu

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 Rental

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Alamo Car Rental

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Enterprise Car Rental

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Budget Car Rental

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Hertz Car Rental

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Europcar Car Rental

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Thrifty Car Rental

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Keddy Car Rental

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AVIS Car Rental

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Firefly Car Rental

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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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Otsu: 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.