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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Morioka
Morioka
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Morioka
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Morioka
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Morioka
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Hire a Car in Morioka?
Morioka, the capital city of Iwate Prefecture, offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and modern attractions. While public transport is available, hiring a car provides the freedom to explore Morioka and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Scenic Routes: With a hire car, you can easily access picturesque routes, such as those along the Kitakami River or through the surrounding mountains. Discover hidden gems and enjoy the stunning landscapes that Morioka has to offer.
Visit Historical Landmarks: Morioka is home to several historical landmarks, including Morioka Castle Site Park and the Iwate Museum of Art. A hire car allows you to visit these sites conveniently, without being restricted by public transport schedules.
Day Trips to Nearby Attractions: A hire car makes it easy to take day trips to nearby attractions, such as Lake Tazawako, Hachimantai, and the Geibikei Gorge. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring these destinations at your own pace.
Hire Terms and Conditions in Morioka
Before booking a hire car in Morioka, it's essential to understand the hire terms and conditions. These guidelines help ensure a smooth and trouble-free rental experience.
Area
294.2 square kilometres (113.6 square miles)
Population
Approximately 290,000 residents
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Ideal for
Long drives
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, the minimum age to hire a car in Japan is 18, but most rental companies in Morioka require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your home country is required. If your licence is not in Japanese, you'll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. A passport is also necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for extra protection. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage, allowing you to explore without worrying about extra charges. Fuel policies usually require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid refuelling fees.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, or additional drivers. One-way rentals might also incur extra charges, depending on the rental company.
Car Hire Prices in Morioka – How Much Does It Cost?
Car hire prices in Morioka vary depending on the type of car, rental duration, and seasonal demand. Knowing the average costs can help you budget effectively.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (March to May, September to November): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to cherry blossom season and autumn foliage.
Low season (December to February): Discounts are often available during the winter months.
Understanding seasonal trends can help you find the best car hire deals in Morioka.
How to Book a Car in Morioka?
Booking a car in Morioka involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Morioka.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking your hire car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, International Driving Permit (if required), passport, and credit card when collecting your hire car.
General Information About Morioka
Morioka is a city known for its rich history, beautiful natural landscapes, and delicious local cuisine.
As the capital of Iwate Prefecture, Morioka offers a blend of urban convenience and scenic surroundings. Hiring a car can be particularly useful for exploring areas outside the city centre, where public transport may be less frequent.
Top Attractions to Discover
Morioka Castle Site Park
A historic park with castle ruins and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
Iwate Museum of Art
Features a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art.
Mitsumine Shrine
A peaceful shrine known for its serene atmosphere and picturesque setting.
Where to Find Parking
City Centre Parking
Several public parking garages are available in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Limited metered parking is available on some streets.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking facilities for guests.
Gas Stations in Morioka
ENEOS
A major fuel provider with stations throughout Morioka.
Idemitsu
Another common fuel brand with accessible locations.
Showa Shell
Offers various fuel options and services.
Useful Tips for Visiting Morioka
Check Traffic Conditions
Be aware of traffic conditions, especially during rush hours.
Plan Your Route
Use GPS or navigation apps to plan your route in advance.
Respect Local Driving Customs
Familiarise yourself with Japanese driving customs and etiquette.
Carry Necessary Documents
Always have your driver’s licence, IDP (if needed), and passport with you.
Key Transportation Hubs in Morioka
Major Bus Stations
Morioka Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal for local and long-distance bus services.
Railway Stations
Morioka Station
A major railway hub served by the Tohoku Shinkansen and local lines.
Airports
Iwate-Hanamaki Airport (HNA)
Located about 30 kilometres south of Morioka, offering domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Morioka?
Hiring a car in Morioka requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria to ensure a smooth rental process.
You need a valid driver’s licence from your home country. If your licence is not in Japanese, you'll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A valid credit or debit card is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Morioka as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Morioka was fantastic! Exploring the region by car was perfect for a quick weekend trip.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 21.02.2025
Loved exploring Morioka! Having a car made it so easy to discover hidden gems. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 20.10.2024
Morioka was a pleasant surprise! The local food was amazing, though the museum was a bit underwhelming.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 27.09.2024
Such a fun weekend in Morioka! Getting around by car was effortless; I saw so much.
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 10.07.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Alice Wilson
Reviewed: 08.11.2024
Low-key, pretty good
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 02.06.2025
Pretty peaceful, really.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 20.01.2025
Solid, pretty chill.
Ethan Harris
Reviewed: 27.06.2025
Easygoing, kinda slow
Amelia Martinez
Reviewed: 31.10.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 23.06.2025