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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Kobe
Kobe
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Kobe
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Kobe
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Kobe
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Kobe?
Kobe is a vibrant port city nestled between the sea and mountains, offering a unique blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. While Kobe has efficient public transport, renting a car offers the freedom to explore beyond the city center and discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Scenic Drives: Kobe is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the Rokko Mountains and the coastline. A rental car allows you to embark on scenic drives and enjoy breathtaking views.
Access to Attractions: Many of Kobe's attractions, such as the Arima Onsen hot springs and the Nunobiki Herb Gardens, are more easily accessible with a car.
Flexibility and Convenience: Having a car gives you the flexibility to explore Kobe and its surroundings at your own schedule, without being restricted by public transport timetables.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Kobe
Before booking a rental car in Kobe, it's essential to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Be aware of age requirements, license policies, insurance options, and other important details.
Area
557.02 square kilometers (215.07 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.5 million residents
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST), GMT+9
Ideal for
Exploring surrounding regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Kobe is typically 21 years old, but it may vary depending on the rental company. Some companies may also charge a young driver fee for renters under 25.
2. Driver's LicenseA valid driver's license is required to rent a car in Kobe. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
3. InsuranceRental cars in Kobe usually come with basic insurance coverage, but it's recommended to consider additional coverage options such as collision damage waiver (CDW) for peace of mind.
4. Security DepositA security deposit is typically required when renting a car in Kobe. The amount may vary depending on the rental company and the type of vehicle. It is usually held on the renter's credit card and refunded upon safe return of the car.
5. Mileage and FuelCheck the mileage policy before booking. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Also, understand the fuel policy; often, you're expected to return the car with a full tank.
6. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra fees, such as those for additional drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or late returns. Check these costs beforehand to avoid surprises.
Car Rental Prices in Kobe – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (March to May, September to November): Expect price increases of 20-30% due to higher demand during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage viewing.
Low season (December to February, June to August): Often see discounted rates as tourism decreases, particularly outside of major holidays.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Kobe?
Renting a car in Kobe is easy when you follow these simple steps. From comparing prices to understanding the rental terms, here's how to ensure a smooth booking process.
1. Compare Prices - Start by comparing prices from different car rental companies to find the best deal for your budget and needs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel requirements, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies, before making a reservation.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When picking up your rental car, bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card. Inspect the car for any existing damage before driving off.
General Information About Kobe
Kobe, a city known for its port, beef, and scenic beauty, offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. Understanding local driving conditions, parking, and fuel access is crucial when exploring with a rental car.
Kobe is a vibrant city on the coast of Osaka Bay. Its rich history, combined with modern attractions, makes it a popular destination. Renting a car is an excellent way to explore not just the city but also the surrounding Hyogo Prefecture. Be aware of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kobe Harborland
A waterfront area with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Arima Onsen
One of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, nestled in the Rokko Mountains.
Nunobiki Herb Gardens
A beautiful garden featuring a wide variety of herbs and flowers.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages located throughout the city for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available in some areas, but it may be limited and require payment at a meter.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city to avoid driving in congested areas.
Gas Stations in Kobe
Major Brands
Find gas stations from brands like ENEOS, Idemitsu, and Cosmo throughout Kobe.
Refueling Tips
Be aware of self-service and full-service stations, and understand how to operate the pumps.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Kobe
Use Public Transportation
Consider using Kobe's efficient public transportation system for travel within the city center.
Watch for Cyclists
Be mindful of cyclists, especially in pedestrian areas and along waterfront paths.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Anticipate traffic delays during rush hour, especially on major roads and highways.
Carry Cash
While credit cards are widely accepted, it's helpful to carry some cash for smaller establishments and parking meters.
Key Transportation Hubs in Kobe
Major Bus Stations
Sannomiya Bus Terminal
Located in the heart of Kobe, it serves local and long-distance buses.
Railway Stations
Shin-Kobe Station
A major Shinkansen (bullet train) station providing access to other major cities in Japan.
Kobe Station
A central railway station serving JR lines.
Sannomiya Station
A hub for multiple railway lines, including JR, Hankyu, and Hanshin.
Airports
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Primarily serves domestic flights.
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Located near Osaka, it serves international and domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Kobe?
Renting a car in Kobe requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria. Here's what you'll need to get behind the wheel and explore the city and its surroundings.
A valid driver's license from your home country is required. If your license is not in Japanese, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Your passport is necessary for identification purposes, especially if you are a foreign visitor.
A valid credit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit and rental payment.
Typically, renters must be at least 21 years old. Some rental companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Kobe as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Heard great things about Kobe, and they were right! Exploring by car was perfect; I loved every minute.
David Lee
Reviewed: 26.08.2024
Kobe exceeded my expectations! Meeting friends there made it even better, and having a car made getting around a breeze. We saw so much in such a short time.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 08.12.2024
Kobe was lovely, easily explored with a rental car. The port was amazing, though the local fish market was a bit underwhelming.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 27.05.2025
Chill vibe, cool city
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Pretty chill, good drives
Ethan Wilson
Reviewed: 11.05.2025
Kobe was interesting; a bit less vibrant than I'd pictured. Having a car helped though, I saw so much more!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Pleasant surprise, really.
Maya Santos
Reviewed: 27.07.2025
Kobe's beauty surprised me! Getting around by car was effortless; I explored so much.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 18.07.2025
Pretty mellow, good roads
Riley Thompson
Reviewed: 24.08.2025
Kobe was a fantastic surprise! Having a car made exploring so easy; I saw so much more than I expected. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 15.09.2024