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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Kyoto
Kyoto
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Kyoto
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Kyoto
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Kyoto
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 Kyoto?
Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a city brimming with historic temples, serene gardens, and traditional tea houses. While the public transport system is efficient, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the surrounding areas and hidden gems at your own pace.
Discover Hidden Temples and Shrines. Many of Kyoto’s most beautiful temples and shrines are located outside the city center, making them difficult to reach by public transportation. A rental car allows you to visit these sites with ease.
Explore the Scenic Countryside. Kyoto Prefecture is home to stunning natural landscapes, including bamboo forests, rolling hills, and picturesque villages. With a rental car, you can easily embark on day trips to these scenic destinations.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. Renting a car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. You can stop whenever and wherever you like, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Kyoto
Before booking a rental car in Kyoto, make sure you understand the rental terms. You'll typically need to meet minimum age requirements, possess a valid driver's license (with an International Driving Permit if necessary), and be aware of insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies.
Area
827.9 square kilometers (319.7 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.47 million residents
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST) - GMT+9
Ideal for
Exploring temples and scenic routes
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Kyoto require drivers to be at least 18 years old. However, some providers may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not issued in Japan. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance, but optional coverage like collision damage waiver (CDW) is available. A security deposit is usually held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others impose restrictions. It's common to return the car with a full tank of fuel to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras such as GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Kyoto – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
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 (June to August, December to February): Often comes with discounts and lower demand.
*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 Kyoto?
To rent a car in Kyoto, compare prices, choose the right vehicle for your needs, and carefully review the rental terms. Booking early is essential, especially during peak seasons. Remember to bring your license, credit card, and ID when you pick up your car.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and car type preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs. An economy car is fine for city driving, while an SUV might be better for longer trips to more rural areas.
3. Check Rental Terms - Thoroughly review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak tourist seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Make sure to bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport or other identification when you collect your rental car.
General Information About Kyoto
Kyoto is a city that blends ancient traditions with modern life. It is perfect for sightseeing and day trips. Driving requires an understanding of traffic rules, parking, and fuel access, especially when venturing beyond the city center.
As the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto offers a unique blend of historic landmarks, traditional arts, and modern attractions. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient temples, enjoying a traditional tea ceremony, or experiencing the local cuisine, Kyoto has something to offer everyone. While Kyoto has a comprehensive public transport system, renting a car provides a practical option if you want to explore areas outside the city, such as the surrounding mountains and scenic countryside. However, driving in Kyoto requires awareness. Narrow streets, one-way systems, and limited parking make inner-city driving challenging. It's crucial to understand local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations for a smooth and stress-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding up a mountainside.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A mesmerizing path through towering bamboo stalks, creating a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize services like Kyoto City Parking Information for secure parking options throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but can be expensive and have time restrictions, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Consider leaving your car at park-and-ride facilities outside the city center and using public transport to access central Kyoto.
Gas Stations in Kyoto
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Kyoto, but can be less frequent in the central districts. Plan your refueling stops accordingly.
Major Brands
Look for well-known brands such as Eneos, Idemitsu, and Cosmo Oil. Most stations offer both full-service and self-service options.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find nearby gas stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Kyoto
Use Public Transport
Take advantage of Kyoto's excellent bus and subway system, especially for navigating the city center.
Be Mindful of Pedestrians and Cyclists
Kyoto has high pedestrian and bicycle traffic, particularly in tourist areas, so drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) when traffic congestion is most severe.
Key Transportation Hubs in Kyoto
Major Bus Stations
Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
Serves as the primary hub for local and long-distance buses, connecting Kyoto to various destinations.
Railway Stations
Kyoto Station
The central railway station in Kyoto, providing access to local, regional, and high-speed Shinkansen bullet train services.
Sanjo Station
A major railway station in central Kyoto, serving the Keihan Main Line and providing access to Gion and other popular districts.
Airports
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Kyoto, it is the main international gateway to the region.
Osaka International Airport (ITM)
Also known as Itami Airport, it is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Kyoto and primarily serves domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Kyoto?
Renting a car in Japan, including Kyoto, requires meeting a few essential criteria before you can start your journey. Here’s what you'll need.
If you're a Japanese resident, your valid Japanese driver's license is sufficient. International visitors usually need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
The minimum age to rent a car in Kyoto and throughout Japan is typically 18 years old. However, some rental companies might have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under the age of 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or another valid form of identification may be required for international renters to confirm their identity and residency status.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Kyoto 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.
Kyoto exceeded expectations! Having a car made exploring the temples and gardens so easy. I'd never been before, and it was wonderful discovering hidden gems.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 04.04.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Kyoto was magical! Meeting friends there made it even better. Getting around with a car was so convenient.
Jessica Lee
Reviewed: 12.10.2024
Family vacation in Kyoto was perfect! Having a car made it so convenient to see everything. Highly recommend.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Kyoto was fantastic! Renting a car made getting around with my friends a breeze. The Golden Pavilion was breathtaking, though the crowds were a bit much.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
Kyoto's charm was undeniable, though Nishiki Market was a bit crowded.
Brian Lee
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Pretty mellow, actually.
Kai Peterson
Reviewed: 07.08.2025
Summer in Kyoto was incredible! Exploring with our rental car made everything so accessible.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 12.04.2025
Kyoto was a fantastic spontaneous trip! Exploring by car was so freeing and efficient.
David Lee
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Pretty peaceful, really.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 20.08.2025
Pretty chill, yeah
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 11.02.2025