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4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Nagano
Nagano
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Nagano
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Nagano
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Nagano
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 Nagano?
Nagano, nestled in the Japanese Alps, is a region of stunning natural beauty, historic sites, and outdoor adventures. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore Nagano's diverse attractions at your own pace.
Unrestricted Access to Scenic Spots. Nagano's true beauty lies beyond the city limits. A rental car allows you to visit picturesque locations like Lake Kizaki, Kamikochi Valley, and the Snow Monkey Park without relying on infrequent bus schedules.
Flexibility to Explore at Your Own Pace. With a rental car, you can spontaneously stop at roadside attractions, enjoy leisurely hikes, and savor local cuisine without being bound by rigid timetables.
Convenience for Outdoor Activities. Nagano is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. A rental car simplifies transporting ski equipment, hiking gear, and camping supplies, making your adventures more enjoyable.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Nagano
Before booking a rental car in Nagano, ensure you understand the key requirements and regulations. This will help you avoid any surprises and ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
Approximately 8,341 square kilometers
Population
Around 2.1 million residents
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST), GMT+9
Ideal for
Exploring rural areas and ski resorts
Rush Hours
Expect traffic congestion during morning and evening commutes in Nagano City
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, the minimum age to rent a car in Japan is 18, but most rental companies in Nagano require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may impose a surcharge for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license from your home country is required. If your license is not in Japanese, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but consider additional coverage options for peace of mind. A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Unlimited mileage is often available, but some rentals may have restrictions. The standard fuel policy requires you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Toll RoadsMany highways in Japan are toll roads. Consider purchasing an ETC card for automatic toll payments to save time and hassle.
Car Rental Prices in Nagano – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £41 / $52 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £29 / $37 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £33 / $42 / €39 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February, July to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to ski season and summer holidays.
Low season (March to June, September to November): Enjoy discounts and better availability during the shoulder seasons.
*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 Nagano?
Booking a car in Nagano is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a hassle-free experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the terrain and number of passengers.
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 availability by booking your car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, International Driving Permit (if required), passport, and credit card when collecting your rental.
General Information About Nagano
Nagano Prefecture is known for its stunning alpine scenery, historic temples, and world-class ski resorts. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the region's diverse attractions, but it's important to be aware of local traffic rules and road conditions.
Nagano offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty. Driving allows you to venture beyond the main cities and discover hidden gems. However, be mindful of narrow mountain roads, especially during winter. Understanding local driving customs and regulations will enhance your travel experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Zenko-ji Temple
One of Japan's most important and historic temples, dating back to the 7th century.
Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
Famous for its population of wild Japanese macaques that bathe in natural hot springs.
Matsumoto Castle
One of Japan's finest original castles, known for its distinctive black exterior.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in major cities and tourist areas, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Limited and often metered, requiring careful attention to time limits.
Park & Ride
Some cities offer park-and-ride services to reduce congestion in central areas.
Gas Stations in Nagano
Major Brands
ENEOS, Idemitsu, and Cosmo Oil are the main fuel chains in Japan.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available in cities and along major highways, but may be less frequent in remote areas.
Refueling
Most gas stations offer full service, where attendants will refuel your car for you.
Useful Tips for Visiting Nagano
Winter Driving
If traveling during winter, ensure your rental car is equipped with winter tires or snow chains.
Road Conditions
Be prepared for narrow and winding mountain roads, especially in rural areas.
Traffic
Traffic congestion can occur in Nagano City during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
Navigation
Use a GPS navigation system, preferably one with Japanese language support.
Key Transportation Hubs in Nagano
Railway Stations
Nagano Station
The main transportation hub, connecting to Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Matsumoto Station
A major station serving the Chuo Line and other regional lines.
Airports
Shinshu Matsumoto Airport (MMJ)
A regional airport with limited domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Nagano?
Renting a car in Japan is relatively straightforward, but you'll need to meet certain requirements. Here's what you'll need to have ready when you pick up your vehicle.
You need a valid driver's license from your home country. If it's not in Japanese, you'll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention.
A valid passport is required for identification purposes.
A major credit card in the driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
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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 Nagano 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.
Pretty chill, really.
Kevin Lee
Reviewed: 24.08.2025
Family vacation in Nagano was amazing! So much to see and do, and having a car made it easy to explore the mountains and charming towns. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 24.10.2024
Exploring Nagano was a dream! Having a car made it so easy to discover hidden gems. I'll be back!
David Wilson
Reviewed: 02.03.2025
Relaxing and peaceful.
Chloe Evans
Reviewed: 12.06.2025
Scenic drives, coastal relaxation; Nagano was perfect!
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 12.03.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Nagano's mountain views were breathtaking. Having a car gave us such freedom to explore, reaching charming villages and scenic spots with ease.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 10.04.2025
Pretty mellow, overall.
Thomas Brown
Reviewed: 14.08.2025
Nagano's stunning scenery was perfect for our family vacation. Having a car made everything so convenient.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 13.02.2025
Heard great things about Nagano, and they were right! Exploring with a car was effortless.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 07.06.2025
Nagano was even more beautiful than I remembered! Getting around with a rental car made exploring so easy. Highly recommend a return trip.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 21.02.2025