Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Osaka
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Osaka
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Osaka
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Osaka
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
Osaka is a vibrant city known for its delicious food, bustling nightlife, and rich cultural history. While Osaka has an excellent public transportation system, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, each offering unique cultural experiences and scenic beauty.
Visit Hidden Gems. Discover lesser-known attractions and scenic spots that are difficult to reach by public transport, offering a more authentic and personalized travel experience.
Convenience for Families. If you're traveling with family or a group, renting a car provides the comfort and convenience needed to explore Osaka and its surroundings without the constraints of public transport schedules.
Before renting a car in Osaka, make sure you understand the local rules and regulations. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other important factors.
Area
Approximately 225 square kilometers (87 square miles)
Population
Approximately 2.7 million residents
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST), GMT+9
Ideal for
Exploring the Kansai region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Osaka is generally 21 years old. Some rental companies may have additional restrictions or fees 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'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). 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). A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon the car's return, provided there's no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy to see if there are any restrictions. Most rental agreements require you to return the car with a full tank of gas to avoid extra charges.
5. Toll RoadsMany expressways in Japan require tolls. Consider purchasing an ETC card for automatic toll payments.
Find out the estimated daily prices for car rentals in Osaka, helping you budget for your trip.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9.5 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (March to May and September to November): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to cherry blossom season and autumn foliage.
Low season (December to February): Often comes with discounts, making it a budget-friendly time to rent a car.
Understanding seasonal trends can help you find the best car rental deals in Osaka.
Follow these steps to book a car in Osaka easily and efficiently.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits and insurance coverage.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to pick up your rental car.
Osaka is a major city in Japan known for its unique culture, delicious cuisine, and historical landmarks. Exploring Osaka by car offers flexibility and convenience, but it's important to understand local traffic rules and parking regulations.
As the second-largest city in Japan, Osaka is a vibrant mix of modern and traditional attractions. While public transport is efficient, a rental car allows you to venture beyond the city limits to explore the Kansai region. Driving in Osaka requires awareness of local traffic laws, parking availability, and toll roads.
Top Attractions to Discover
Osaka Castle
A stunning landmark with a rich history and beautiful surrounding park.
Dotonbori
Famous for its bright lights, street food, and entertainment.
Universal Studios Japan
A popular theme park with thrilling rides and attractions.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages for secure and convenient parking, especially in busy areas.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities and taking public transportation into the city center.
Gas Stations in Osaka
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Osaka, especially along major roads.
Major Brands
Look for well-known brands like Eneos, Idemitsu, and Cosmo Oil.
Payment
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Osaka
Traffic
Be aware of heavy traffic during rush hours, especially in the city center.
Toll Roads
Many expressways require tolls, so plan accordingly.
Navigation
Use a GPS navigation system to help you navigate the city streets.
Payment Methods
Carry cash for smaller establishments and vending machines.
Major Train Stations
Osaka Station
A major railway station connecting various lines.
Shin-Osaka Station
The bullet train (Shinkansen) station.
Namba Station
A key station for access to the southern areas of Osaka.
Airports
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
The main international airport serving Osaka.
Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport, ITM)
Primarily for domestic flights.
Before you can drive off into the sunset, make sure you have all the necessary documents and meet the rental requirements.
A valid driver's license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport is required for identification purposes.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 clients rate such place as Osaka 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.
Back in Osaka after years, exploring was effortless!
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 13.08.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 21.01.2025
Osaka was a dream! Cruising the coast in our rental car was so relaxing, and exploring the city was a breeze.
Mia Lee
Reviewed: 25.09.2024
Exploring Osaka by car was fantastic! So much easier to see everything.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 06.10.2024
Pretty good, overall.
Kai Wilson
Reviewed: 26.05.2025
Fantastic trip! Having a car made exploring Osaka so easy, especially enjoying the coastal drives. Such a relaxing getaway.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 26.08.2024
Such a fun weekend in Osaka! Having a car made it easy to zip around and see so much. Highly recommend!
Ben Harris
Reviewed: 29.05.2025
Summer in Osaka was incredible! Having a car made exploring so much easier and more fun.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 13.12.2024
Osaka was a blast! Having a car made it so easy to see everything we wanted.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 26.05.2025
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Osaka was amazing! Getting around with a car was so convenient, perfect for meeting friends and exploring. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 02.08.2025