Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Saitama
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Saitama
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Saitama
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Saitama
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
Saitama is a vibrant prefecture offering a blend of modern urban areas and stunning natural landscapes. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Access Scenic Spots: Many of Saitama's most beautiful locations, such as the Chichibu region and Lake Miyazawa, are best accessed by car, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views and outdoor activities.
Visit Historical Sites: Explore historical sites like the Kawagoe Old Town and Omiya Hikawa Shrine easily with a rental car, giving you the flexibility to spend as much time as you like at each location.
Enjoy Local Festivals: Saitama hosts numerous local festivals throughout the year. Having a car makes it easy to attend these events, often held in more remote areas, and experience the local culture firsthand.
Customize Your Itinerary: With a rental car, you can create a personalized itinerary that caters to your interests, whether it's hiking in the mountains, visiting local breweries, or exploring the vibrant city life.
Before renting a car in Saitama, be aware of the general terms. These typically involve age restrictions, license requirements, insurance, deposits, mileage policies, and possible extra charges.
Area
3,797 square kilometers (1,466 square miles)
Population
Approximately 7.3 million residents
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Ideal for
Exploring nature and historical sites
Rush Hours
Expect traffic during 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM on weekdays
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Saitama is generally 21 years old, but some companies may require renters to be 23 or 25. Additional fees might apply for young drivers.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license from your home country is usually sufficient for a short-term rental, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your license is not in Japanese. Always carry your passport as well.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is often included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for peace of mind. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage limits. Unlimited mileage options are often available. Note the fuel policy; many require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges, such as fees for additional drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or one-way rentals.
Average economy-class car rental in Saitama starts from £25 / $31.50 / €30 per day.
Business:
from £40 / $50.50 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €60 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75.50 / €72 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £45 / $57 / €54 per day
Peak season (March to May and September to November): Demand increases, with prices rising by 20-30% due to cherry blossom season and autumn foliage viewing.
Low season (December to February): Often comes with discounts as there are fewer tourists.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Follow these steps to book your car rental in Saitama seamlessly.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs and the number of passengers.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage, insurance, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your car well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card when you collect the vehicle.
Saitama offers a diverse range of attractions, from bustling cities to serene natural landscapes. Renting a car allows you to explore the prefecture at your own pace, but it's essential to be aware of local driving conditions.
Saitama is a prefecture located just north of Tokyo, offering a mix of urban and rural experiences. Driving in Saitama can be convenient for visiting attractions that are not easily accessible by public transport. However, be mindful of traffic conditions, especially during rush hours.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kawagoe Old Town
Preserved Edo-era streets with traditional warehouses and shops.
Omiya Hikawa Shrine
One of the oldest and most significant Shinto shrines in the Kanto region.
Chichibu Region
Mountainous area known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Conveniently located near popular tourist spots.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available in urban areas, but time limits and fees apply.
Park & Ride
Utilize park-and-ride facilities at train stations to avoid city traffic.
Gas Stations in Saitama
Main Fuel Chains
ENEOS, Idemitsu, and Cosmo Oil are commonly found throughout Saitama.
Refueling Guidance
Most gas stations offer both self-service and full-service options.
Useful Tips for Visiting Saitama
Watch for Cyclists
Be mindful of cyclists, especially in residential areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7 AM–9 AM and 5 PM–7 PM) to minimize delays.
Use Navigation Apps
Use GPS navigation to find the best routes and avoid congested areas.
Carry Cash
Some smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.
Major Bus Stations
Omiya Bus Terminal
A major hub for both local and long-distance bus services.
Railway Stations
Omiya Station
A major railway hub with connections to various parts of Japan.
Urawa Station
Another key station serving local and regional lines.
Airports
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Saitama.
Haneda Airport (HND)
Located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of Saitama.
To rent a car in Saitama, you will need to meet certain requirements.
A valid driver's license is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for foreign visitors.
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 or other form of identification may be required.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 clients rate such place as Saitama 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 Miller
Reviewed: 07.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
David Lee
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Meh. Kinda bland.
Alice Brown
Reviewed: 11.05.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Ashley Garcia
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
Saitama exceeded expectations! Having a car made exploring so easy. The museums were fantastic, though the food court at one was a bit underwhelming.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 18.11.2024
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Great weekend trip to Saitama! So convenient having a car, made seeing my friends so easy. Beautiful scenery too!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 27.11.2024