Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Shirahama
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Shirahama
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Shirahama
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Shirahama
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
Shirahama, a coastal resort town on the southern coast of Wakayama Prefecture, is renowned for its white-sand beach, hot springs, and stunning coastal scenery. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore Shirahama and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Scenic Coastal Roads. Shirahama is blessed with picturesque coastal routes, such as the Sandanbeki Cliffs and Engetsu Island, which are best enjoyed with the convenience of a rental car.
Visit Remote Onsen Towns. Venture beyond Shirahama to discover hidden onsen (hot spring) towns and traditional villages nestled in the mountains, accessible only by car.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities. A rental car makes it easy to transport beach gear, picnic supplies, and other essentials for a fun-filled family vacation in Shirahama.
Before booking a rental car in Shirahama, it's crucial to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
20.09 km²
Population
Approximately 21,000 residents
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST) - GMT+9
Ideal for
Exploring coastal scenery and onsen towns
Rush Hours
Limited congestion, primarily during peak tourist season
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Japan is typically 18 years old, but some rental companies may have a higher age requirement or charge a young driver fee for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license from your home country is required, along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Japanese. A passport is also necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals in Japan typically include basic insurance coverage, but you may want to consider additional coverage options for added protection. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon return of the vehicle, provided there are no damages.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary depending on the rental company, with some offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies also vary, so be sure to clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional extras such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car rental prices in Shirahama can vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Peak season (July to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% during the peak summer months of July and August due to high demand from tourists.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the off-season months of November to February, when tourist traffic is lower.
Car rental prices in Shirahama fluctuate depending on the time of year.
Booking a car in Shirahama is a simple process. Follow these steps to secure your rental and explore the area with ease.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to compare prices from different rental companies and find the best deal for your needs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel requirements, considering factors such as size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental terms and conditions carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
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 - Bring your driver's license, International Driving Permit (if required), passport, and credit card when collecting your rental car.
Shirahama is a charming coastal town with a blend of natural beauty and tourist amenities.
Shirahama, located in Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning coastline, hot springs, and delicious seafood. While the town is relatively small, having a car is highly recommended for exploring the surrounding areas and hidden gems. Keep in mind that traffic congestion is minimal, but parking can be limited in certain areas, especially during peak season. Understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability will ensure a pleasant driving experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Shirahama Beach
Famous for its white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Sandanbeki Cliffs
Dramatic coastal cliffs offering stunning ocean views.
Engetsu Island
A picturesque island with a natural arch, perfect for sunset viewing.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available near major attractions and the beach.
On-Street Parking
Limited metered parking is available in some areas.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Shirahama
Idemitsu
A major fuel chain with stations in and around Shirahama.
ENEOS
Another major fuel chain with convenient locations.
Self-Service Stations
Common, offering lower prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Shirahama
Check Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs to avoid fines.
Carry Cash
Some smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.
Learn Basic Japanese Phrases
Knowing a few basic phrases will enhance your interactions with locals.
Bring Sunscreen and a Hat
Protect yourself from the sun, especially during summer.
Railway Stations
Shirahama Station
The main railway station in Shirahama, connecting to other parts of Wakayama Prefecture and beyond.
Airports
Nanki-Shirahama Airport (SHM)
A small regional airport serving domestic flights.
Bus Stations
Shirahama Bus Terminal
Provides local and regional bus services.
Renting a car in Japan is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
You'll need a valid driver's license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Japanese.
The minimum age to rent a car in Japan is typically 18 years old, but some rental companies may have higher age requirements.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
You'll need to present your passport as proof of identity.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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 Shirahama 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.
Shirahama was a lovely stop on our road trip. The beaches were stunning, though the local shops seemed a bit pricey.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Needed a quick weekend escape, and Shirahama was perfect! Exploring the coastline with our rental car was so easy and scenic. Absolutely loved it!
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 02.02.2025
Relaxing beach vibes
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 13.03.2025
Shirahama was even more beautiful than I remembered! Having a car made exploring so easy. A perfect return trip.
David Lee
Reviewed: 04.02.2025
Pretty peaceful, really.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 12.01.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Shirahama's beaches were gorgeous, though the food options felt a bit limited.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 02.04.2025
Shirahama was fantastic! Meeting friends there made it even better. Getting around with a car was so convenient.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Exploring Shirahama by car was amazing! Such scenic drives and beautiful beaches.
Benjamin Taylor
Reviewed: 04.11.2024
Pretty good, actually.
Kevin Nguyen
Reviewed: 20.09.2024
© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 12.11.2024