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Car rental in Shirahama - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Shirahama

Shirahama

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Shirahama

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Shirahama

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Shirahama

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Shirahama?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions 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 – How Much Does It Cost?

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

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in Shirahama?

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.

General Information About Shirahama

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in Shirahama

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.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Shirahama?

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.

Our Content Quality

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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 by experts

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.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Shirahama as

4.5

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

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 12.11.2024

Shirahama was a lovely stop on our road trip. The beaches were stunning, though the local shops seemed a bit pricey.

SJ

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!

EB

Emily Brown

Reviewed: 02.02.2025

Relaxing beach vibes

CM

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.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 04.02.2025

Pretty peaceful, really.

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 12.01.2025

Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Shirahama's beaches were gorgeous, though the food options felt a bit limited.

AW

Ava Wilson

Reviewed: 02.04.2025

Shirahama was fantastic! Meeting friends there made it even better. Getting around with a car was so convenient.

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 22.09.2024

Exploring Shirahama by car was amazing! Such scenic drives and beautiful beaches.

BT

Benjamin Taylor

Reviewed: 04.11.2024

Pretty good, actually.

KN

Kevin Nguyen

Reviewed: 20.09.2024

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