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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Utsunomiya
Utsunomiya
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Utsunomiya
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Utsunomiya
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Utsunomiya
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 Utsunomiya?
Utsunomiya, the capital city of Tochigi Prefecture, is a vibrant hub known for its gyoza, historical sites, and natural beauty. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore beyond the city center and discover the region's hidden gems.
Explore Scenic Destinations. Utsunomiya is a gateway to stunning destinations like Nikko National Park, Lake Chuzenji, and the Kinugawa River. A rental car allows you to easily access these natural wonders and enjoy breathtaking landscapes at your own pace.
Visit Historical Landmarks. Discover Utsunomiya's rich history by visiting sites such as the Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine, the Oya History Museum, and the Matsugamine Catholic Church. With a car, you can conveniently travel between these landmarks and immerse yourself in the city's cultural heritage.
Enjoy Local Cuisine. Utsunomiya is famous for its delicious gyoza dumplings, and a car makes it easy to explore various gyoza restaurants and food stalls throughout the city. You can also venture to nearby towns to sample other regional specialties.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Utsunomiya
Before renting a car in Utsunomiya, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are some key points to consider:
Area
413.50 square kilometers (159.65 square miles)
Population
Approximately 520,000 residents
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Ideal for
Exploring Tochigi Prefecture
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Utsunomiya require drivers to be at least 18 years old, although some may have specific age restrictions for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver's License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in Japanese. A passport and credit card in the driver's name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary – many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Toll RoadsTochigi Prefecture has some toll roads, so be prepared to pay tolls using cash or an ETC card if available.
Car Rental Prices in Utsunomiya – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
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 / €50 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €25 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (March to May and September to November): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (December to February): Often come with discounts
*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 Utsunomiya?
Booking a car in Utsunomiya is straightforward. Here’s how:
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, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Utsunomiya
Utsunomiya is a vibrant city with a mix of modern and traditional attractions. Understanding local traffic rules and regulations can help ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
As the capital of Tochigi Prefecture, Utsunomiya offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. While the city has a good public transportation system, a car provides the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Driving within Utsunomiya is generally straightforward, but it's important to be aware of local traffic laws and regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine
A historic shrine known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance.
Oya History Museum
An underground museum showcasing the history of the Oya Stone and the region's mining heritage.
Matsugamine Catholic Church
A unique church with distinctive architecture.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages in the city center for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits when using on-street parking.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city.
Gas Stations in Utsunomiya
Major Brands Available
Look for gas stations from major brands such as ENEOS, Idemitsu, and Cosmo Oil.
Refueling Tips
Most gas stations offer full service, where attendants will assist with refueling.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Utsunomiya
Use Contactless Payment
Many establishments accept contactless payment methods for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in urban areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 / 17:00–19:00) when roads are often congested.
Respect Local Customs
Adhere to local driving customs and etiquette for a pleasant experience.
Key Transportation Hubs in Utsunomiya
Railway Stations
Utsunomiya Station
The main railway station, serving JR lines and the Tohoku Shinkansen.
Airports
Fukushima Airport (FKS)
Located approximately 100 kilometers north of Utsunomiya, serving domestic and international flights.
Ibaraki Airport (IBR)
Situated about 100 kilometers southeast of Utsunomiya, offering domestic and international services.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Utsunomiya?
Renting a car in Japan is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Japan, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 18 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Utsunomiya 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.
Utsunomiya was a gem! So much easier to get around with my own wheels.
Katherine Davis
Reviewed: 19.07.2025
Family vacation in Utsunomiya was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so easy.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 25.08.2024
Low-key enjoyable, really.
Liam Nelson
Reviewed: 09.04.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 30.06.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 03.11.2024
Quiet, but pleasant.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 12.04.2025
Exploring Utsunomiya by car was fantastic! So convenient and easy to get around.
David Lee
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Utsunomiya was lovely! Meeting friends there made it even better. Having a car was perfect for exploring the area with ease.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Utsunomiya surprised me! Getting around with a car was effortless; so much to see.
Oliver Wilson
Reviewed: 03.04.2025
Pretty peaceful, really.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 30.04.2025
Utsunomiya was delightful! So easy to explore with a car.
Ava Martinez
Reviewed: 16.02.2025