Kumamoto Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Kumamoto

Renting a car in Kumamoto offers the freedom to explore this beautiful city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the historic Kumamoto Castle, the serene Suizenji Gardens, and the Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, all located within the city. This flexibility is especially appealing for families and those seeking outdoor adventures, as it allows for easy luggage management and spontaneous travel plans. You can also venture into nearby neighbourhoods like Chuo Ward and Shinshigai, where you can find more cultural experiences and scenic spots. If you wish to explore further, Nishi Ward is home to Reigando Temple and Ishigamiyama Park, adding to your adventure options. With a rental car, you can easily navigate to these attractions without the constraints of public transport, making your visit to Kumamoto a more enjoyable and personalised experience.

Most popular car rentals in Kumamoto

• Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice for solo travellers, couples, and families, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those looking to explore Kumamoto with ease, as it offers a balance between comfort and affordability. With its compact size, it is nimble enough for city driving while still providing sufficient room for luggage, making it a practical option for your trip.
• Compact: The Compact car also accommodates up to 5 travellers, but with a slightly larger capacity for luggage, allowing for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal choice for those who may need a bit more space without sacrificing manoeuvrability. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple, or a family, the Compact car offers a great blend of comfort and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy your travels around Kumamoto at your own pace.
• Midsize: The Midsize car is perfect for couples and families, providing ample space for 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. This option is particularly useful for those who require extra luggage capacity, making it an excellent choice for longer trips or when travelling with larger items. With its spacious interior, the Midsize car ensures comfort while navigating the attractions in and around Kumamoto, making your journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Top rated car suppliers in Kumamoto

• Avis: Avis is a popular choice for travellers in Kumamoto, offering a convenient rental location in the area. Known for its economy and midsize vehicles, Avis provides flexibility for those looking to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. Customers appreciate the ease of managing their luggage and adjusting their itineraries as needed, making Avis a reliable option for a smooth travel experience.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car is another top supplier in Kumamoto, also featuring a rental location within the city. Most travellers opt for their midsize vehicles, which provide ample space and comfort for exploring. Alamo is praised for its efficient service and customer-friendly policies, ensuring a hassle-free car rental experience. With their focus on customer satisfaction, Alamo stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking reliable transportation in Kumamoto.

Where to stay in Kumamoto

• Chuo Ward: Situated in the heart of Kumamoto, Chuo Ward offers a mix of cultural, business, and family experiences. Visitors are drawn to its proximity to significant attractions such as the historic Kumamoto Castle, ideal for a romantic or cultural holiday, and the serene Suizenji Gardens, a private garden perfect for relaxation. Additionally, the Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto adds an artistic flair to the area. With shopping centres and a vibrant atmosphere, Chuo Ward is an excellent base for exploring the city.
• Nishi Ward: Known for its outdoor and adventure opportunities, Nishi Ward is a great destination for families. Visitors can explore the Reigando Temple, a cultural site, and Ishigamiyama Park, an urban park well-suited for city dwellers seeking outdoor activities. The area also hosts the iconic Kumamoto Castle, enriching the cultural experience. With various shopping options and easy access to natural attractions, Nishi Ward provides a vibrant and engaging environment for all.
• Shinshigai: As a bustling neighbourhood, Shinshigai caters to those interested in family, business, and cultural experiences. The vicinity boasts the majestic Kumamoto Castle and the tranquil Suizenji Gardens, both offering unique local experiences. The Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto further enhances the cultural landscape. With ample shopping centres and areas, Shinshigai is an appealing choice for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying modern amenities.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Kumamoto

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to locate the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary according to demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most cost-effective option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning long road trips, seek rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's licence and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Kumamoto

The best value period to rent a car in and around Kumamoto is March, when both prices and demand are at their lowest. Following closely, June also offers moderately low prices and low demand, making it a suitable choice. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, characterised by moderately high prices and average demand. This trend continues into August, which maintains similar pricing and demand levels, while December remains busy and pricier with typical demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
February	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
April	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
May	66.2°F (19.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	72.1°F (22.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
July	78.4°F (25.8°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
August	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High
September	75.4°F (24.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	66.0°F (18.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately Low