Kyoto Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Kyoto

Renting a car in Kyoto offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it an appealing option for families and those seeking a city-themed experience. Key attractions such as Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple are within easy reach, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the area. You can also visit Nijō Castle, a romantic spot that adds to your itinerary.

Additionally, a car allows for convenient exploration of popular neighbourhoods like Central Kyoto, which features the impressive Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kinkaku-ji Temple. Gion, known for its traditional architecture and the picturesque Gion Shirakawa Area, is also easily accessible. Shimogyo Ward offers attractions like Kyoto Tower and Umekoji Park, ensuring you can experience the best of Kyoto without the constraints of public transport. Overall, renting a car enhances your travel experience, providing comfort and ease as you navigate the beautiful sights of Kyoto and its surroundings.

Most popular car rentals in Kyoto

• Compact: The Compact option is a popular choice for travellers in Kyoto, accommodating up to 5 individuals with space for 3 medium suitcases. This car type is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a blend of comfort and practicality. With the ability to navigate narrow streets and find parking easily, the Compact car allows you to explore Kyoto’s attractions at your own pace while managing your luggage effortlessly.
• Mini: Ideal for solo travellers or couples, the Mini car can comfortably seat up to 4 passengers and hold 2 small suitcases. This option is particularly favoured for its compact size, making it easy to manoeuvre in urban settings and find parking. If you are looking for a convenient and economical option for your journey in and around Kyoto, the Mini provides the freedom to explore without the hassle of larger vehicles.
• Midsize: The Midsize car is an excellent choice for couples or families, accommodating up to 5 travellers and providing ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option strikes a balance between spaciousness and ease of driving, making it suitable for those who need extra room for luggage or comfort during longer drives. Renting a Midsize vehicle in Kyoto allows you to enjoy your travels without feeling cramped, ensuring a pleasant experience as you visit various attractions.

Top rated car suppliers in Kyoto

• Alamo Rent A Car: With a rental location conveniently situated in Kyoto, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice among travellers. Known for its easy booking process and friendly service, Alamo offers a selection of compact and mini vehicles, perfect for navigating the city's narrow streets and managing your luggage with ease. Enjoy the flexibility to explore Kyoto's attractions at your own pace, making your journey memorable and hassle-free.
• Enterprise: Enterprise also boasts a rental location in Kyoto, providing travellers with an excellent option for their car rental needs. Renowned for outstanding customer service, this supplier offers a range of compact and midsize vehicles, ideal for both solo travellers and families. With Enterprise, you can enjoy the freedom to adjust your itinerary as you explore the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Kyoto and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Kyoto

• Shimogyo Ward: Located in the heart of Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward is perfect for families and business travellers alike. This neighbourhood features a variety of shopping areas and public markets, making it convenient for those looking to experience local culture. Key attractions such as the modern Kyoto Tower and the serene Umekoji Park are nearby, providing options for both urban exploration and outdoor activities. Historic sites like Kiyomizu Temple add a cultural touch, while numerous restaurants and distilleries offer delicious dining experiences.
• Central Kyoto: Central Kyoto is an ideal base for families and city enthusiasts. With easy access to shopping areas and public markets, this neighbourhood is vibrant and lively. Visitors can explore the stunning Nijō Castle and the historic Kyoto Imperial Palace, both significant cultural landmarks. The famed Kinkaku-ji Temple, known for its beautiful architecture, is also close by. Numerous restaurants and breweries are available, making it a fantastic choice for food lovers looking to indulge in local cuisine.
• Gion: Gion is a culturally rich neighbourhood well-suited for families and business travellers. It offers an array of shopping areas and public markets, where visitors can immerse themselves in local life. Major highlights include the enchanting Yasaka Shrine and the picturesque Gion Shirakawa Area, both steeped in tradition. Additionally, the iconic Kiyomizu Temple is within reach, providing further cultural exploration. A variety of restaurants and sweet treat shops cater to all tastes, making Gion a delightful place to stay.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a greater selection, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Be aware that you may incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Kyoto

The best value period to rent a car in and around Kyoto is March, when prices are at their lowest and demand is minimal. This month offers a great opportunity for quieter travel. Following March, April and May see average prices but higher demand due to the cherry blossom season. In contrast, June tends to be the most expensive month for rentals, with prices rising and demand remaining steady. July and August also maintain average pricing as summer activities ramp up.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	37.8°F (3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
April	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
May	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	77.9°F (25.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
November	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
December	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average