If you intend to make a daytrip or overnight trip out of Kyoto to areas like the Kitayama Mountains or down into the Kii Peninsula (Wakayama), then renting a car is the way to go. You’ll be amazed just how easy and pleasant driving can be in Japan. And cheap, too!
Hire car: Tupungato / Shutterstock.com
There’s no point in renting a car if you only intend to explore within Kyoto or to take a daytrip to nearby Osaka, Nara or Kobe. But, there are certain areas near Kyoto that are much better explored by car. These include the more distant areas of the Kitayama Region (like Miyama-cho or Ashiu), as well as the interior of the Kii-hanto Peninsula.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that you can rent a compact car for one day with full insurance in Japan for about Y8350. And gasoline costs about Y150 at the time of writing. And, unlike car rental agencies in other countries, you don’t usually have nasty surprises in the form of hidden charges and taxes when you return the car or get your credit card statement.
You might also be pleasantly surprised to learn that driving is extremely safe, sane and comfortable in Japan, especially once you leave urban areas. One reason for this is the extremely strict Japanese licensing system, which essentially prevents poor drivers from driving. The main challenge for foreign drivers is getting used to the narrow roads that exist in both urban and rural areas in Japan. Also, for North American drivers, driving on the left can take some getting used to.
Navigation can be a bit tricky since only the larger roads are signposted in English and asking directions is difficult if you don’t speak Japanese. Luckily, almost all rental cars in Japan have excellent GPS car navigation systems and some of these can be switched to display controls in English. Also, if you know the telephone number or address of your next destination, you can ask the people at the rental agency to program it into the navigation system so that it will direct you to the spot.
Important: You Must Have an International Driver’s License
You will need a valid international driver’s license to rent a car and drive in Japan. You can get one of these from your national automobile association.
Best Car Rental Agencies In Kyoto
Here are the most convenient car rental agencies in Kyoto:
Kyoto Station
This is a good spot to rent a car if you’re heading south (to Wakayama, or example)
- Toyota Rent a Car Kyoto-Eki Hachijo-Guchi Branch
Just across the street and down a block from the Hachijo-guchi (shinkansen entrance/exit) of Kyoto Station. (Japanese-language site for this Kyoto branch) - Nippon Rentacar Kyoto-Eki Hachijo-Guchi Branch
Just across the street from the Hachijo-guchi (shinkansen entrance/exit) of Kyoto Station
Hyakumamben
The Hyakumamben crossing (Higashioji and Imadegawa streets) in Northern Higashiyama is a good place to rent a car if you’re heading north into the Kitayama. This saves you from having to drive all the way through the city from Kyoto Station.
- Toyota Rent a Car Hyakumamben Branch
This is located on the east side of Higashioji, about 100m north of Imadegawa-dori.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world