$62 Car Rental Kyoto

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Kyoto

Renting a car in and around Kyoto offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your travel plans. As a bustling metropolis, Kyoto is rich in cultural experiences and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for cultural explorers, nature lovers, and road trippers alike. With a rental car, you can easily visit iconic attractions such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple, both renowned for their cultural significance, or explore the romantic ambiance of Nijō Castle. Additionally, navigating through neighborhoods like Central Kyoto, Gion, and Shimogyo Ward becomes a breeze, allowing you to see highlights such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Yasaka Shrine without the constraints of public transportation schedules. Families will appreciate the convenience of managing luggage effortlessly, and those traveling for business can optimize their time by setting their own itinerary. Whether it's a scenic drive to Kinkaku-ji Temple or a leisurely exploration of the Gion Shirakawa Area, having a rental car ensures that your journey through Kyoto is tailored to your preferences and pace, enhancing your overall experience in this captivating city.

Most popular car rentals in Kyoto

• Mini: This compact option fits up to 4 travelers and accommodates 2 small suitcases, making it an excellent choice for solo adventurers or couples. The Mini car allows for easy navigation through Kyoto's bustling streets while offering the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Its smaller size also helps with parking in crowded areas, making it ideal for your city explorations.
• Economy: Perfect for families or small groups, the Economy car fits 5 travelers and has room for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency, allowing you to comfortably travel around Kyoto while having enough space for luggage. It's a versatile choice for various travel styles, whether you're embarking on a cultural journey or enjoying a family trip.
• Compact Van: With the capacity to fit 6 travelers and hold up to 8 large suitcases, the Compact Van is an excellent choice for larger groups or families needing extra space. This vehicle is designed for comfort and practicality, making it easy to transport everyone and their belongings while exploring Kyoto and its scenic surroundings. Its spacious interior ensures a relaxed travel experience for all passengers.

Top rated car suppliers in Kyoto

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice among travelers in Kyoto, with two rental locations in the area. Known for its friendly service, Hertz has an overall rating of 7 out of 10. Customers particularly appreciate the Economy and Compact Van options, providing flexibility for different travel needs. With easy pickup and drop-off processes, Hertz is a reliable option for those looking to explore Kyoto at their own pace.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car has one rental location in Kyoto, making it a convenient choice for visitors. The supplier is favored for its Mini and Compact vehicles, which are ideal for navigating the city's streets. Alamo is recognized for its quick pickup and friendly staff, contributing to an enjoyable rental experience. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Alamo is a solid choice for travelers seeking efficiency and comfort.
• Enterprise: With one rental location in Kyoto, Enterprise stands out for its commitment to customer service. Travelers often choose Enterprise for its Compact SUV and Mini options, which provide versatility for various itineraries. Customers appreciate the helpful staff and smooth check-in process, making it an excellent choice for families and business travelers alike. Enterprise is dedicated to ensuring a pleasant rental experience for all its customers.

Where to go in Kyoto

• Central Kyoto: Central Kyoto is a vibrant neighborhood ideal for travelers seeking a mix of cultural experiences and urban amenities. Key attractions include the historic Nijō Castle, which offers a romantic atmosphere, the Kyoto Imperial Palace steeped in history, and the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple. The area is also home to bustling shopping areas and public markets. The best times to visit are in April and October to November when visitor numbers peak, allowing for a lively atmosphere.
• Gion: Gion is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditional charm. Visitors can explore the Yasaka Shrine, a significant cultural site, as well as the iconic Kiyomizu Temple. The Gion Shirakawa Area offers a picturesque setting perfect for leisurely strolls. Similar to Central Kyoto, Gion sees peak visitors in April and October to November, making these months particularly vibrant for cultural exploration and family outings.
• Shimogyo Ward: Shimogyo Ward combines modern attractions with historical significance. Prominent sites include the striking Kyoto Tower, which provides stunning views, and Nijō Castle, which is also accessible from this neighborhood. Families can enjoy outdoor activities at Umekoji Park. This area tends to attract more visitors from September to November, making it an excellent time for business and city experiences amidst a lively atmosphere.

10 tips to save on your Kyoto car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you’re in need of an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to access lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded 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 some 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 before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides you with peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Kyoto

The best value period to rent a car in and around Kyoto is August, when prices are low and demand is moderate. Surrounding months like February and October also offer slightly lower prices with manageable demand. However, January stands out as the most expensive month, with increased prices despite lower demand. April typically sees the highest demand and average pricing, making it a busy time for car rentals in the area.

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

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Kyoto

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Kyoto into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Kyoto and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Kyoto

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Kyoto. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Kyoto

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $62.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals