For Osaka and Kyoto! 5 Rental Car Services Near Kansai International Airport

Car Rental Services Available near Kansai International Airport

Photo by Pixta

Osaka is full of attractions such as World Heritage sites, amusement parks, and fine food. While there are many routes from Tokyo, most travelers use Kansai International Airport, the gateway to the Kansai region.

There are popular spots near Osaka, such as Kyoto and Nara, so a rental car comes in handy to tour the region. This article features five car-rental companies at Kansai International Airport and how to book a rental car.

Use 10％ Discount Coupon for Nippon Rent-A-Car Reservation

Contents

1. Car Rental at Kansai International Airport
2. Nippon Rent-A-Car
3. Times Car Rental
4. Toyota Rent a Car
5. ORIX Rent-A-Car
6. Nissan Rent a Car
7. FAQ on Car Rentals in Osaka
8. Osaka: Traffic, Highlights, and Accommodations

1. Car Rental at Kansai International Airport

Photo by Pixta

Kansai International Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic and international flights, and Terminal 2 for low-cost carriers (LCC). Below is information on how to rent a car from Kansai International Airport.

1. Use this article as a reference when making a car rental reservation online in advance.

2. Upon arriving at the airport, head to the Aeroplaza, where car rental counters are located. It is a three-minute walk from Terminal 1 using the passageway on the second floor or a seven-minute ride on the free shuttle bus from Terminal 2.

3. After completing the registration procedures, you can collect the rental car on the spot (*).
*Since the registration procedures and pick-up/drop-off services differ according to the rental car company, please confirm these details in advance.

For more information on what to expect when renting a car in Japan, please read the MATCHA article below.

The following is a list of major car rental companies at Kansai International Airport. Each description includes coupon information and a link to Klook, which offers cost comparisons and rental reservations across different companies.

2. Nippon Rent-A-Car

This photo is for illustrative purposes.

Nippon Rent-A-Car is a well-established company with 560 branches across Japan. At Kansai International Airpot, the second-floor counter at Aeroplaza is open from 8:00 to 23:00. Travelers arriving early in the morning or late at night can easily utilize the car rental services.

The company offers a variety of car models, from compact to large-size vehicles and luxury types as well. Cars with multilingual navigation systems are also available. Another attractive feature is allowing customers to return the cars at a different store from where it was rented.

MATCHA is currently offering a 10% discount coupon for overseas visitors, which can be used at any branch location, including Kansai International Airport.

Use 10％ Discount Coupon for Nippon Rent-A-Car Reservation

3. Times Car Rental

This photo is for illustrative purposes.

In addition to car-sharing services, Times Car Rental provides parking lots. The second-floor counter at Aeroplaza in Kansai International Airport is open from 9:00 to 18:00.

While the company started as a subsidiary of Mazda Motor Corporation, it currently offers a wide variety of vehicles. Customers can return their cars to a different location from where it was rented for an additional fee.

You will receive membership discounts by joining the Times Club (car rental) or Times Car (car-sharing service). Pitto Go, a service allowing members to collect and return cars by showing a card, is also available. Please note that information on Pitto Go is only available in Japanese.

Those who plan to drive around in Japan should consider becoming a member.

Book from Times Car Rental at Kansai Airport on Klook

4. Toyota Rent a Car

This photo is for illustrative purposes.

Toyota Rent a Car is managed by Toyota Rental & Lease, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. The first-floor counter at Aeroplaza in Kansai International Airport is open from 8:00 to 20:00.

Toyota Rent a Car is Japan's largest car rental company, with the largest number of vehicles and 1,200 offices nationwide. Since it is affiliated with Toyota, one of the major automobile manufacturers in the world, customers can choose from a wide variety of vehicles, including high-class models.

Book from Toyota Rent a Car at Kansai Airport on Klook

5. ORIX Rent-A-Car

ORIX Rent-A-Car is the second largest company in the Japanese car-rental business. The first-floor counter at Aeroplaza in Kansai International Airport is open from 8:00 to 20:00.

This company is known for a variety of car models across different manufacturers. Some customers even rent trucks and commercial vehicles when moving to a new location.

Additionally, customers can earn various points, such as JAL/ANA frequent flyer mileage, by renting a vehicle. There are regional campaigns, including Osaka, and discounts for customers making an early reservation. Please note that certain campaigns are only listed on the Japanese website.

Book from ORIX Rent-A-Car at Kansai Airport on Klook

6. Nissan Rent a Car

Nissan Rent a Car is managed by Nissan Motor Corporation, an internationally renowned automaker. The first-floor counter at Aeroplaza in Kansai International Airport is open from 8:00 to 20:00.

Most of the vehicles at the Nissan Rent a Car Kansai Airport Office are equipped with a navigation and electronic toll collection (ETC) system. Customers with an ETC card can smoothly pass through toll roads using this cashless toll collection. Most vehicles are Nissan cars, including electric and sports cars.

The company also offers membership discounts, along with a full insurance policy. The 23 Bonus Club has no entrance or annual fee. Moreover, members can use a booster seat for children without additional charges. Please note that the membership information is only listed on the Japanese website.

7. FAQ on Car Rentals in Osaka

Q1: Should you book a rental car in advance?

A: Yes. Rental cars have become popular in Japan these past years, including in Osaka. It may not be possible to rent a car without a reservation.

Q2: What precautions should I take when driving in Osaka?

A: For general information about precautions while driving rental cars in Japan, please read this MATCHA article.

Compared to other prefectures, there are many areas in Osaka with congested traffic. Driving long hours on an unfamiliar road can be tiring, so be mindful of taking moderate breaks.

The Osaka Loop Line, which runs through the central area of Osaka City, is hard to navigate, and accidents tend to occur when drivers try to change lanes. If you fail to change lanes, do not hit the brakes suddenly or try to squeeze in oncoming traffic. Get off at the next exit, and try again.

Q3: Are there any car-rental offices outside of Kansai International Airport?

A: Yes. Offices of the rental car companies listed above are located throughout the Kansai region, including Osaka. For location information, please check their respective websites.

The 10% discount for Nippon Rent-A-Car is redeemable at other office locations besides Kansai International Airport.

8. Osaka: Traffic, Highlights, and Accommodations

Since Osaka is full of attractive locations, we recommend comparing various plans, costs, and options when choosing a rental car that suits your itinerary.

For further information about traffic conditions, attractions, and accommodations in Osaka, please check the MATCHA articles listed below.

Reserve an Accommodation in Osaka on Booking.com
Reserve an Accommodation in Osaka on Agoda

Main image by Pixta