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Nissan Rent a Car is an affiliate of NISSAN and is highly rated among car rental services in Japan. We introduce the features of Nissan Rent a Car along with a review, popular car models, and a 10% discount coupon for Nissan car rentals.
Photo by Pixta
In Japan, there are numerous breathtaking scenic spots and tourist destinations, especially in Hokkaido and Okinawa, which can be best enjoyed by using a car. Therefore, using a rental car is recommended for enjoying Japan.
With over 10,000 car rental offices in Japan, companies like Nippon Rent-a-Car, Toyota Rent-a-Car, and Nissan Rent a Car are known for operating on a national scale.
When choosing a rental car, one criterion is the rental fee. However, rental fees tend to fluctuate. There are instances where Nissan Rent a Car offers the lowest rates, while at other times, Toyota Rent a Car may have the best deal.
Nevertheless, each company possesses charms beyond just pricing. In particular, Nissan Rent a Car offers vehicles that provide an experience where driving itself is enjoyable. This article will elaborate on the diverse appeals of Nissan Rent a Car.
About Nissan Rent a Car
Benefits of Nissan Rent a Car Experienced During a Ride
Drawbacks of Nissan Rent a Car
Top 3 Cars to Try at Nissan Rent a Car
1. NOTE e-POWER
2. X-TRAIL
3. SERENA
Nissan Rent a Car is a car rental service provided by Nissan Car Rental Solutions, a subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan Motor is a highly regarded automobile manufacturer known for significant accomplishments, such as being the first in the world to implement the Around View Monitor in 2007 and pioneering the mass production of a 100% EV vehicle (LEAF) in 2010, demonstrating cutting-edge automotive technology.
Picture courtesy of Nissan Car Rental Solutions
As an affiliate of Nissan Motor Co., Nissan Rent a Car is also known for its high-quality services. Specifically, they excel in the following services:
Features of Nissan Rent a Car's Services
- Branches located at train stations, airports, and major city centers nationwide, offering convenient access
- Navigation systems available with support for Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese languages
- One-way rental service available for added convenience
- All vehicles equipped with ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) devices
- Diverse lineup ranging from compact cars to large vehicles
However, in the highly competitive car rental industry, major companies generally offer similar services.
So, what are the unique charms of Nissan Rent a Car?
This video introduces our riding experience with Nissan Rent a Car
In May and July 2024, we tried riding Nissan's NOTE e-Power and X-Trail. I would like to share what we felt based on that experience.
Nissan has been actively involved in the development and introduction of new technologies, earning the nickname "Technology Nissan." These innovations are naturally applied to Nissan rental cars as well.
In recent years, one of the highlights is the new engine technology "e-Power." This technology allows the car to "generate power with the engine and drive with the motor."
When we took a ride, the acceleration was incredibly smooth! The car moved lightly when I pressed the accelerator, making it enjoyable to drive.
Additionally, like electric vehicles, e-Power is characterized by a quiet interior. When I was in the X-Trail with a Taiwanese friend, our conversations flowed easily thanks to the serene cabin!
In addition, there is the ProPilot feature that supports driving on highways.
This feature allows the car to maintain its lane and speed according to the route set in the navigation system, making it possible to drive on the highway with your hands off the wheel. I haven't had the chance to use it yet, but I definitely want to try it on my next trip!
I felt that the excitement of "experiencing new technologies" and the many fresh discoveries are what make Nissan rental cars so appealing.
Picture courtesy of Nissan Car Rental Solution
The car navigation system supports both Japanese and English by default. Some models also support Chinese.
Furthermore, what I discovered during my actual ride is that several vehicles are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto integrated into the navigation system.
This feature allows you to connect your smartphone directly to the navigation system. You can display Google Maps from your phone on the navigation screen or listen to music stored on your smartphone through the car stereo.
(My Taiwanese friend who was riding with me played their favorite music while we were driving).
I have used rental cars from multiple rental car companies so far. Among them, it can definitely be said that Nissan Rent a Car is one of the best-maintained rental car companies in Japan (*).
The engine runs smoothly, and the seats are clean! It’s very relaxing to ride in. (With cheaper rental car companies, the seats can sometimes be very worn out.)
*Nissan Rental Car conducts regular vehicle inspections every six months by specialized staff at authorized Nissan service centers.
Having tried the Nissan Rent a Car, I was basically very satisfied.
However, there are also some drawbacks that I have felt.
Compared to other major services like Nippon Rent-A-Car and Toyota Rent-A-Car, Nissan Rent a Car has slightly fewer locations and vehicles available.
As a result, during peak seasons, it may not be possible to make a reservation (I have experienced this myself several times).
Particularly from July to September and in March, reservations tend to fill up quickly, so early booking is recommended!
Depending on the Nissan model, the navigation system may not support Chinese. Additionally, the compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto is not available in all models.
This could lead to inconvenience for tourists visiting Japan.
That said, these features are gradually being improved. I look forward to seeing Nissan Rent a Car become even more convenient in the future!
*By proceeding to the reservation page from this link, a 10% discount on the usage fee will be automatically applied.
At Nissan Rent a Car, you can rent a wide range of vehicles, from affordable compact cars and economy vehicles to luxurious, comfortable high-end cars, and even sports cars. Here, we will introduce three particularly recommended vehicles.
Picture courtesy of Nissan Car Rental Solutions
NOTE e-POWER, released in 2020, is a flagship vehicle for Nissan. In 2022, it achieved the highest sales figures in Japan's electric vehicle market (including hybrids), making it a perfect representation of Nissan's present-day vehicle appeal, manifesting new technologies such as e-Power and a design that embodies "Timeless Japanese Futurism."
*Please note: The available rental cars may not all be equipped with e-Power.
Picture courtesy of Nissan Car Rental Solutions
The X-TRAIL, a 4WD SUV born in 2000, launched its fourth generation in July 2022 and received worldwide acclaim, winning the Best Large SUV award at the Women's World Car of the Year 2023.
The X-TRAIL adopts a second-row sliding and reclining seat, allowing for expanded legroom and cargo space. Additionally, it offers a remote-controlled automatic back door, making it ideal for transporting large items.
The interior space is generously accommodating, and designed to minimize fatigue during long drives. At Nissan Rent a Car, both e-Power equipped vehicles and those with standard engines are available for rental.
Picture courtesy of Nissan Car Rental Solutions
The SERENA, initially launched in 1991, has been cherished as one of Japan's most popular minivans. In 2023, the model marked its sixth generation. Renowned for offering the most spacious interior in Japanese minivans, it provides comfort for group travel.
Its advanced features include driving assistance technologies such as Intelligent Parking Assist and safety equipment like Emergency Brake.
At Nissan Rent a Car, you can rent vehicles with e-Power as well as those with standard engines.
*Among 7/8-seater minivans in the 1.2-2.0L class with a height of over 1.8m (as of November 2022, according to Nissan)
Nissan Rent a Car offers plenty of appeals. By applying through the following link, you can receive a special 10% discount available exclusively for MATCHA readers.
This offer is available for both Japanese and foreign visitors to Japan. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy a delightful drive with Nissan Rent a Car.
While Japan offers many enjoyable scenic drives for car rentals, it's essential to note that for international visitors, forgetting your international driving permit could prevent you from driving.
We have assembled a list of driving precautions regarding driving in Japan in this MATCHA article, which we encourage you to review. Additionally, for driving on snowy roads, please refer to this article.
Main image courtesy of Nissan Car Rental Solutions