How to Rent a Car in Kyoto: Top 4 Services and Discount Coupon

Renting a Car in Kyoto

Photo by Pixta

Kyoto has become a city where tourists from worldwide gather. With many crowded sightseeing spots, the subway would be the best transportation option.

But when visiting other spots in western Japan, such as Arima Onsen and Amanohashidate, or even Shirakawa-go in the Chubu region, a rental car would be handy!

This article introduces the location of recommended car-rental agencies in Kyoto alongside areas known for traffic congestion and parking conditions.

Kyoto Car Rental Tips

1. Locations of Car Rental Agencies in Kyoto
2. Top 4 Car Rental Agencies in Kyoto
3. Traffic Conditions
4. Parking in Kyoto City

Locations of Car Rental Agencies

The map shows the general areas where car rental agencies are located. Please note that they are not precise.

Car rental agencies, offering a wide variety of vehicles, are located in the following areas. Choose an area according to your destination.

Kyoto Station: There are many companies on the Shinkansen side of the station.

Kyoto City: Various agencies are located in the city center, such as the Karasuma Oike area.

Uji: The city is famous for the Byodoin Temple and its Phoenix Hall and green tea. The offices for Nippon Rent-A-Car and Nissan Rent a Car are also located here.

Nagaokakyo: With a Nippon Rent-A-Car office, this is the perfect location for those planning to visit Osaka or Kobe.

Fukuchiyama: The location is ideal for those planning to visit Miyama Kayabuki no Sato or Amanohashidate. The offices for Nippon Rent-A-Car and Toyota Rent a Car are located here.

Maizuru and Miyazu: There are many sightseeing spots in this area, including Amanohashidate. Nippon Rent-A-Car and Orix Rent-A-Car are also located here.

Top 4 Car Rental Agencies in Kyoto

The following is a list of four major companies in Kyoto.

1. Nippon Rent-A-Car

This photo is for illustrative purposes.

Nippon Rent-A-Car is a long-established company, with 560 offices across Japan.

The company offers various vehicles, from compact types to mini-vans and luxury types. A multi-lingual navigation system (*) is also available, and with an additional charge, customers can return their vehicles at a different site.

MATCHA is currently issuing a 10% discount coupon for visitors from abroad, which can be used at Nippon Rent-A-Car, so be sure to check it.

Offices in Kyoto Prefecture: 9
Locations: Kyoto Station, Central Kyoto City, Uji, Nagaoka-kyo, Fukuchiyama, Miyazu

Nippon Rent-A-Car: 10% Discount Coupon (English Page)

*: Some cars are equipped with only a Japanese-speaking system.

2. Nissan Rent a Car

This photograph is for illustrative purposes.

Nissan Rent a Car is operated by Nissan, an internationally renowned automaker.

While the number of offices in Kyoto is small, they offer e-Power EVs and X-Trail, an internationally well-known SUV. These vehicles, famous for their drivability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable interior, are offered at a relatively affordable price.

All the vehicles are maintained in top condition by Nissan.

By booking via the MATCHA link, a 10％ discount is available for both Japanese tourists and overseas visitors. Please check it out!

Offices in Kyoto Prefecture: 3 (Excluding offices offering Self-Ride/Go service)
Locations: Kyoto Station, Shijo-Karasuma/Uji

3. Toyota Rent a Car

This photograph is for illustrative purposes.

Toyota Rent a Car is managed by Toyota Rental & Leasing, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Cooperation. In Japan, the company is second to none in this business.

They offer high-quality Toyota vehicles while boasting the most number of car-rental offices in Kyoto.

Offices in Kyoto Prefecture: 15
Location: Kyoto City, Maizuru, Fukuchiyama, Kameoka, Nagaokakyo, Kyo-Tanabe

Klook: Toyota Rent a Car Offices in Kyoto

4. Orix Rent-A-Car

Orix Rent-A-Car is second to Toyota Rent a Car in the Japanese car-rental business.

Orix is known for its various vehicles, from automobiles to vans and trucks. There are six offices in Kyoto, three of which are in Maizuru, so those visiting the city should check it out.

Offices in Kyoto Prefecture: 6
Locations: Kyoto City, Fukuchiyama, Maizuru

Klook: Orix Rent-A-Car Offices in Kyoto

Traffic Conditions

From the official website of Kyoto City Planning Bureau/Pedestrian Friendly City Promotion Office (Japanese).

Due to the population and number of tourists in the area, there will be heavy traffic in Kyoto City. The details are as follows:

Areas

i. Near Nijo Castle and Heian Jingu
ii. Arashiyama Area
iii. Near Yamashina Castle and Kyoto Interchange
iv. Between Toji and Kyoto Higashi Interchange

Time

The volume of traffic increases from 15:00 to 18:00.

All the information above was drawn from the official website of Kyoto City Planning Bureau/Pedestrian Friendly City Promotion Office (Japanese).

Season

During the autumn foliage season from mid-November to early December, the traffic volume rises significantly. Please keep this in mind.

Parking in Kyoto City

Photo by Pixta

There are few parking lots in the central area of Kyoto City. Therefore, some people may be unable to reach their destination due to the lack of parking spaces.

Also, the parking fee is expensive. At Times Parking in the Kyoto Station Building (Japanese), the cost is 800 yen for the first hour on weekdays while the 1-day parking fee will cost 3,000 yen.

Rental cars are not suitable for sightseeing in the Kyoto City center and Arashiyama area. Riding the subway is the sensible choice.

However, there are many tourist attractions with spacious parking lots away from central Kyoto. Therefore, if you're heading to the suburbs or an area slightly away from the city center, please consider booking a rental car.

Main image by Pixta