10 Best Car Rental Services In Japan
Japan is a popular destination for travelers, but its high travel cost often deters visitors. Nevertheless, it’s a great place to experience the best of both traditional and modern cultures. The touristy areas of Japan are a feast for the senses. You can sample dishes you won’t find anywhere else, while admiring the country’s rich traditions and modernity. It’s a mix of old and new that will make your trip unforgettable.
Booking a car rental online in Japan is the most cost-effective method, as it offers exclusive discounts, comparison tools, and flexible options. We found Klook price comparison to be the cheapest in Japan. By reserving in advance, travelers can secure the best rates and choose from a wide selection of vehicles, ensuring a seamless and budget-friendly experience.
Renting a car in Japan can be intimidating. The train is the most popular way to get around. But car rental has many advantages. To make your next car rental booking easier, here are five of the best car rental companies in Japan.
#1 – Nissan Rent a Car
Image: Nissan Car Rental (South of Osaka Station on the 1st floor of the Umeda Maru Building)
Nissan Rent-A-Car Japan has 360 offices across the country. They are conveniently located for all itineraries. Nissan offers the right car and rental deal for couples and families. An English GPS is also available.
English website: Nissan Rent-A-Car
#2 – Times Car Rental
Times Car Rental has many locations throughout Japan, including all major Shinkansen stations and airports. You can rent vehicles from Toyota, NISSAN, MAZDA, Jaguar, Land Rover, and BMW. Times Car Rental provides customer service in 10 languages.
#3 – Nippon Rent-A-Car
Nippon Rent-A-Car has 85 agencies in Japan. You can book online, and the website is in English. It shows contact information for each agency on a map. There is a hotline for English-speaking customers from 9 a.m. & 5 p.m. The company provides clean, comfortable, smoke-free cars. Customers can pick up and return the vehicle at any office in the city.
English Website: Nippon Rent-A-Car
#4 – NICONICO RENT A CAR
NICONICO Rent-A-Car is located in many Japanese train stations and airports. It offers vehicles from various brands, including imported cars. Customers can rent with peace of mind because they can access customer service in 10 languages.
English Website: NICONICO
#5 – Toyota Rent-A-Car
Toyota has more than 1,200 car rental agencies throughout Japan. You can choose from a large SUV, a sturdy truck, or a fuel-saving hybrid. Toyota cars have all the power, smooth curves, comfort, and performance you expect from this brand. They also feature the latest technology to make driving more enjoyable and efficient.
Website: TOYOTA (There are multiple language options in a single website)
#6 – Smile Rental Car
Smile Rental Car is a Japanese car rental agency that offers weekly and monthly rentals of a variety of vehicles, including small cars and vans that can accommodate up to 10 people. Customers can earn miles for every 100 yen spent on car rentals. This company is ideal for Japanese-speaking travelers who have been to Japan and want a local rental car agency that caters to their needs.
#7 – Budget
Budget has offices in 120 locations and 35 prefectures in Japan. All vehicles come with GPS and an ETC card reader, and customers can add snow tires and a child seat to their car. There are also many non-smoking options available. Clients can get a 25% discount on regular prices and two reliable, complete insurance policies. They can design their itinerary, pick up their vehicle, and drop it off at any location within the company.
#8 – Hertz
Hertz Japan provides many vehicles, such as hatchbacks, compact cars, executive saloons with advanced features, convertibles, minivans, and more. This company offers car hire services for travelers in Tokyo and other Japanese cities. It offers high-end cars in the Prestige Collection and fuel-efficient hybrid cars in the Green Traveler Collection. Customers can rent a vehicle with emergency roadside assistance and navigation systems, no matter where they drive.
English Website: Hertz
#9 – JR (Japan Railways) Rent-A-Car
Travelers can use the Shinkansen bullet train to go anywhere in Japan. However, many people prefer to visit attractions that are off the main roads. Driving is much more enjoyable! Unless you have a lot of money, you can’t drive all over Japan. You must use the train or get a Japan Rail Pass. Eki Rent-a-Car offices, located near most major Japan Rail stations, offer special discounts on car rentals. The GPS navigation system makes it easier to navigate in Eki cars.
English Website: JR Rent A Car
#10 – SKY Rent-A-Car
If you’re traveling to Okinawa, SKY Rent-A-Car provides a free shuttle bus to the office. It takes only 15 minutes to get there, and then you can take your car on a trip through Japan. Customers can choose from a range of light vehicles (“Kei”) or station wagons. All cars come with navigation systems, and customers are responsible for providing ETC Cards. They can also request an ETC Card if they need a car seat for children or a non-smoking vehicle.
Website: Sky Rent A Car
Nikoniko rent-a-car English website only lists a handful of shops, wheras the japanese website lists hundreds to choose from. Doesn’t seem very trustworthy to me, if I’m honest.