How to rent a car for the first time in Kyoto
Kazuyuki Tsuchiya
There are a great many people who travel to Kyoto. Kyoto city is well served by public transportation, such as subways and buses, and there is no need to worry about getting anywhere.
On the other hand, there are problems with public transportation, especially bus congestion and the inability to visit tourist attractions as planned due to public transportation.
This is where renting a car comes in. Let's consider the process of renting a car.
The process of renting a car in Japan
- Prepare your passport, credit card, and international driver's license before coming to Kyoto
First, prepare your passport and credit card.
Credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard can be used when renting a car.
International driver's license must be issued in your country, so check in advance.
In Japan, you can obtain one at a driver's license center or a police station. The license center can issue it on the same day, and the police station can issue it in two weeks.
- Reserve a rental car
Next, make a reservation for a rental car.
Car rentals can be reserved through websites, each of which is available in multiple languages.
*Reference WebSite (in English) TOYOTA Rent a Car Kyoto Sta. Shinkansen Ext. Shop https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/
NISSAN Rent a Car Kyoto Shinkansen Station https://nissan-rentacar.com/en
- Actually go to the place where you rent the car.
Go to the place where you want to rent a car.
The time is fixed, so even if you arrive early or late, you will have to pay an additional fee if you change the rental time.
The base rate is for 12 hours, 24 hours, or a whole day, so you need to check the rates in advance.
Things to keep in mind when you rent a car in Japan
Things to keep in mind while driving
Parking ：Basically, in urban areas, there is a fee for parking, and you must park in a designated area.
If you do not park in the designated area, you may be reported to the police.
*Parking Rates (average)
Urban area (Kyoto Station/Shijo-Karasuma area):
Daytime (8:00-20:00) ￥400 yen for 30 min Max. charge ￥2000
Late night (20:00-8:00) Max. charge ¥500
Suburbs
Daytime (8:00-20:00) ￥300 yen per hour, Max. charge ￥500
Late night (20:00-8:00) Max. charge ¥300
Hotel parking ：Luxury hotels have parking lots, but business hotels and guesthouses often do not, so you should check nearby parking lots.
ETC ：Expressways are generally toll-free. You can use cash or credit cards, but there is a system called ETC card (credit card for expressway payment) that automatically deducts the amount you ride, so it is convenient to pay afterwards. You can rent a car if you inform the car rental company in advance.
*Search Rates for highway : https://global.w-nexco.co.jp/en/
Left turn prohibited：It is prohibited to make a left turn at a traffic light in Japan, even if there is a red light. If you make a left turn where there is a traffic signal, you will be fined.
Recommendations for places to visit by car in the next author's article.
Author Profile
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Office worker who aspires to be a househusband.
Side of the traveler that continues to think of travel deals while saving money in my everyday life.
Current dream is to travel to Europe, mainly to watch soccer games.
Not reckless in my work and private life, and enjoys relaxing and taking it easy.
