Car Rental in Kyoto

Cheapest Way to Rent a Car in Kyoto

Getting a rental car in Kyoto can be a great way to explore this beautiful city. In Kyoto, you can take a day trip to Lake Biwa or go sightseeing in the mountains nearby. You can also visit the many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. You will be amazed by the natural beauty of the city.

Almost all rental cars come equipped with GPS satellite navigation systems. Depending on your rental company, you can program the GPS system with your destination information. You may also need to buy an English-Japanese road atlas. The navigation system will also tell you which roads to take.

You can save a few bucks by opting for a "Hotwire Hot Rate" car, which will allow you to get more places with your money. You should make sure that the rental company allows cancellation and refunds. Some companies will charge a drop off fee if you drop off your car in a different location than where you picked it up. This can be inconvenient. In addition, you may be asked to pay for gas to fill the car, and the cost of gasoline in Kyoto is quite high.

In the United States, you need to have a valid international driver's license to drive in Japan. You can obtain one at your local AAA office. If you are going to be driving in Kyoto or other Japanese cities, you should also purchase an English-Japanese road atlas. You can get these for about $20.

When driving in Japan, you should be aware that traffic is very heavy and that you will need a lot of patience. You can rent a car, but if you are unsure of the roads, you should probably opt for public transportation instead. There are many good public transportation options in Kyoto.

When renting a car, you can opt to hire a standard-sized five-seater compact car for about 7000 to 8000 yen for 24 hours. A van can be rented for 20,000 yen for 24 hours. Most car rental companies will allow you to pick up and drop off your car in a different location. Some companies will also offer reasonable rates for re-tanking the car.

Almost all rental cars in Japan have GPS systems, so you should be able to get to your destination. However, you should be aware that many of the major roads in Japan do not have signage in English. In these cases, you should ask your rental agency to program your GPS system with the destination address or phone number. Some rental car companies also offer to show you how to use the GPS systems.

There are several car rental companies in Kyoto. Those that offer the cheapest car rentals include Enterprise, Hertz, and Alamo. Some of these companies offer daily deals, so you may be able to find a rental deal that is even cheaper than the average price of a car in Kyoto. You should also check the reviews and customer ratings of the car rental companies.

Top Places to Visit in Kyoto, Japan

Located on the island of Honshu, Kyoto is a city in Japan with several distinct neighborhoods. The city is famous for its classical Buddhist temples and imperial palaces, as well as traditional wooden houses. The area is also known for its formal traditions, gardens, and Shinto shrines.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Located near the "Storm Mountains" in northwest Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Japan's most famous natural landmarks. The forest is a tranquil and beautiful escape from the busy city.

The bamboo forest is open all year round. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the evening. However, it can get crowded during the day. If you are pressed for time, the best way to avoid crowds is to visit during the shoulder seasons.

You can get to the bamboo forest by taking the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. You can also take the San-In Line, which costs a little more but takes more time. There is also the Randen Line, a private train line that costs Y=220.

Monzeki temple

Located in Kyoto, Japan, the beautiful Shoren-in Monzeki temple is an ancient shrine that is known for its natural beauty. The shrine is surrounded by lush gardens and greenery. It is particularly beautiful in autumn and spring.

Aside from the main temple, you can also visit the nearby Otowa Waterfall and a tea garden. It's recommended to visit during cherry blossom season to take in the beauty of the Japanese cherry trees.

The tower offers an observation deck that offers beautiful views of Kyoto. You can also watch a film in the third floor film theater.

Another place to visit is the Kyoto National Museum, which displays important Japanese artworks and cultural items. There is also a museum shop on site.

Ryoan-ji temple

Located in the northwest corner of Kyoto, Ryoan-ji temple is a cultural heritage site that is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. The temple is a part of the Myoshin-ji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. It is located next to several other temples including Ninnaji Temple.

Ryoan-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple grounds are home to a pond and a restaurant that serves Kyoto boiled tofu. The garden also features a stone water basin.

Ryoan-ji was originally built as a private estate. Later, it was converted into a Zen temple. It is also home to Karesansui, one of the most beautiful Zen gardens in Japan.

Nanzenji temple

Located at the base of the Higashiyama mountains, Nanzenji temple is one of the most important Zen Buddhist temples in Japan. Built in the mid-13th century, Nanzenji temple is the head temple of the Rinzai sect. It is a large complex with many different structures, including a pond, a large Western-style brick aqueduct, and rock gardens. It is also home to a unique legend.

Nanzenji is one of the five major Zen temples in Kyoto. In the 14th century, it was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in the 16th century. Since then, it has been a center of Zen teachings. Today, the temple is a tourist attraction. It is known for its unique charm. It is also an excellent place to practice meditation.

Gion

Located in Kyoto, Gion is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Known for its geisha culture, this district offers lessons in tradition and spirituality. It is also home to many traditional shops and restaurants.

Gion offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient Japanese capital. Many traditional machiya merchant houses are preserved. In addition, the district has several restaurants and teahouses. These are popular with Japanese food lovers. Many of the restaurants offer Kyoto style kaiseki ryori.

The district also features a number of temples and museums. These include the Heian Jingu Shrine. The shrine has a museum that highlights the lives of important military and religious leaders. It is decorated with a beautiful flower garden.

Kyoto Samurai and Ninja museum

During your trip to Kyoto, you will find there are a lot of attractions to choose from. There are museums and exhibitions devoted to many topics, from history to architecture and even food. This is a wonderful place to visit all year round. During the spring and summer months, you can experience the cherry blossoms and the vibrant foliage. In the winter, the city offers plenty of shelter from the cold.

One of the top attractions in Kyoto is the Samurai Experience. It is an interactive experience that offers visitors the chance to try on traditional Japanese armor, throw ninja stars, and learn about the history of samurai.

Should You Rent an Electric Car in Kyoto

Renting an electric car in Kyoto can be a fantastic choice for exploring this beautiful city while minimizing your carbon footprint. With its compact size and efficient design, the Nissan Leaf is a popular option, offering a smooth ride and ample space for passengers. Another great choice is the Tesla Model 3, known for its impressive range and cutting-edge technology.

Rental Costs

The average rental cost for an electric car in Kyoto is around ¥8,000 to ¥10,000 per day, which is comparable to prices in Europe for similar models. This investment not only provides you with a comfortable driving experience but also allows you to take advantage of Kyoto's growing network of charging stations.

Benefits of Renting Electric

• Eco-friendly travel
• Access to charging stations
• Quiet and smooth driving experience