How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kobe
Whether you need a compact for zipping around town or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Kobe. Choose from options averaging $98 a day and get going for less.
Daily rental prices in Kobe start from just $66.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? $461 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Score the best price on a Kobe car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the car that fits and a rate that works.
Browse the offers available with Nissan Rent a Car, Europcar and Times. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
The coverage Nissan Rent a Car or another company offers for your Kobe car hire can vary, so remember to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can snag some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Kobe.
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Travel without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at $160 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $125, this provider is next in line.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly $166 a day for one of their rentals.
The Mini rental category is a reliable option if you're not quite sure which ride is right for you. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Kobe.
Compare car hire types in Kobe
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Kobe car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Kobe that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Kobe car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Kobe by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your rental in Japan.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat regulations vary depending on where you are, and the right setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Be sure to add the right one to your Kobe car hire reservation.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Get familiar with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on the left side of the road in Japan.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) on your trip here. In addition to your credit and debit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Japanese is the language most commonly spoken throughout this country.
Best hotels in Kobe for drivers
Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Kobe Harbour Land Onsen Manyo-Club. Offering parking as well as a sauna and a games room, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Kobe.
ThinkStay Mt. also works well for a trip built around driving. It features parking, plus a bar and a garden. Check in here and you'll be roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the selection of hotels in Kobe for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Kobe and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Chinatown (Nankinmachi), Cherry Blossom Promenade along the Toga River and Onsen-ji Temple are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Kobe
Around 27 kilometres east of central Kobe, Osaka easily earns a place on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle.
Hotel Plaza Osaka and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection by IHG are reliable accommodation options with parking in Osaka.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Kobe and travel around 64 kilometres northeast to Kyoto. Featuring Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Taisha, its attractions speak for themselves.
Hearton Hotel Kyoto and Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma are comfortable places to stay in Kyoto if you're hanging out for a while. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Still got fuel in the tank? Take off to Shizuoka, around 290 kilometres east of Kobe. From Kiyomizu-dera to Japanese Garden, your journey will end on a high note.
Rest your head in Shizuoka at either Shizutetsu Hotel Prezio Shizuoka Ekinan or Hotel Associa Shizuoka(JR-Central Hotels). They've got a room waiting for you and parking availability too.
