Renting a car in Kyoto is more convenient and better value than you might think! Many shrines and attractions are scattered across Kyoto Prefecture, so if you’re planning to explore beyond the city center, a self-drive trip is far more flexible and relaxing than juggling subway and bus transfers. You won’t be tied to timetables, it’s easier to haul all your shopping finds, and you can tour Kyoto’s major sights without ending up with aching shoulders and sore, worn-out feet!
That said, if you only plan to visit popular spots in the city center such as Nijo, Karasuma, Nishiki Market and Kiyomizu-dera, driving really isn’t as handy as it sounds. Kyoto draws an even denser crowd of visitors than Osaka or Tokyo, and the road layout includes plenty of narrow lanes where you’ll need to yield to pedestrians.
But once you’ve had your fill of the city center and want to head out to the surrounding countryside, renting a car in Kyoto makes for an unforgettable experience!
In this article we’ll take a close look at seven topics: what to prepare before renting a car in Kyoto, an introduction to Kyoto car rental companies, differences in rental insurance in Kyoto, a comparison of Kyoto car rental costs, a step-by-step rental guide, things to watch out for when driving in Kyoto, and frequently asked questions about renting a car in Kyoto. Each section gives you practical information to make your Kyoto car rental experience easy and memorable.
Comparing Kyoto car rental companies
Kyoto has plenty of well-known rental chains, including TOYOTA Rent a Car, Nippon Rent a Car, Budget Rent a Car and Times CAR RENTAL. Each company offers its own range of vehicles and add-on services, so below we compare a few of Kyoto’s rental companies with gogoout.
| gogoout | Budget Rent a Car | TOYOTA Rent a Car | Nippon Rent a Car | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport/station pickup service | To be updated | ✕ | Pickup can be arranged at some stations | Pickup can be arranged at some branches |
| Chinese-language support | ○ (live chat support in Chinese) | ○ (chatbot support in Chinese) | ○ (Chinese-language support at some branches) | ○ (Chinese-language support at some branches) |
| GPS | To be updated | ○ (standard on the vehicle) | ○ (standard on the vehicle) | ○ (standard on the vehicle) |
| ETC | To be updated | ○ (paid option) | ○ (paid option) | ○ (paid option) |
| Child safety seat | To be updated | ○ (paid option) | (depends on whether the branch offers it) | ○ (paid option) |
| Business hours | To be updated | 8:00~20:00 | 8:00~20:00 | 07:00～22:00 |
Differences in Kyoto car rental insurance
When renting a car in Kyoto, one of the most important things to understand is the insurance rules.
Japan has a basic insurance system for vehicles on the road, including compulsory liability insurance, which provides a certain level of compensation for personal injury, property damage and damage to the vehicle. These basic costs are normally already included in the rental price.
Although most of the compensation is paid by the insurance company, the renter still has to cover part of the cost — this is the so-called “deductible.”
Within those deductible rules, there are two different waiver systems:
1. Collision damage waiver (CDW)
(Collision Damage Waiver): a waiver designed to ease the renter’s financial burden in the event of vehicle damage or a collision. It’s an optional extra on top of the basic compulsory insurance, and it waives the deductible the renter would otherwise have to pay, giving you much greater peace of mind if an accident happens.
2. NOC (non-operation charge) coverage
(Non-Operation Charge): compensation for lost business — the equivalent of the loss-of-use fee commonly seen in Taiwan. Some rental companies also offer this coverage, which waives the fee for the business the shop loses while the vehicle is being repaired after the accident.
Note | These two types of coverage are separate, so buying one doesn’t necessarily waive the loss-of-use fee as well; in most cases they are charged separately.
| Basic compulsory insurance | + CDW collision damage waiver | + NOC coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury compensation (for third parties) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Property damage compensation | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Vehicle damage compensation | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Personal injury compensation (for passengers) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Deductible waived | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Loss-of-use fee waived | ✔️ |
We genuinely recommend that everyone renting or picking up a car think carefully about the insurance options above. Accidents can happen at any time, and paying a little extra for insurance can hugely reduce the potential losses if something unfortunate occurs. Don’t let a small fee lead you to overlook your own safety and that of others, or your rights — that always matters most. Whatever the purpose of your trip, coverage is the best way to get peace of mind and protection.
Comparing Kyoto car rental costs
Now that we’ve covered some of the rental companies and the insurance details, here’s a comparison of prices at each company using the same vehicle class as an example:
| gogoout | Budget Rent a Car | TOYOTA Rent a Car | Nippon Rent a Car | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle price (per day / excluding add-ons) | To be updated | About NTD 1670 | About NTD 2180 | About NTD 2485 |
| GPS | To be updated | Free | Free | Free |
| ETC | To be updated | One-time rental fee of ￥330 | One-time rental fee of ￥330 | One-time rental fee of ￥330 |
| Child seat | To be updated | ￥1,100 / unit | ￥550 / 72 hours | ￥1,100 / unit |
| Compulsory insurance | To be updated | Included in the base rental price | Included in the base rental price | Included in the rental price |
| CDW insurance | To be updated | ￥1,430 yen / day | ￥1,100 / 24 hours | ￥1,100 –￥2,200/ 24 hours |
| NOC compensation coverage | To be updated | ￥2,200 yen / day | ￥550 / 24 hours | (called ECO on the official website) ￥440 / 24 hours |
How to rent a car in Kyoto
Renting a car in the Kyoto area with gogoout takes just three simple steps. Choose your pickup location, set your pickup and return times, pick your car, fill in your basic details and pay — your booking is done!
What do you need to rent a car in Kyoto?
Before you plan to rent a car in Kyoto, make sure all your documents are in order. Here are the key things to watch out for:
1. Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for the whole rental period and that the personal details on it match the information you gave when booking.
2. Valid driver’s license & Japanese translation
If you plan to rent a car or motorcycle in Kyoto, Osaka or elsewhere in the Kansai region, make sure your driver’s license, or its Japanese translation, is still within its validity period in your home country.
Tip | We recommend bringing the original of your home-country driver’s license so you can show it if needed.
For travelers from Taiwan, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, Monaco, Estonia and Slovakia, Japan only accepts a Japanese translation of your home-country driver’s license
Bring your passport, your home-country driver’s license and the Japanese translation of your license so you can legally rent a car or motorcycle.
(In Taiwan you can apply at any Motor Vehicles Office; the fee is NT$100 / if your license is an older version or has expired, a reissue or replacement costs NT$200)
Tip | The Japanese translation must match the details on your license. If your license needs to be replaced or renewed, make sure the information is consistent.
3. Valid driver’s license & International Driving Permit
If you hold an International Driving Permit issued by a country party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (valid for one year), you can drive a car or motorcycle legally in Japan with your passport and IDP.
Tip | Japan does not recognize International Driving Permits issued by countries party to the 1926 Paris Convention, the 1943 Washington Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention.
Under Japanese rules, as long as you hold the valid documents above, you may drive or rent a car or motorcycle within one year of entering Japan.
4. Credit card
Some rental companies place a pre-authorization hold on a credit card, which means that at pickup they will check the credit card details of the person who made the booking, or of the driver taking the car. So before you set off, be sure to bring the relevant credit card to the rental counter so your booking goes through smoothly. This is an important step that saves you unnecessary hassle and delays.
Things to know when renting a car in Kyoto
1. Traffic rules / traffic fines
Right-hand drive:
Japan drives on the left with right-hand-drive cars, an important difference to keep in mind, since it is the opposite of Taiwan and most countries in Europe and the Americas. The steering position and the road rules you need to follow are reversed from what you are used to, so don’t panic when you flick the wipers instead of the turn signal. The key points: drive slowly, watch the road, follow local traffic rules and don’t overlook any important safety details.
Watch your turns:
Remember this reminder: “Wide turns to the right, tight turns to the left.”
Also, when approaching an intersection or an exit, check for vehicles on your right first and then on your left, to avoid colliding with oncoming traffic.
Drive safely:
Drive steadily, don’t speed, never drink and drive, and buckle up.
These are basic road safety principles no matter which country you’re in. Whether you’re in Taiwan or Japan, follow them strictly.
Speeding fines:
Ordinary roads / expressways, up to 15 km/h over the limit: fine of ¥9,000
Expressways, 30 km/h or more but under 35 km/h over the limit: fine of ¥25,000
Expressways, 35 km/h or more but under 40 km/h over the limit: fine of ¥35,000
Expressways, 40 km/h or more over the limit: fine of ¥100,000
(The fines above are for ordinary compact vehicles; fines differ by vehicle type)
Drunk driving fines:
Breath alcohol reading (0.15 mg/l or below): fine of ¥500,000 or more / passengers are also fined ¥300,000 or more
If you are too intoxicated to drive the vehicle properly: fine of ¥1,000,000 or more / passengers are also fined ¥500,000 or more
(Not wearing a seat belt does not carry a fine, but if you are not wearing one when an accident happens, some insurance coverage may not pay out.)
Using your phone while driving:
Using a phone while driving is strictly forbidden—both taking calls and scrolling on your phone are banned. Illegal phone use carries a fine of ¥6,000
Yellow lane lines:
With yellow lane lines, remember that you may not cross the line to overtake unless a sign clearly allows it.
You may, however, turn left, turn right or make a U-turn where no sign prohibits it. Always follow the traffic signs and markings so your driving stays safe and legal.
White lane lines:
Solid white line: you may not change lanes across it at will, but it is fine to touch it when going around a car parked at the roadside—just return to your lane as soon as possible.
Dashed white line: you may change lanes and overtake when it is safe.
A solid yellow line alongside a dashed white line: cars on the white-line side may change lanes across to the yellow-line side, but cars on the yellow-line side may not change lanes.
Stop and go:
Japan’s stop-and-go sign system is different from Taiwan’s. When you see the signs “止まれ” (stop) and “踏切” (railroad crossing), you must bring the car to a complete stop and only move off again once it is safe. Failing to follow these rules carries two penalties:
Failure to stop fine: if you do not come to a complete stop before a “止まれ” sign, you face a fine of ¥7,000.
Railroad crossing fine: failing to come to a complete stop before a railroad crossing carries a fine of up to ¥9,000.
Temporary stopping:
In Japan, stopping or parking wherever you like is enforced and punished very strictly. Never assume you can get away with it—the penalties are heavy, and this is one bad habit from Taiwan you really need to watch out for in Japan. So when you need to park, the best advice is to look for a nearby parking lot; that is always the safest choice.
If you must stop at the roadside, pay close attention to the markings on the sidewalk curb:
Dashed yellow line: you may stop temporarily but not park—the vehicle must stay ready to move.
Solid yellow line: stopping or parking is completely prohibited. Parking here counts as a serious violation.
Illegal parking can lead to a fine, starting at ¥10,000.
Tip | Check carefully before you pull into a parking lot, and don’t park in a 「月極駐車場」 (monthly-contract parking lot). These are rented by the month rather than charged by the hour, and you could end up in a local resident’s space and have your rental car immobilized.
Parking fees:
Kyoto parking lots calculate fees in all sorts of ways, and one slip can leave you with a huge parking bill. Check the following before you park:
- Day of the week: some lots charge different rates for weekdays and 土日祝 (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays); others split it into 月~土 (Monday–Saturday) and 日曜 (Sunday). Both can be pricing traps.
- Time of day: daytime 8:00–20:00 / xxx yen, nighttime 20:00–8:00 / xxx yen
- Maximum charge: daytime maximum xxx yen, nighttime maximum xxx yen; 入庫から/駐車後12時間最大 (maximum charge within a set number of hours from entry/after parking)
The rules above all price things differently, and lots usually combine several of them into their own fee structure. If you just see the maximum charge and park straight away, you may overlook the fine print next to it and end up paying a hefty parking fee.
Further reading on Japanese parking fee signs: Times parking lot sign / Meitetsu Kyosho parking lot sign
Clear right of way:
Japan’s traffic rules make right of way very clear. Under these rules, the order of priority is usually as follows:
Vehicles going straight: they have absolute priority, meaning they go through the intersection first and other vehicles must wait for them.
Vehicles turning left: left-turning cars usually go before right-turning cars but after through traffic. In other words, they must wait for through traffic and other left-turning cars before turning left.
Vehicles turning right: right-turning cars are normally the last through the intersection, so they must wait for all other vehicles, including through and left-turning traffic.
This clear allocation of right of way keeps traffic flowing in an orderly way and makes the roads safer. So wherever you are, follow these rules to keep traffic smooth and safe.
Priority on main roads:
While driving you’ll often meet cars on a side road about to merge onto a main road, or face that awkward moment when neither driver is sure who should yield.
In Japan it is very clear: the main road has the right of way, so keep driving and do not brake sharply, which could cause the car behind to rear-end you.
If you are the one merging from a side road, slow down to a complete stop, make sure the traffic is clear, and only then pull out.
Pedestrians first:
In Japan, a traffic culture that respects pedestrians is very important, and this is quite different from Taiwan. Giving pedestrians priority is taken seriously here, so always yield when you see someone on foot—otherwise you risk a fine, which would put a real damper on your self-drive trip.
Tip | If you do unfortunately pick up a traffic ticket, remember to pay it at the local police box (交番, koban). If you wait and pay through the rental company instead, the amount will go up.
2. Traffic signals
Traffic lights
Traffic lights play an important role in Japan’s road rules. The upper row is usually the standard red-yellow-green signal, while the lower row shows arrows for going straight, turning left and turning right. For example:
Red light + straight arrow: you may continue straight ahead but not turn.
Red light + left arrow: you may turn left but not go straight or turn right.
Green light + right arrow: vehicles in all directions may safely proceed, including right turns.
These signals matter a lot and help keep traffic orderly and safe. Be sure to follow them for your own safety and that of other road users.
Flashing yellow / red lights
In Japan’s signal system, a flashing yellow or red light at an intersection means you need to take extra care, because it works a little differently from a normal traffic light.
Flashing yellow: slow down and proceed carefully, watching your surroundings and making sure no vehicles are coming.
Flashing red: this has the same force as a “止まれ” sign—you must bring the car to a complete stop and may only move off once you have confirmed the intersection is clear.
Traffic signs
Below are some of the most common traffic signs. When driving in Kyoto, keep an eye on the signs at all times so you don’t break the law.
3. Setting up the car navigation system
Car navigation systems in Japan have a unique feature called the Mapcode system, which is especially handy when your phone signal is weak or unusable. You can look up the Mapcode for your destination on Mapion and then type that number straight into the car’s navigation unit.
You can also simply enter the destination’s phone number, which often gives more accurate directions than Google Maps. Before you set off, it’s a good idea to note down the places and shops you plan to visit along with the phone numbers of nearby navigation points.
That way you can reach your destination easily and accurately without worrying about signal problems or an unstable connection. It’s a very practical feature on a Kyoto trip and makes exploring this beautiful country much easier.
👉Click here for a detailed Mapcode guide👈
4. Driver identification stickers
Japan has a special kind of car sticker that is widely used, usually placed on the front and rear of the vehicle. These stickers give local drivers important information and let the driver behind quickly recognize something about the car so they can give way or show extra courtesy. If you’re heading to Kyoto for a self-drive trip, it’s worth asking your rental company whether they provide these stickers, or checking local stores to see if they’re available to buy.
Here are some of the most common sticker types:
| 初心運転者標識 (new driver sign) | 高齢運転者標識 (elderly driver sign) |
 Shows that the driver is a beginner with less than one year of driving experience |  Indicates that the driver of the vehicle is an elderly person |
| Hearing-impaired driver mark | Physically disabled driver mark |
 Indicates that the driver of the vehicle is hearing impaired |  Indicates that the driver of the vehicle has a physical disability |
Under Japanese traffic law, you should give way courteously whenever you encounter vehicles displaying these marks.
Ignoring them can result in a fine, so pay extra attention. Whether you are a self-drive visitor or a resident of Kyoto, follow these traffic rules strictly to keep the roads safe and orderly.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Kyoto
1. How old do you have to be to rent a car in Kyoto?
A: Many rental companies will not rent to drivers under 20, or to those who have held a license for less than one year.
So before you book, double-check that you meet the rental company’s requirements!
2. How are tolls calculated?
A: Tolls on Kyoto’s expressways are collected in two ways: cash-paying “general” lanes and “ETC” lanes. During peak hours the general lanes can get congested, so an ETC (electronic toll collection) lane is the more convenient choice.
(Note that you still need to keep your speed below 20 km/h in ETC lanes, or the reader may not pick up your card!)
3. What should you do if you have an accident?
A: If you are unlucky enough to have an accident, contact the rental company immediately so the staff can help you handle it, and call the police at the same time. You need the police accident report to file an insurance claim.
4. How do you pay a traffic ticket?
A: If you do get a traffic ticket, remember to pay it yourself at the local police station (koban). If you wait until you return the car or go home to pay, the amount will go up!
5. I booked a car on gogoout, but my flight or ferry to Japan is delayed or canceled. What now?
A:
. If the pickup location is affected by force majeure (such as a natural disaster or a strike), gogoout will decide whether to cancel and refund the booking or allow you to reschedule. (This applies only to non-Taiwan partner shops.)
. If you are a cruise passenger, Article 1 of the rental terms does not apply to you. To cancel a rental order, please apply for a refund in line with the partner shop’s cancellation policy.
6. Which fuel should you choose?
A: Japanese gas stations have both full-service and self-service pump islands.
Here is a comparison table of the fuel labels in Chinese, Japanese and English:
| Fuel type | Nozzle color | Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline (95) | Red | レギコラー | Regular |
| Premium gasoline (98) | Yellow | ハイオク | Premium |
| Diesel | Green | 軽油 | Diesel |
Filling up at a Japanese gas station is simple and convenient, and almost the same as in Taiwan.
Self-service refueling steps:
1. Choose the fuel, the amount and the payment method:
On the pump screen, select the type of fuel you want, then follow the on-screen instructions to decide how much to put in (by liters or by amount), or choose to fill the tank (usually the 「満」(full) option).
Once you have picked the fuel and the amount, you can choose how to pay: by credit card, at the self-service payment machine next to the pump, or at the staffed cashier.
2. Refuel:
Open the fuel filler, insert the nozzle and squeeze the handle to start fueling. The pump stops automatically once your selected amount has been dispensed. Then carefully return the nozzle to its holder and close the fuel cap tightly. Finally, don’t forget to take your receipt and any change.
(If you pay cash, the 料金機 (payment machine) is usually nearby, so look carefully!)
We hope this Kyoto car rental guide has given you useful information for your trip. On a self-drive trip, being well prepared and understanding the rental process makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Whether you are exploring ancient temples or chasing natural scenery, a rental car is the ideal way to discover the beauty of Kyoto. Wishing you a trip full of surprises and wonderful memories!
More articles on car rental and travel in Japan:
👉[Japan car rental] 2024 rental guide and price comparison for a free and easy trip around Japan!
👉[Tokyo car rental] Recommended rentals, company comparisons and things to watch out for: a full guide to self-driving in Tokyo!
👉[Okinawa car rental must-read] Recommended rentals, price comparisons and self-drive tips all in one guide!
👉[Osaka car rental] Recommended rentals, self-drive know-how and insurance explained in one article!
👉[Hokkaido car rental] The latest 2023 guide with 9 things every self-driver should know!
👉[Fukuoka car rental] Recommended rentals, company comparisons and a full guide to self-driving in Fukuoka!
👉[Nagoya car rental] The latest rental company price comparisons and insurance tips, so you can self-drive around central Japan!
Where should you rent a car for Kyoto?
Spending hours and still unable to decide which rental company to book with? Dates set but no cars showing up in your searches? Not familiar with driving in an unfamiliar place? Still can’t find the right rental shop?
Then come to gogoout — you’ll always find a car, and at a great price!
This article was translated by AI from the original Chinese version.
