How to find a cheap car hire deal in Hakone
Searching for a cheap rental car in Hakone? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging $243 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can search less, save more, and feel good about what you paid.
$64 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Hakone.
Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $363 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Score the best price on a Hakone car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.
Line up your ride with NIPPON Rent A Car, Nissan Rent a Car or Alamo. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Hakone car hire policy, whether you book with NIPPON Rent A Car or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Skip the hidden fees by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at $101 a day.
In second position is [this provider](this provider), which offers daily rates of around $123.
The third option also performs well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $137 a day.
Want a car that handles just about any journey? The Mini rental category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Hakone.
Compare car hire types in Hakone
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Hakone gives you the freedom to explore for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Hakone car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Hakone that can handle the big jobs. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Hakone car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These add-ons can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Hakone.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your car hire in Japan.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat rules vary depending on where you are, and the right setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Make sure you add the right one to your Hakone car hire booking.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you've never driven in Japan, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 55kph in built-up areas and 85kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
In Japan, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.03%. If you're planning to drink, pass the keys to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) on your trip here. As well as your credit and debit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Hakone for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time enjoying your stay at The Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara. Around 5 kilometres from central Hakone, it comes with parking, shuttle services and Wi-Fi.
MONS Gora makes life simpler with parking and features such as air conditioning and a garden. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Hakone and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Hakone and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Hakone National Park, Owaku-dani Valley and Mount Hakone are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Hakone
Tokyo should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Tokyo Skytree and Sensho-ji. This city is about 88 kilometres northeast of central Hakone.
Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main and Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku are reliable accommodation options with parking in Tokyo.
Add Kawasaki to your travels too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Hakone and drive about 72 kilometres northeast to explore main draws such as Tofuku-ji Temple and Kawasaki Daishi.
HOTEL Mystays Premier Omori and Tmark City Hotel Tokyo Omori are comfortable places to stay in Kawasaki if you're in town for a while. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Motor on to Toyohashi, around 153 kilometres west of Hakone. From Yoshida Castle to Okunoin, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
Drift off to sleep in Toyohashi at either Loisir Hotel Toyohashi or Comfort Hotel Toyohashi. They have a room waiting for you and space for your wheels too.
