How to find a cheap car hire deal in Nara
Searching for a cheap rental car in Nara? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging $101 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices in Nara start from just $50.
Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from $430 and squeeze in a few road trips.
Score the best price on a Nara car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value with the most choice.
Browse the offers available with Nissan Rent a Car, Orix and Rakuten. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.
The coverage Nissan Rent a Car or another supplier includes with your Nara car hire can differ, so be sure to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Nara.
Spend less on fuel by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $115 a day.
Next up is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $66.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $117 a day with this supplier.
Want a car that handles just about any journey? The Intermediate rental category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Nara.
Compare car hire types in Nara
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Nara car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them a great choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Nara big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group outings, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Nara car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so compare before you commit.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Nara.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car hire in Japan. Rules can vary, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your Nara car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest option.
You'll need some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
If you haven't driven before in Japan, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
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 at all.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) on your trip here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
Japanese is the language spoken in most parts of the country.
Best hotels in Nara for drivers
Pull in and enjoy your stay at Tsukihitei. Offering parking as well as massage services and a lounge, this hotel is around 5 kilometres from central Nara.
Daibutsukan is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, plus a spa and air conditioning. Check in here and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the lineup of hotels in Nara for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Nara and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Daibutsu-den, Todaiji Temple Cultural Centre and Nara Park are a classic introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Nara
Osaka has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Dotonbori and Osaka Castle. This city is about 27 kilometres west of central Nara.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Osaka include Hotel Plaza Osaka and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection by IHG.
Add Kobe to your travel plans. Grab your cheap car hire in Nara and drive roughly 56 kilometres west to take in top spots such as Chinatown (Nankinmachi) and Cherry Blossom Promenade along the Toga River.
Kobe Luminous Hotel Sannomiya and ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe by IHG are comfy places to stay in Kobe if you're hanging around for a while. Book one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.
Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Okayama, around 177 kilometres west of Nara. First, swing past Itsukushima Shrine, then take your time exploring Kotohira Shrine.
Find a room at The OneFive Okayama or Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Okayama has to offer. They come with room for your wheels too.
