How to find a cheap car hire deal in Osaka
Pick up a cheap rental car in Osaka for an average of $197 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the major providers, putting amazing deals at your fingertips.
$26 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Osaka.
Thinking of staying longer? Book a weekly rental from $164 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
To score the best price on a Osaka car hire, try to book ahead. Rates tend to rise as your travel dates approach, and you might have less to pick from.
Check out the offers available with BEST KANSAI CAR RENTAL, BE KOBE and Nissan Rent a Car. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Osaka car hire policy, whether you book with BEST KANSAI CAR RENTAL or another supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Osaka.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average $64 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around $73.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly $88 a day.
The Economy rental category is a solid choice if you can't decide what sort of ride you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Osaka.
Flying to Osaka? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by picking up a car hire at Kansai International Airport. If you're flying to Osaka through this airport, simply collect your wheels after landing and go. The drive to the city centre is about 48 kilometres and takes around 50 minutes.
Or make a speedy getaway with a car hire from Itami Airport. Once those keys are in your hand, it'll take roughly 30 minutes to drive the 18 kilometres or so to the centre.
Also explore the rental car options at Kobe Airport. Central Osaka is around 32 kilometres away, which is a driving time of about 40 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Osaka
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or just planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Great for longer journeys, this Osaka car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Osaka makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Osaka car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Osaka by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car hire in Japan. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat requirements vary by location, and the right setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Be sure to add the right one to your Osaka car hire reservation.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And remember to stay on the left side of the road in Japan.
Local speed limits are often about 55kph in built-up areas and around 85kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03% applies in Japan. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
The Japanese yen (JPY) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with your card when you can, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.
The language most often spoken in this country is Japanese.
Best hotels in Osaka for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time enjoying your stay at Feel Osaka Yu. About 2 kilometres from central Osaka, it comes with parking, luggage storage and internet access.
APA Hotel Nambaminami Ebisucho Eki Shinsekai makes travel simpler with accessible parking and features like a laundry and internet access. It's roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Osaka and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Osaka and your hotel, all that's left is deciding where to head to first. Get things started with major attractions such as Dotonbori, Osaka Castle and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Osaka
Buckle up and make tracks to Kobe. Around 27 kilometres west of central Osaka, you'll find must-do sights like Chinatown (Nankinmachi) and Cherry Blossom Promenade along the Toga River.
Kobe Luminous Hotel Sannomiya and ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe by IHG are popular accommodation options with parking in Kobe.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Osaka and then set out for Kyoto. Roughly 40 kilometres northeast of Osaka, Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Taisha are highlights that are worth going out of your way for.
Kyoto has some good places to stay such as Hearton Hotel Kyoto and Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Cruise on over to Shizuoka, about 257 kilometres east of Osaka. From Kiyomizu-dera to Japanese Garden, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
Get some shut-eye in Shizuoka at either Shizutetsu Hotel Prezio Shizuoka Ekinan or Hotel Associa Shizuoka(JR-Central Hotels). They have a room waiting for you and a place to park too.
