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Experience the Scenic Drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto

Discover the beauty of Japan's cultural heartlands on your one-way car rental journey.

Can I rent a car from Kanazawa to Kyoto?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for JP residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical Japan national photo ID
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 year(s).

    Notes: Accepted translation: Authorized Japanese Translation for driver's license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia, Estonia and Monaco.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, and AMEX. XpCard is also supported.
  • Age requirements: The minimum age to drive is 18, and the maximum age is 80-99 depending on the rental policy.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + IDP(issued under the 1949 Convention)
    • Taiwan Driving License in China + Japan Translation or
    • Original driving licence + Japanese Translation for licenses issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, Taiwan, or Estonia.

    Notes: Accepted translation: Authorized Japanese Translation for driver's license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia, Estonia and Monaco. *Driver's license, passport, and IDP must be issued in the same country.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, and AMEX. XpCard is also supported.
  • Age requirements: The minimum age to drive is 18, and the maximum age is 80-99 depending on the rental policy.
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How much does renting a car from Kanazawa to Kyoto cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 103/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 194-US$ 274US$ 0-US$ 144US$ 307-US$ 463Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 247US$ 144US$ 612Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 248-US$ 382US$ 0-US$ 144US$ 612-US$ 619Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 277-US$ 389US$ 0-US$ 116US$ 502-US$ 624Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Many rental companies charge an additional fee for returning the car to a different location. Ensure this fee is included in your budget.
  • Route Restrictions: Verify with your rental company if there are any restrictions on highways or routes for your one-way journey.
  • Cross-Border Policies: If your trip crosses regional boundaries, confirm if the rental agreement permits this travel.
  • Vehicle Return Conditions: Ensure the vehicle is returned in the same condition as received to avoid additional charges.
  • Fuel Policies: Understand the rental's fuel policy — typically, you'll need to return the car with a full tank.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Stops: Research locations along the way to plan stops for sightseeing or rest breaks.
  • Allow Extra Time: Factor in potential delays due to traffic or roadworks to ensure a smooth journey.
  • Compare Prices: Check several rental providers for the best deal on one-way rentals and conditions.
  • Understand Insurance Coverage: Verify what insurance is included with the rental and if additional coverage is needed.
  • Vehicle Type Selection: Choose a vehicle appropriate for your journey's distance, terrain, and the number of passengers.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid additional charges from the rental company.

Keep the last refueling receipt as proof to avoid disputes.

Plan refueling stops in advance to ensure availability and competitive pricing.

Fuel Cost

Estimated average fuel price along the route is approximately 160 JPY per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration to conserve fuel.

Ensure tires are inflated to the recommended pressure for optimal efficiency.

Limit the use of air conditioning, especially at lower speeds, to save fuel.

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Kanazawa Parking

Parking in central Kanazawa may cost around 200-300 JPY per hour.

Look for parking lots near Kanazawa Station for convenience.

Consider using park-and-ride options to save costs and avoid congestion.

Kyoto Parking

Parking in downtown Kyoto can cost up to 400 JPY per hour.

Use parking lots near Kyoto Station for easy drop-off access.

Check for overnight parking options if returning the car late.

Recommended Parking Apps

Navitime Parking Search

Times Parking App

Park24

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Tolls and FasTrak

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Toll Payment Options

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Recommended Driving Routes from Kanazawa to Kyoto:
Scenic Historic Road via Naka-noto Area
Heritage and Culture Route 4 hours

Drive through the historic Naka-noto area, exploring traditional Japanese villages and local landmarks.

Kanazawa , Wajima Morning Market , Shirakawa-go , Kyoto
Coastal Adventure via Fukui
Scenic Coastal Journey 5 hours 30 minutes

This stunning coastal route offers panoramic sea views and stops at calming seaside towns.

Kanazawa , Tsuruga Dinosaur Land , Tojinbo , Kyoto
Route through Takayama Highlands
Mountain and Culture Route 6 hours

Travel through magnificent highland scenery, stopping at historic buildings and ancient towns.

Kanazawa , Takayama , Lake Biwa , Kyoto
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Understand Car Rental Rules: Verify what documents are needed for renting a vehicle and check policies specific to one-way rentals in Japan.

Plan Your Route Using a Reliable GPS System: Ensure to carry a navigation system as some areas might lack clear signage.

Check Fuel Costs: Fuel prices vary, and knowing the gas station locations is important for uninterrupted travel.

Budget Efficiently: Include toll, parking, and fuel costs in your budget to avoid unexpected expenses.

Pack Accordingly: Consider weather conditions along your route when packing for a comfortable journey.

Check Attractions Tickets: Pre-book tickets to popular landmarks to save time and potential disappointment.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to selecting car rental companies offering one-way rental services between Kanazawa and Kyoto.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$ExcellentHigh Flexible return policies , Wide range of vehicle options , Convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in cities
Toyota Rent-a-Car$GoodModerate Reasonable pricing , Japanese car models available , Strong reputation for reliability
Nippon Rent-a-Car$$Very GoodWide Simple process for international drivers , Wide presence across Japan , Online booking discounts available
Times Car Rental$$$ExcellentHigh Premium vehicles , Excellent customer support , Convenient location network
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Rental Center Information in Kanazawa and Kyoto

Operating Hours:

Rental centers typically operate from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

Location Details:

In Kanazawa, rental centers are located near Kanazawa Station and central city areas. In Kyoto, rental centers are situated near Kyoto Station and key transit hubs.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttle services are often available between transportation hubs and rental centers.

Pro Tips for Kanazawa Station Car Rentals

Reserve your vehicle well in advance during travel peak seasons, such as cherry blossom time, to secure availability and preferred options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto?

The drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto generally takes approximately 3 hours without heavy traffic, covering a distance of about 260 kilometers. Make sure to allocate additional time for rest stops and potential traffic delays.

Are there any toll roads on this route?

Yes, the most direct routes from Kanazawa to Kyoto often include toll roads. Make sure to prepare for toll payments if your rental car is not equipped with an ETC card.

Is it possible to rent a car in Kanazawa and return it in Kyoto?

Yes, most major car rental companies offer one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up a car in Kanazawa and return it in Kyoto. Be aware that one-way fees may apply and vary by company.

What documents are required to rent a car in Japan?

To rent a car in Japan, you generally need a valid international driving permit (IDP) alongside your home country's driver's license, a valid passport, and a credit card for payment.

Are there any recommended stops or sights along the way?

Yes, there are several interesting stops such as Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, and Hikone Castle, a historically significant landmark. Additionally, experiencing local cuisine at roadside services is highly recommended.

Ready to Book Your Kanazawa to Kyoto Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ