Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Kyoto to Osaka. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
Notes: Accepted translation: Authorized Japanese Translation for driver's license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia, Estonia, and Monaco. According to the Japanese Road Traffic Law, if you use IDP to drive in Japan, [this time entering] Japan must be 3 months from [last time leaving] Japan. American driver's license and China Taiwan driver's license are excluded.
One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:
Starting from
US$ 77/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 93-US$ 136 | US$ 30-US$ 38 | US$ 231-US$ 336 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Large | US$ 122 | US$ 30-US$ 36 | US$ 487 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 123 | US$ 30-US$ 36 | US$ 487 | Large groups, long drivers |
| Van | US$ 191 | US$ 38 | US$ 458 | Large families, groups |
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.
Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
Refuel the car before returning it to avoid additional charges from the rental company.
Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.
Plan refueling stops along the route to avoid running low on fuel.
The estimated fuel cost for this route is around 150 JPY per liter.
Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel efficiency.
Check tire pressure before starting the trip for better mileage.
Avoid excessive use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.
Many parking lots are available near Kyoto Station with rates starting at 300 JPY per hour.
Street parking is limited and often restricted in central areas.
Consider using parking apps to find the best deals and availability.
Osaka offers numerous parking options, especially near the city center.
Parking rates in Osaka typically range from 200 JPY to 600 JPY per hour.
Look for overnight parking deals if leaving your car for extended periods.
Navitime Parking Search
Times Parking App
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Enjoy a thrilling day at Universal Studios in Osaka after exploring Kyoto's elegance.
Start with Kyoto's historic temples and end the day in the lively districts of Osaka.
Experience the traditional tea culture in Uji and then savor Osaka's renowned street food.
Take a journey from the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to viewing Osaka from the Umeda Sky Building.
Confirm Car Model: Ensure the rental car matches your planned activities, considering space, fuel efficiency, and suitability for city or rural drives.
Route Navigation: Usually cell phone navigation apps suffice, but ensure having a backup method since some areas have weak signals.
Understanding Fees: Study potential additional charges like tolls and drop-off fees for one-way rentals in advance.
Plan Refueling: Refuel at major areas or identified gas stations as rural stations might not accept foreign credit cards.
Scheduling Flexibility: Plan time buffers for unforeseen delays, especially when factoring in scenic exploration or traffic jams.
Drive Safely in Japan: Abide by traffic rules, understand parking systems, and utilize rest areas for safe driving manners.
Choosing the right car rental company for a one-way trip from Kyoto to Osaka requires consideration of multiple factors such as fee structures, vehicle options, and location coverage.
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Rent a Car | $$ | Excellent | Extensive | |
| Times Car Rental | $ | Good | Moderate | |
| Nippon Rent-A-Car | $$$ | Excellent | Extensive | |
| Orix Rent-A-Car | $$ | Good | Moderate |
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Most rental centers operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
Pickup centers are situated near Kyoto Station, while drop-off points are accessible in Osaka downtown and railway station areas.
Free shuttles are available from central points in Kyoto to the rental centers. In Osaka, drop-off locations are well-connected to local transportation.
Book your rental in advance to secure your preferred vehicle, and confirm one-way availability between Kyoto and Osaka when reserving.
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