Car Rental in Kyoto: A Practical Guide for Travelers
Renting a car in Kyoto, Japan, is the ideal way to explore the scenic rural areas of the Kansai region, though driving within the historic city center is generally discouraged.
To secure a car rental in Kyoto, Japan, you must meet strict international permit requirements before your arrival.
Compare car rental deals in Kyoto
Pick-up: train station · downtown
Pick-up points: Kyoto (all locations) · Kyoto Downtown · Kyoto Train Station · Kyoto Nijo Station
Partner link — DiscoverCars comparisonGood to know
Driving: on the left.
Local currency: JPY.
| Minimum Driver Age | 18 years old |
| Required Documents | Passport, Home License, 1949 Geneva IDP (or JAF translation) |
| Key Pickup Locations | Kyoto Train Station, Downtown, Nijo Station, Shijo Station |
| Expressway Speed Limits | 80–100 km/h (70 km/h on single-lane routes) |
| ETC Card Rental Fee | Typically ¥300 + tax (e.g., Times Car Rental) |
| Max IDP Validity | 1 year from entry into Japan |
If you are planning a trip to Kyoto, renting a car is a strategic decision that depends entirely on your itinerary. Within the central districts of this historic city of 1.4 million residents, public transport is highly efficient, whereas driving is often slow due to heavy traffic and expensive parking. However, a car rental in Kyoto, Japan, becomes indispensable the moment you decide to travel beyond the city limits to explore the rural temples, coastal areas, and mountain villages of the prefecture. Through platforms like DiscoverCars, you can easily arrange a vehicle for pickup at major transit hubs. This guide covers the essential Japanese driving regulations, document requirements for international travelers, toll road navigation using ETC cards, and local parking rules to ensure a smooth journey through the region.
L'essentiel
To rent a car in Kyoto, you must be at least 18 years old. You must present a valid passport, your domestic driver's license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Note that 1968 Vienna Convention IDPs are not valid in Japan, and you cannot obtain an IDP after arriving in the country. Travelers holding licenses from France, Germany, Belgium, Monaco, Switzerland, or Taiwan cannot use a standard IDP; instead, they must present an official Japanese translation of their license issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). The maximum driving period on an IDP or translation is 1 year from your entry date.
When driving, be aware of strict parking regulations. Spaces marked with the kanji '' (tsukigime) are reserved for monthly contract holders and cannot be used. Spaces marked '' (kei) are strictly for light mini-cars. In central Kyoto, driving is generally discouraged due to heavy traffic and expensive coin parking.
Prices and Booking
Rental rates in Kyoto vary by vehicle class and season, but booking in advance via platforms like DiscoverCars is highly recommended to secure the best rates. When renting, it is highly practical to rent an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card from your rental company (for example, Times Car Rental charges ¥300 + tax per rental). The ETC card allows you to pass through automatic purple toll gates on expressways, with all accumulated toll fees settled when you return the vehicle. If you do not rent an ETC card, you must use the green lanes to pay with cash or credit cards. Note that Japan targets March 2031 to gradually phase out manual cash toll gates entirely, making the ETC card an essential addition for hassle-free travel.
Where to Pick Up Your Car
Car rental pickup points are conveniently distributed across Kyoto's main transport hubs and central districts. The primary locations include:
- Kyoto Train Station: The most popular pickup point, ideal for travelers arriving by Shinkansen.
- Kyoto Downtown: Convenient for those already staying in the city center.
- Kyoto Nijo Station & Kyoto Shijo Station: Excellent alternative hubs to avoid the busiest station areas.
Picking up your car at Kyoto Train Station allows you to immediately access the highway network, bypassing the narrow streets of the historical center. Most major rental offices are located within a short walk from the station exits.
Out-of-City Trips
While driving inside central Kyoto to visit major temples is not recommended due to traffic and parking limits, a rental car is perfect for day trips. Expressway speed limits are typically set at 80 km/h or 100 km/h for passenger cars, reducing to 70 km/h on single-lane expressways. Tolls can add up—for instance, the expressway route from Tokyo to Kyoto costs approximately ¥10,070 in tolls. When driving, pay close attention to the color-coded toll lanes: purple signs mark ETC-only lanes, green signs indicate cash/credit card lanes, and combined purple-and-green signs accept both payment methods.
Where to go by car
| Destination | Distance | Time | Tolls (est.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto to Amanohashidate | ~125 km | ~2 h | — | Drive to the scenic pine-covered sandbar in northern Kyoto Prefecture, known as one of Japan's three most scenic views. |
| Kyoto to Miyama Thatched Village | ~55 km | ~1 h 30 min | — | Explore a traditional rural village with historic thatched-roof farmhouses nestled in the mountains. |
| Kyoto to Lake Biwa (Otsu) | ~25 km | ~40 min | — | Take a quick drive to Japan's largest freshwater lake for water sports, shrine visits, and scenic lakeside views. |
| Kyoto to Nara | ~45 km | ~1 h | — | Travel comfortably to the ancient capital to visit the giant Buddha at Todai-ji and feed the free-roaming deer. |
Tolls: rates vary by country and route segment — check current pricing before you go.