How to find a cheap car hire deal in Matsumoto (MMJ)
Exit the airport, enter adventure. Pick up a cheap Matsumoto rental car for around Rs19,327 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching the best rental providers, so you can easily compare prices and book.
Daily rental prices at Matsumoto start from just Rs13,476.
Planning extra time in Matsumoto and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? Rs127,063 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To land the best deal on your MMJ car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Prices tend to climb as your travel dates approach, and last-minute availability isn't always guaranteed.
Rent your wheels at Matsumoto from well-known providers like ワンズレンタカー and Rakuten.
Whether you book with ワンズレンタカー or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Matsumoto car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in MMJ. Providers often need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can bag some great one-way prices.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Matsumoto with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average Rs14,065 a day.
Up next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around Rs23,181.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly Rs14,009 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Mini rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers at MMJ.
Compare car hire types from Matsumoto (MMJ)
Small: These cheap Matsumoto rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this MMJ car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Matsumoto is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're tough, versatile, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your MMJ car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Matsumoto by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your rental in Japan. Rules can vary, and extra charges 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.
If the kids are coming with you, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your MMJ car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll need to bring a few 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 usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you're new to driving in Japan, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 55kph in built-up areas and 85kph or so along highways. Always go by the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
The Japanese yen (JPY) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and outings. Use cards where you can, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't possible.
Drive smarter from the start
Take the wheel and go after you've picked up your MMJ car hire. Central Matsumoto is about 10 kilometres to the northeast if that's the direction you're heading.
Allow roughly 25 minutes to get from Matsumoto to the city centre during rush hours.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
Don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive? Think about collecting a car hire in Matsumoto instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Matsumoto (MMJ)
Before leaving town, do some sightseeing around Matsumoto first. Popular attractions like Matsumoto-jō Castle and Myoshoji Temple are the perfect warm-up for the rest of your trip.
Shift gears and take off to Iida. Around 80 kilometres south of MMJ, you'll find well-known sights like Yugahora Forest Park and Shingen-taki Fall.
Alternatively, get behind the wheel of your Matsumoto car hire and head roughly 97 kilometres east to Fujioka. Featuring Kairakuen and Shiroyama Park, there's no shortage of attractions that demand a visit.
Up for a bonus adventure? Nagoya is a top road trip destination that's about 145 kilometres southwest of MMJ. Nagoya Castle and Ninomaru Garden make perfect pit stops.
