How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kumamoto
Turn the key on your trip with a cheap rental car in Kumamoto. With prices averaging Rs12,234 a day, you're on the road to better value. From economy models to full-size family cars, we'll match you with your kind of ride at your kind of price.
Rs7,418 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Kumamoto.
Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? Rs54,429 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Get the timing right and book about four weeks ahead to score yourself the best price on a Kumamoto car hire.
Rent your wheels from Nissan Rent a Car, Budget or Avis. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Whether you choose Nissan Rent a Car or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Kumamoto car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of Rs16,009 a day.
Next up is this provider, offering daily rates of around Rs14,155.
The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly Rs26,630 a day for one of their rentals.
The Compact rental category is a reliable choice if you're unsure which ride is right for you. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Kumamoto.
Flying to Kumamoto? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at Kumamoto Airport. If you're flying to Kumamoto through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 16 kilometres and takes around 30 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Kumamoto
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Kumamoto gives you the freedom to explore for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are ideal for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this Kumamoto car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Kumamoto that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, baggage or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Kumamoto car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so compare before you book.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Kumamoto by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental 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' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Travelling with kids? Car seat rules vary by location, and the correct setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Kumamoto car hire reservation.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Driving in Japan can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the left side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
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.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) on your trip here. In addition to your credit and debit cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
Japanese is the language most commonly spoken throughout this country.
Best hotels in Kumamoto for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at HappyCloset&WasamonHostel. Offering parking as well as internet access and Wi-Fi, this hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Kumamoto.
The Blossom Kumamoto is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features parking, plus a laundry and Wi-Fi. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Kumamoto and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Kumamoto and the right hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Kick things off with top attractions like Kumamoto Castle, Sakura Park and Sakura Park.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Kumamoto
Fukuoka should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit Itsukushima Shrine and teamLab Forest Fukuoka. This city is around 88 kilometres north of central Kumamoto.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Fukuoka include Plaza Hotel Premier and The Breakfast Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Kumamoto and then head out to Oita. Roughly 97 kilometres northeast of Kumamoto, Sakura Park and Yasaka Shrine are major attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
Oita has some good accommodation options such as Rembrandt Hotel Oita and HOTEL Mystays Oita. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Matsuyama, about 225 kilometres northeast of Kumamoto. Kick things off at Matsuyama Castle, then head to Dogo Onsen Annex Asukano Yusen.
All that's left to do now is sleep. HOTEL Mystays Matsuyama and Matsuyama Tokyu Rei Hotel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Matsuyama.
