Car hire in Takayama, Japan

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The most popular car rental companies in Takayama

Hiring a car in Takayama: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyHertz
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceRs23,892
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Takayama

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Takayama car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Takayama

  • Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Takayama. Pick from options averaging Rs23,892 a day and get going for less.

  • Daily rental prices in Takayama start from just Rs11,983.

  • Planning to stay longer? Grab a weekly rental from Rs83,760 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • To land the best price on a Takayama car hire, try to book ahead. Rates generally rise as your travel dates approach, and you might have less to pick from.

  • Line up your ride with Hertz, バジェットレンタカー or Toyota Rent A Car. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Takayama car hire policy, whether you go with Hertz or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Takayama.

  • 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 fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.

  • Want to explore freely without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average Rs11,983 a day.

  • Not far behind, [this provider]([this provider) offers daily rates of around Rs22,808.

  • The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly Rs29,205 a day.

  • Need a car that covers most travel plans? The Compact rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Takayama.

Compare car hire types in Takayama

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Takayama may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, fuel efficient, and a match made in heaven for short trips.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for couples and small families.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this Takayama car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Takayama that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group excursions, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Takayama car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Takayama.

Good to know

  • Age requirements for rentals often vary by provider and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in Japan may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.

  • Add a car seat to your Takayama car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Rules change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest approach.

  • Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.

  • Driving in Japan may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the left side of the road.

  • Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 55kph in built-up areas and 85kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03% applies in Japan. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.

  • You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) on your trip here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider having some cash handy for smaller purchases.

Best hotels in Takayama for drivers

  • Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at Iroriyado Hidaya. Offering parking as well as a shop and Wi-Fi, this hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Takayama.

  • Hotel Around TAKAYAMA, an Ascend Collection Hotel gets things right with parking and features like Wi-Fi and a hot spring. It's roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full range of hotels in Takayama and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.

  • Once you've found a car hire deal in Takayama and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to go first. Get things started with leading attractions like Takayama Jinya, Hida no Sato Open Air Museum and Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Takayama

  • Keep travelling to Matsumoto. Around 64 kilometres east of central Takayama, you'll find must-do sights like Matsumoto-jō Castle and Myoshoji Temple.

  • Ace Inn Matsumoto and Alpico Plaza Hotel are recommended accommodation options with parking in Matsumoto.

  • Add Iida to your journey too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Takayama and drive roughly 97 kilometres southeast to discover hot spots like Yugahora Forest Park and Shingen-taki Fall.

  • Ready to go the extra mile? Nagoya is a popular road trip destination that's about 113 kilometres south of Takayama. Plan to make a few pit stops at Nagoya Castle and Ninomaru Garden.

  • Catch up on sleep in Nagoya at either Dormy Inn Premium Nagoya Sakae or the b Nagoya. They have a room waiting for you and parking availability too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Takayama will set you back around Rs23,892 per day or Rs170,879 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Takayama is a full-size passenger van. The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire company in Takayama is currently カースタレンタカー, followed by Toyota Rent A Car.
On average, around Rs170,879. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Takayama is Rs83,878.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Takayama, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Takayama that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Takayama.
Most places – Takayama included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs11,983 per day. The average price per day is around Rs20,833.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Hertz, Toyota Rent A Car and カースタレンタカー offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Hertz as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Takayama.