Few people know that the first capital of Japan was not Tokyo, but Kyoto. And the city carried this proud title for more than 1000 years! Only then it was called Heiankyo, which in Japanese means "the capital of peace and tranquility." There are several theories about the origin of this name. The most popular version is based on the fact that the city was allegedly built on land guarded by "four sacred spirits." At that time, in the spiritual life of the country, the trend of the philosophical currents of China, and in particular the practice of feng shui, was clearly felt. And the Japanese believed that due to the special location of some mountains, rivers and tracts, this land is protected by mythical creatures or spirits. However, despite this, during its long history, the city had to endure more than one fire of war and numerous epidemics. So, for example, at the end of the 15th century, Kyoto became a battlefield in the internecine war of clans, which lasted almost 77 years. Naturally, by the end of the war, little was left of the city. At the end of the 16th century, the capital was completely rebuilt. It was already a much more fortified city with the residence of the ruler in the center. This layout of the city served as a prototype for the current Kyoto.
During the time that Kyoto was the capital of the country, the city and its inhabitants more than once had to withstand various disasters. Usually the fault was the clashes between the soldiers who defended the rulers and the clans or ordinary inhabitants who rebelled against the power. So, in 1788, a similar conflict ended in a fire that raged for two days and two nights. The Japanese subsequently named it the Great Fire of Tenmei.
Even after the transfer of the capital to Tokyo, the imperial palace was located in Heiankyo, which clearly indicated that, in spite of everything, Kyoto remained the political and cultural capital of the country.
Kyoto Landmarks
The city is located on Honshu Island, in the central part of it. Since it was the center of Kyoto that most often suffered from fires, most of the old buildings and attractions are located on its outskirts. For this reason, it will not be superfluous to worry about renting a car in advance. Bookingautos is one of the convenient options where you can rent a car without problems and delays. Kyoto's official guide website, which covers all upcoming events and festivals, can be your travel companion.
Where should you start exploring the former capital of Japan? Many people think that Fushimi Inari Shrine. A distinctive feature of this temple is not even the fact that its main building is located at the foot of the mountain, but the road that leads to it. An endless number of torii, painted in bright orange, form corridors several kilometers long.
On the shore of the Mirror Lake, there is a Buddhist temple of unique beauty, Kinkaku-ji, which is often called the Golden Pavilion. The name of the temple was due to the external decoration - its walls are actually covered with gold leaf, which is covered with a special varnish for protection. The pavilion is surrounded by small islands where Japanese pines grow. The picture is so mesmerizing that you can't take your eyes off it.
In Kyoto National Museum has a large collection of traditional Japanese art. This museum is considered one of the most famous in Japan. In front of the museum building there is a copy of Rodin's sculpture The Thinker.
What's near Kyoto?
If you have free time, Nara city is forty minutes from Kyoto. Its attraction is a park with deer, which are revered here as sacred animals. Entrance to the park is absolutely free. Also in the city is one of the oldest Japanese temples, Todai-ji.
Peculiarities of the national cuisine of Kyoto
If we talk about traditional Japanese cuisine, Kaiseki Ryori is definitely worth mentioning.
This is a Japanese rotating lunch. It is always based on soup, which is served with three accompanying dishes - something fried, boiled and pickled fish. You can try this lunch at one of the local restaurants:
Okonomiyaki Katsu. This small but cozy restaurant is located in the northern part of the city, in one of the quietest areas. Almost all tourists are delighted with this place. Address: Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto (+81 75-464-8981);
Teppan Tavern Gion Tenamonya. This place is a favorite place for many tourists. The peculiarity of this place is that visitors at the counter can observe the process of cooking. Address: Higashiyama Ward, Gionmachi Minamigawa, 537-2 B1F (+81 75-551-5272).
Kyoto parking lots
Parking in Japan can be either private or municipal. On the latter, you can leave the car for free for only 40-60 minutes. You will have to pay a fine for exceeding the limit. In paid parking lots, the price per hour can reach 300 yen (slightly less than $3). One such parking lot is located at Saiinkogomecho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8414 (+81 120-886-050).
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Avis
Most popular car class
Compact
Average price
28 € / Day
Best price
20 € / Day
Estimated cost for 7 days rental
January
€382
February
€293
March
€257
April
€423
May
€346
June
€440
July
€546
August
€593
September
€332
October
€297
November
€292
December
€531
* Data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
In August rental companies located in Kyoto rent much more cars than in the rest of the year. This month marks the smallest range of cars on offer and the highest rental prices. In such a high season, when the number of available cars is minimal, you should arrange a rental as early as possible. This will allow you to get the best rental option at the most favorable price.
The best time to rent a car in Kyoto is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €24 for a Compact car.
Convertibles are especially popular in summer. It is difficult to find a free car for rent, and you will have to pay more than usual for a trip with a breeze. Renting Audi A5 Cabrio during Summer period can costs €177 per day.
Our fleet has cars of all price categories, from budget to premium: sedans, convertibles, SUVs, minivans, business class cars. You can choose a rental car based on your preferences and budget.
Car rental costs in Kyoto depend on its duration, car class and specific season. A budget category Opel Corsa or Audi A1are available for just €29-€27 per day. When booking through Bookingautos.com, the price will be from €16. The higher segment will cost more. The daily fee for Skoda Superb, VW Tiguan, VW Passat Estate will be about €29. There are also available minivans, luxury cars, electric cars and business class cars. Their rental starts from €47 and can reach several hundred euros per day.
In recent years in Kyoto the demand for electric rental cars has been growing steadily. Their popularity is due to the presence of numerous free parking lots and recharging stations. You will be able to rent Audi-E-tron in Kyoto by selecting start and end dates of the rental in the search filter.
List of required documents
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
10 tips for your car hire in Kyoto
Download desired area of Google maps for offline access
All modern smartphones have a GPS function. You can save on the "Navigator" service and roaming charges for the Internet if you download maps in the Google Maps application in advance. Offline maps also support route building and navigation. To download a map - open the area you need by controlling the scale, and enter "ok maps" in the search.
Book a car 6 weeks in advance
Kyoto is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.
Which car to choose
Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Audi A1 or Opel Corsa. These models are the most popular with our customers in Kyoto.
In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. VW Passat Estate will cost €32 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.
What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance advice
When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.
What types of insurance are available for car rental?
Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Check out the fuel policy
When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Kyoto for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.
Rent without mileage limit
The rental company may set a daily mileage limit. You will have to pay extra for exceeding the limit. Please check this condition before booking. It is possible that a more expensive rental option will turn out to be more profitable in the end: it will not require any additional expenses. To filter cars with unlimited mileage - use the "Mileage" filter in the search results.
Compare conditions of different rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Kyoto, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
How to choose a rental company
Pay attention to the car park. Large and reliable companies regularly buy new cars.
Our clients name the top companies in Kyoto - sixt with an average rating 9.8 points and budget with 9.7 points.
We show all the rental conditions of different companies. Read the rules carefully before booking a car.
Car pick-up procedure
You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.
Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.
Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.
Our main advantages
24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees
Car rental reviews: Kyoto
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Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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