Car hire in Shimonoseki, Japan

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There are 15 car hire providers in Shimonoseki. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Shimonoseki

Hiring a car in Shimonoseki: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceر.ق.‏ 224
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Shimonoseki

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 Shimonoseki car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Shimonoseki

  • Take control of your trip with a cheap rental car in Shimonoseki. With prices averaging ر.ق.‏ 224 a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From city cars to family movers, we'll help you pick the right wheels at a price that works.

  • ر.ق.‏ 136 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Shimonoseki.

  • For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from ر.ق.‏ 854 and pack more sights into your itinerary.

  • Walk away with the best price on a Shimonoseki car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the car that fits and a rate that works.

  • Browse the offers available with Times, Europcar and NIPPON Rent A Car. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.

  • Whether you choose Times or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Shimonoseki car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.

  • Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Shimonoseki.

  • Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Travel without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of ر.ق.‏ 201 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around ر.ق.‏ 391, this provider comes in next.

  • The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly ر.ق.‏ 290 a day.

  • The Economy rental category is a dependable choice if you're not sure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other in Shimonoseki.

Compare car hire types in Shimonoseki

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or just planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Shimonoseki car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Shimonoseki handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Adding excess insurance to your Shimonoseki car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Shimonoseki by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

  • Age requirements vary by supplier (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some companies in Japan may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.

  • Bringing the kids with you? Car seat laws vary by location, and the best setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Check if you need to add one to your Shimonoseki car hire reservation.

  • Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) and a second photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.

  • If you're unfamiliar with driving in Japan, be aware that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.

  • Local speed limits are usually about 55kph in urban areas and around 85kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.

  • 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 to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.

  • The Japanese yen (JPY) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's convenient, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.

  • Japanese is the language most commonly spoken throughout this country.

Best hotels in Shimonoseki for drivers

  • Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time settling into the comfort of Mimosusogawa Bekkan. About 2 kilometres from central Shimonoseki, it comes with parking, bicycle rentals and a cafe.

  • Or make use of the parking at Jr Kyushu Station Hotel Kokura. The city centre is roughly 10 kilometres from this option, which also features luggage storage and room service.

  • Need more places to choose from? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Shimonoseki. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.

  • It's time to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in Shimonoseki and your hotel. From Itsukushima Shrine to Karato market and Ichiriyama Park, there's plenty to keep you busy here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Shimonoseki

  • Fukuoka should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Itsukushima Shrine and teamLab Forest Fukuoka. This city is around 64 kilometres southwest of central Shimonoseki.

  • Reliable accommodation options with parking in Fukuoka include Plaza Hotel Premier and The Breakfast Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Shimonoseki and head roughly 80 kilometres southwest to Kurume. Featuring Nishitate Park and Shogaku-ji Temple, its highlights live up to the buzz.

  • Kurume has some comfortable accommodation options including Hotel Bientos and Comfort Inn Tosu. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.

  • There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Motor on to Okayama, around 290 kilometres east of Shimonoseki. From Itsukushima Shrine to Kotohira Shrine, your journey will end on a high note.

  • Hit the hay in Okayama at either The OneFive Okayama or Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Shimonoseki will set you back around ر.ق.‏ 224 per day or ر.ق.‏ 854 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Shimonoseki is an intermediate sports car. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Shimonoseki are currently Budget and Nissan Rent a Car.
On average, around ر.ق.‏ 854. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Shimonoseki is ر.ق.‏ 854.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Shimonoseki, 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 Shimonoseki 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 Shimonoseki.
Most places – Shimonoseki 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 ر.ق.‏ 136 per day. The average price per day is around ر.ق.‏ 224.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, Times and NIPPON Rent A Car offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Budget 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 Shimonoseki.