Last updated: April 2026
Why Rent a Car in Osaka?
From Osaka, drive to the sacred temples of Koyasan, the castle town of Himeji, and the pilgrimage routes of the Kumano Kodo. The Kii Peninsula's coastal roads are Japan's undiscovered scenic treasure.
🏆 Top Drive from Osaka
Kii Peninsula coastal drive and Kumano shrines — this is the drive that makes renting a car in Osaka truly worthwhile.
Compare Car Rental Providers in Osaka
Osaka's rental market is smaller than Tokyo's, with fewer English-language options. Platforms with strong Japanese supplier relationships offer both better pricing and critical English-language support.
| Provider | Coverage | Best For | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economybookings.com | 160+ countries, 50,000+ pickup locations... | Travelers who want to compare the widest range of ... | Check Prices |
| QEEQ | ~200 countries, strongest in Europe, Nor... | Tech-savvy travelers who want a modern booking exp... | Check Prices |
Driving Tips for Osaka
Osaka is in Japan, where you drive on the left side of the road. The motorway speed limit is 100 km/h on expressways and the average fuel price is ¥175/L. An International Driving Permit is required (1949 Geneva Convention IDP only) for foreign drivers.
Local tip: Expressway tolls are very expensive — a Tokyo to Osaka drive costs ¥10,000+ in tolls alone. Consider an ETC card for discounts.
Car Hire at Osaka Airport (KIX)
Most visitors pick up their rental car at Osaka Airport (KIX). The rental car desks are located in the arrivals terminal, and most providers also offer shuttle buses to nearby off-airport depots for even better rates. For terminal maps and arrival info, visit the Kansai Airport official website.