How to find a cheap car rental deal in Otaru
Searching for a cheap rental car in Otaru? With prices averaging AED 919 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're wanting a small ride, a spacious family car, or anything in between, we compare all the top offers to help you book smart.
Daily rental prices in Otaru start from just AED 204.
Staying a little longer and want to go further than the usual stops? AED 1,508 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Score the best price on a Otaru car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.
Browse the offers available with Toyota Rent A Car, Europcar and Alamo. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Otaru car rental policy, whether you book with Toyota Rent A Car or any other supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find 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 ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car rental options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at AED 287 a day.
Next up is this provider, which offers daily rates of around AED 343.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly AED 470 a day.
The Premium rental category is a dependable pick if you can't decide what sort of ride you need. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other in Otaru.
Compare car rental types in Otaru
Small: These cheap rental cars in Otaru may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to maneuver around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and enhanced tech features, this Otaru car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Otaru makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Otaru car rental providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These features can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Otaru.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by supplier and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Japan may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your Otaru car rental booking if you're traveling with small kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest way to go.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's license, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And importantly, stick to the left side of the road in Japan.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In Japan, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.03%. If you're planning to drink, pass the keys to someone else or use public transport instead.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The Japanese yen (JPY) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when you can, but have some cash handy for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Best hotels in Otaru for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time relaxing at Minami Otaru House. Around 5 kilometers from central Otaru, it comes with parking, air conditioning and internet access.
Or make use of the parking at Club Med Kiroro Grand. The city center is roughly 10 kilometers from this option, which also features a bar and a tennis court.
Browse the range of hotels in Otaru for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car rental deal in Otaru and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Otaru Canal, Otaru Wharf and Otaru Canal Walkpass are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Otaru
Chitose should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Shikotsu Lake Sky Road and Steiff Discovery Walk. This city is around 56 kilometers southeast of central Otaru.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Chitose include Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu No Uta and Shikotsuko Onsen Lake Side Villa SUIMEIKAKU-Adult Only.
Alternatively, make your way to Ishikari after picking up your cheap car rental in Otaru. It's around 48 kilometers northeast and serves up highlights like Bishabetsu Lookout.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Motor on to Goshogawara, about 257 kilometers south of Otaru. From Zyunihon Yasu - Japan's largest giant tree of Hiba to Kanoko Lake, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
