As the transportation hub of Japan's Chugoku region, Hiroshima is the most underrated strategic base for self-driving tours in Japan. It's not only home to the Peace Memorial Park but also the perfect transit point connecting the San'in and San'yō regions, Shikoku, and northern Kyushu. Compared to one-way routes from Osaka or Fukuoka, Hiroshima allows you to reach 6 prefectures within a 3-hour drive, making it the best starting point for deep exploration of western Japan.
Geographic Advantages for Cross-Regional Travel
The biggest feature of Hiroshima's car rental services is its "multi-directional accessibility." Heading east, you can reach Okayama Kurashiki in 2 hours; west, Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 2.5 hours; south, land in Ehime Shikoku via the Ondo Bridge in 1.5 hours; north,直达 Izumo in Shimane Prefecture in 2 hours via the Chugoku Expressway. This radial transportation network allows you to connect three distinctly different landscapes—the Seto Inland Sea, the Sea of Japan, and the Shikoku mountains—from a single rental base.
Especially in fall and winter, Hiroshima becomes the golden starting point for "onsen-hopping by car." From the city center, you can experience the open-air baths at Yubara Onsen (Okayama), the classical architecture at Dogo Onsen (Ehime), or the hidden hot springs deep in the Chugoku mountains—all in one day. This cross-prefectural onsen island-hopping can only be achieved by self-driving.
Function-Oriented Rental Location Selection
Hiroshima Station Business District: The most concentrated area for car rental services, featuring business sedans and hybrid vehicles. Its advantage is convenient connection to the Shinkansen, making it ideal for travelers arriving from Tokyo or Osaka via Shinkansen who want to pick up a car immediately. Average daily rental is ¥6,000-8,000, with route planning focused on highway long-distance travel.
Hiroshima Airport Surrounding Area: The top choice for international flight passengers, offering a complete selection from compact cars to 8-seater vans. The airport location features 24-hour operation and better English service, but prices are about 15-20% higher than in the city. Daily rental ranges from ¥7,000-12,000, suitable for overseas travelers flying directly to Hiroshima.
Saijo Industrial Zone Logistics Center: The hidden gem for car rentals, primarily serving local businesses but also accepting individual rentals. The vehicles here are usually newer since they are replacement vehicles from corporate fleets, yet prices are 30% cheaper than tourist areas. Departing from Saijo is especially suitable for heading toward Shikoku, avoiding traffic congestion in Hiroshima city.
Kure Port Surrounding Area: A special location dedicated to Seto Inland Sea island-hopping itineraries. Offers salt-corrosion-treated vehicles, suitable for long-distance coastal driving. These locations usually have partnerships with ferry companies and can assist with booking vehicle boarding services, with daily rentals ranging from ¥5,500-7,500.
Ondo Shinkansen Station Transfer Station: An emerging hot spot for car rentals, specializing in one-way self-driving routes from "Hiroshima in, Okayama out." Since Ondo is an important gateway to Shikoku, the vehicle selection here favors small SUVs and 4WD vehicles suitable for mountain road driving, with an average daily rental of ¥6,500-9,000.
Practical Information and Cost Analysis
Pick-up Locations and Transportation Connections:
- Hiroshima Station: 3-5 minutes walk from JR Hiroshima Station South Exit
- Hiroshima Airport: 1st floor of the airport terminal, free shuttle bus available
- Saijo Location: Take a taxi from JR Saijo Station, approximately ¥800
- Kure Port: 8 minutes walk from JR Kure Station or shuttle bus
- Ondo: 10 minutes walk from JR Ondo Station
Fee Structure (Reference prices as of March 2026):
- Compact car (suitable for city driving): Daily rental ¥4,500-6,000
- Regular sedan: Daily rental ¥6,000-8,500
- Small SUV: Daily rental ¥7,500-10,000
- Van (8-seater): Daily rental ¥12,000-16,000
- Insurance: Full insurance adds ¥1,500-2,000 per day
- Highway tolls: Hiroshima↔Okayama approximately ¥2,500, Hiroshima↔Matsue approximately ¥3,200
Operating Hours Model:
- Airport locations: Most operate 24 hours
- Station locations: 8:00-20:00 is standard
- Industrial zone locations: Weekdays 8:00-18:00, reduced hours on holidays
- Port locations: Aligned with ferry schedules, typically 6:00-22:00
Cross-Prefectural Self-Driving Tips
When choosing Hiroshima as your rental base, the most important thing is to shift your "route design mindset." Don't treat Hiroshima as the destination, but as a midpoint for multi-day itineraries. For example, the classic "Hiroshima in → overnight at Dogo Onsen Ehime → Kochi Kuroshio Park → Naruto Tokushima → Okayama Kurashiki → return to Hiroshima" 5-day loop covers approximately 800 kilometers, saving at least 200 kilometers compared to taking a big detour from Osaka.
When driving across prefectures, pay special attention to fuel resupply. Gas station density is lower in the inland areas of the Chugoku mountains. It's recommended to fill up in major cities and not wait until reaching mountain areas to find a gas station. Additionally, toll fees for crossing the Seto Inland Sea bridges are not cheap—the Kan-on Straits Bridge costs ¥1,000 one-way, so it's recommended to check ETC discount plans in advance.
Winter driving requires special attention. While Hiroshima city rarely gets snow, the Chugoku mountains toward the San'in region may require snow chains from December to March. Most rental companies offer snow chain rental services for ¥500-800 per day—be sure to check road conditions at your destination before departure.
