According to the latest data, car rental in Kanazawa costs approximately ¥8,000-12,000 per day (about HK$430-650), with airport pickup being the most convenient. Kanazawa, known as the "Little Kyoto of Hokuriku," has attractions spread across the Kaga Onsen district and Noto Peninsula. It is recommended to choose a compact to medium-sized vehicle with Japanese navigation, which offers flexibility to visit must-see spots like Kenroku-en, Chaya Gai street, and Senrihama Beach — ideal for travelers planning an in-depth free Exploration trip.
- TOYOTA Rent a Car Kanazawa Station Front Store: Complete airport transfer services, diverse vehicle selection, View Details
- Nissan Rent a Car Kenroku-en Gate Store: Near popular attractions, electric vehicle options support low-carbon travel, View Details
- Times Car Rental Kanazawa East Store: 24-hour pick-up and return, online booking with international driver's license supported, View Details
- ORIX Rent a Car Komatsu Airport Store: Airport-based location, most convenient pick-up and return, View Details
Additionally, there are many hidden gems around Kanazawa, such as the Senrihama Beach Driving Road on the Noto Peninsula — this approximately 10-kilometer beach road along the Sea of Japan sees seawater cover the road during high tide, while you can drive directly across at low tide, offering a truly unique experience. Car rental also allows you to explore the alleys around Kenroku-en, one of Japan's three famous gardens, discovering traditional teahouses and old-style eateries — places that are often inaccessible by public transportation.
Below are 5 recommended popular pick-up locations for car rental in Kanazawa:
The first recommendation is "Times Car Rental Kanazawa Station Front Store," located about a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of Kanazawa Station, offering super convenient transportation. This store features a wide range of vehicle options, from compact cars to 7-seater Minivans, perfect for family trips. The staff includes English-speaking personnel, making it easy for international travelers to communicate. Business hours are from 8 AM to 8 PM, with flexible return times.
The second recommendation is "Nissan Rent a Car Kanazawa Station West Exit Store," located right next to the bus terminal at Kanazawa Station West Exit, offering very smooth pick-up and return processes. The highlight here is the latest Nissan Leaf electric vehicle rental service — travelers seeking eco-friendly driving should not miss this. In terms of pricing, standard sedans start from approximately ¥6,500 per day, with possible fluctuations during peak seasons.
The third recommendation is "Orix Car Rental Kanazawa Airport Store," the best choice if you plan to arrive or depart via Komatsu Airport. The store is located within the airport terminal, making it extremely convenient to pick up a car right after landing. Orix's特色是提供嬰兒座椅、兒童座椅等兒童安全座椅免費租借的服務，帶小朋友出門的家長可以放心。這裡的營業時間配合航班，從早上7點到晚上9點。
The fourth recommendation is "Toyota Rent a Car Kenroku-en Store," located near the entrance of Kenroku-en, the most popular pick-up point for tourists. After renting a car, you can directly drive to Omicho Market for a seafood lunch or to the 21st Century Museum of Art in Kanazawa — very convenient. This store's advantage is providing multilingual navigation system setup services, allowing foreign travelers to use in-car navigation with confidence.
The fifth recommendation is "Budget Rent a Car Kanazawa East Store," which features affordable pricing and often has special promotions, making it very friendly for budget-conscious backpackers. The store is located in Kanazawa's East District, about a 10-minute drive from Kanazawa Station, offering airport transfer services that require advance booking.
In terms of practical information, regarding transportation, there are multiple expressways radiating outward from Kanazawa Station. The Hokuriku Expressway makes it easy to reach Toyama Prefecture or Fukui Prefecture. If planning to visit the Noto Peninsula, it is recommended to allow sufficient time as some mountain roads are relatively winding, requiring careful driving. Regarding costs, car rentals in Japan are generally calculated on a 24-hour basis, with standard compact cars costing approximately ¥5,000 to ¥8,000 per day, and MPVs about ¥10,000 to ¥15,000. Insurance is strongly recommended, costing approximately ¥1,000 extra per day, but providing complete peace of mind. Regarding business hours, most rental stores operate from 8 AM to 8 PM, with some stores offering 24-hour return services, though additional fees may apply.
For travel tips, special reminder: Japan drives on the left, opposite to Taiwan, so special attention is needed when first driving. Additionally, some roads in downtown Kanazawa are relatively narrow, so vehicle dimensions should be confirmed when parking. Winter visitors should note that mountain roads may have accumulated snow, so it is recommended to choose four-wheel-drive vehicles or rent snow tires. Finally, parking fees in downtown Kanazawa are approximately ¥200 to ¥400 per hour, with tourist areas being relatively cheaper, and many attractions have designated parking lots.
With this car rental guide, you will surely be able to explore every corner of Kanazawa and discover the unique charm of this "Little Kyoto"!
