How to find a cheap car hire deal in Shirahama (SHM)
Need a cheap Shirahama rental car? With an average price of $117 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're after a small ride, a spacious SUV, or anything in between, we compare all the best deals to get you real value.
$70 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental at Shirahama.
Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from $486 and see more than just the top attractions in Shirahama.
Walk away with a cheap SHM car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal along with more choice.
Grab your wheels from Rakuten, NIPPON Rent A Car or Nissan Rent a Car, some of the most popular providers at Shirahama.
The coverage Rakuten or another company includes with your Shirahama car hire can vary, so remember to read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in SHM. Providers often have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Shirahama that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Pack more into your journey by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at $85 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $103, this provider takes the runner-up spot.
The third option won't dent your budget either. You'll pay roughly $126 a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a reliable choice if you're not quite sure which ride is right for you. It's also the most commonly booked car type at SHM.
Compare car hire types from Shirahama (SHM)
Small: These cheap Shirahama rental cars may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, great on mileage, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, 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 great for couples and small families.
Large: Long drives fly by in this SHM car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them a great option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or gliding down stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Shirahama that can handle the big jobs. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your SHM car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Shirahama.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your home in Japan. Rules can vary, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your SHM car rental reservation if you're bringing the kids. Regulations change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest way to go.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's license (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
Driving in Japan may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the left side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) on your trip here. In addition to your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
With a SHM car hire, you're in charge when it comes to your next move. If central Shirahama is your first stop, it's around 10 kilometres northwest of the airport and a journey of about 15 minutes.
At peak travel times, expect the drive from Shirahama to the centre to take up to 20 minutes.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You can also book a car hire in Shirahama. If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive, wait until you're in the city and save on rental costs.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Shirahama (SHM)
Check out some of the leading attractions in Shirahama before doing anything else. Shirahama Beach and Shirahama Onsen set you up for a memorable trip.
Or jump in your Shirahama car hire and drive over to Wakayama. About 64 kilometres north of the airport, Jogasaki Coast and Mt. Tengu are standout attractions that are well worth the trip.
Want to head even further out? Toyohashi is another fun destination that's around 225 kilometres northeast of SHM. Yoshida Castle and Okunoin are the perfect pit stops.
