Rent a Car in Odawara, Japan: Competitive Prices, Confident Driving

Compare great-value car hire and use this practical UK-focused guide to pick the best location, avoid hidden fees, and explore Hakone and the Fuji area with ease.

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Odawara Car Hire Guide (UK Travellers)

Odawara is an excellent base for self-driving day trips to Hakone, the Izu Peninsula and the Shonan coast. Hiring a car can save time versus buses on rural routes, make luggage-heavy travel easier, and give flexibility for early starts. Expect compact vehicles, narrow streets in older areas, and paid expressways. For UK travellers, remember Japan drives on the left (like the UK), but you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention (issued by the Post Office in the UK) alongside your UK licence and passport. Most rentals include basic cover with an excess; consider excess reduction (often called NOC/waiver options). Budget for tolls and parking, and ask about ETC (electronic toll) card rental for smoother motorway travel.

Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) – Best For Direct Arrival Pick-Up

Odawara has no major airport; most UK travellers land at Haneda. Airport pick-up offers the widest choice of vehicles, longer opening hours and easy one-way options. Downsides include higher rates, potential queues, and immediate city traffic before you reach Odawara (around 60–120 minutes depending on route and traffic). If you plan to spend time in Tokyo first, it can be cheaper and simpler to pick up later near Odawara Station.

Odawara Station (JR/Odakyu/Shinkansen) – Most Convenient City Pick-Up

Pros: ideal if you arrive by train from Tokyo; quick in-and-out, good for avoiding airport surcharges, and practical for luggage. Cons: limited fleet at peak weekends/holiday seasons (especially in Hakone high season), and business-hour constraints may apply. Book ahead for automatic cars and child seats.

Odawara City Centre & Odawara Castle Area – Good For Hotels and Short Drives

Pros: convenient if staying centrally; easier to start local sightseeing before heading to Hakone. Cons: tighter roads, more paid parking, and occasional congestion; some branches are smaller with fewer English-speaking staff, so prepare key phrases and have your documents ready.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pick-Up for Maximum Choice and Longer Opening Hours

Collecting at Haneda or Narita often means more vehicle types, clearer English support, and smoother one-way options. It can be ideal for UK travellers who want to land and drive straight to Hakone/Izu, but prices may be higher and you’ll face tolls and big-city traffic sooner.

Car Hire at Odawara QEW – Rated by Real Travellers

Browse verified customer reviews of car hire services at Odawara, compare trusted providers, and book your ideal vehicle with confidence.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.3 9800+ reviews	$125	0.7 mi	-	●Friendly and professional staff ●Quick and efficient service ●Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
	2.3 63 reviews	$156	0.5 mi	$488 - $1,135	●Helpful and professional staff ●Quick pick-up and drop-off ●Clean and well-maintained vehicles
	1.8 3076+ reviews	$118	0.5 mi	$373 - $861	●Clean and well-maintained vehicles ●Professional and friendly staff ●Easy online booking process
	1.8 23,900+ reviews	$143	0.5 mi	$448 - $1,040	●Friendly and professional staff ●Quick and easy pickup ●Clean vehicles in good condition
	1.5 200+ reviews	$115	0.5 mi	-	●Friendly and professional staff ●Low running costs ●Good service experience

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 7 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

A Comprehensive Guide to Refuelling in Japan

This guide offers essential tips for navigating petrol stations in Japan, covering self-service and full-service options, payment methods, and fuel types.

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Odawara Car Rental Guide — Drive Hakone Safely and Avoid Costly Insurance Pitfalls

Guide to renting a car in Odawara and driving Hakone/Fuji. Breaks down Japan’s insurance layers (Jibaiseki, Nin-i), explains CDW and NOC, compares rental‑company vs third‑party cover, and gives an accident checklist plus practical tips to secure full protection.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Odawara Station dominates as primary pickup point with 40-45% market share in the region, serving as gateway to Hakone. Hakone town locations follow at 30-35%, with tourist portal stations at 15-20%."

Booking Patterns

"SUV and minivan bookings increased 25-30% in 2024 for mountain routes. Peak season (Oct-Nov) sees 50-60% higher rates. Average rental duration is 1.5-2 days, with 70-80% booking 7-14 days in advance."

Customer Pain Points

"42-52% of first-time renters report confusion over insurance coverage for mountain roads, with 35-45% unaware of seasonal road closures and tire chain requirements."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Kanagawa Prefecture Tourism and Transportation Statistics 2024
Japan Ministry of Land Infrastructure Transport and Tourism - Vehicle Rental Industry Statistics 2024
Hakone Tourism Authority Annual Report 2024
Japan Car Rental Industry Statistics 2024-2025
Toyota Rent-A-Car Annual Operations Report 2024
Kanto Region Tourism Statistics 2024
Japan Tourism Agency Consumer Complaint Statistics 2024
Kanagawa Consumer Center Report 2023-2024
Trustpilot Japan Car Rental Review Analysis 2024

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Odawara

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Odawara

OdawaraTokyo

From

$87.00

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Day Trips From Odawara

Route Options:

Hakone Highlights Loop (Lakes, Ropeway & Onsen Towns)

Scenic mountain loop2.5–4 hours driving time (allow 7–9 hours with stops)

A classic Odawara-based drive into Hakone’s volcanic landscapes, lakeside viewpoints and hot-spring towns. Ideal for first-time visitors who want varied scenery without long distances. Expect winding roads, short hops between sights and peak-time traffic around lake areas.

Hakone-Yumoto, Owakudani, Lake Ashi (Motohakone), Hakone Shrine, Sengokuhara

Izu Peninsula Coast (Atami to Jogasaki Cliffs to Shuzenji)

Coastal and countryside circuit4–5.5 hours driving time (allow a full day)

A rewarding coastal drive south from Odawara with sea views, rugged headlands and onsen villages. Combine cliff walks and ocean vistas with a traditional hot-spring town inland. Best on clear days; start early to avoid congestion around Atami and coastal bottlenecks.

Atami Sun Beach, Ito, Jogasaki Coast, Kawana/Mt Omuro area, Shuzenji Onsen

Shonan Coast to Kamakura & Enoshima

Seaside culture route2–3.5 hours driving time (allow 6–8 hours with visits)

Head east along the Shonan coastline for beach scenery and easy access to Kamakura’s temples and Enoshima’s island views. Parking fills quickly near major temples and the island; using paid car parks and visiting early makes the day far smoother.

Chigasaki/Southern Beach area, Enoshima, Kamakura (Tsurugaoka Hachimangu), Hasedera, Kotoku-in (Great Buddha)

Popular Trips:

Odawara Castle & Seaside Park Quick Trip

2–4 hours

A relaxed half-day in Odawara combining the castle grounds with an easy seaside stroll and local food stops. Perfect for arrival day or before returning the car.

Hakone Onsen Afternoon (Yumoto to Gora)

4–6 hours

A shorter Hakone outing focused on hot springs and mountain views. Drive up to Gora for museums or gardens, then return for a soak and dinner in Hakone-Yumoto.

Atami Seaside & Onsen Evening

4–7 hours

A straightforward coastal run to Atami for beach promenades, cafés and an onsen visit. Great for sunset and an easy drive back to Odawara.

Kamakura Temples & Enoshima Island Day Out

7–10 hours

Spend a full day mixing historic temples and seaside views. Plan parking in advance and build in time for short walks between Kamakura’s major sights.

Gotemba Premium Outlets & Fuji Viewpoints

6–9 hours

Combine outlet shopping with Fuji scenery via Gotemba. Go early for parking and consider a brief viewpoint stop if visibility is good.

Car Rental Planning Tips (Odawara Base)

Carry The Right Documents: Bring your passport, driving licence and an International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) if required for your licence country. Rental desks may refuse pick-up without the correct IDP.

Expect Winding Mountain Roads In Hakone: Hakone routes include tight curves and steep gradients. Choose a smaller car for easier passing and parking, and use low gears on descents to reduce brake fade.

Plan Parking Before You Arrive: Popular areas (Hakone lakeside, Kamakura, Enoshima) fill quickly. Check car park locations and opening hours, and keep cash or a card that works at pay machines.

Start Early To Beat Traffic: Weekend congestion is common on the Shonan coast, around Atami, and near Lake Ashi. Leaving Odawara by 08:00–09:00 can save significant time.

Budget For Expressways And Tolls: Expressways can be faster but add cost. Ask for an ETC card rental if available, or prepare for toll gates and cashless payment options depending on road operator.

Know Refuelling Rules: Most rentals require a full-to-full return. Many stations are full-service; tell staff the fuel type (regular) and ‘mantan’ for fill-up. Keep the nearest station to Odawara return location in mind.

Treat Fuji Views As Weather-Dependent: Mount Fuji visibility changes rapidly. Use a flexible plan: prioritise Fuji viewpoints early in the day and keep a backup itinerary (outlets, museums, lakeside cafés).

Add Seasonal Safety Margin: In winter, inland and higher routes can have frost or snow. Check road conditions, consider winter tyres, and allow extra time for slower driving and early darkness.

Drive Odawara: Hakone Gateway Road Trip Guide

Essential driving guide for Odawara and the wider Kanagawa region - speed rules, fuel prices and rental tips for exploring Japan by car

LANGUAGES

Japanese

CURRENCY

JPY

DRIVE ON

Left-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+81

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$75 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

4 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

60 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

100 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.03% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.15/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.05/L - $1.30/L

Odawara Car Hire FAQs

Practical answers for British drivers hiring a car in Odawara and exploring the Hakone region

Can I use my UK photocard driving licence to hire a car in Odawara, or do I need an IDP?

Yes, a valid UK photocard licence is accepted, but you must also carry a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit (IDP), which costs about £5.50 from the AA or RAC before departure. Japanese rental desks routinely refuse to hand over keys without the paper IDP alongside your photo card, even though Japanese law technically allows short visits on a UK licence alone.

Is driving on the left in Odawara going to catch me out, and what are the local speed limits?

You will be driving on the left in a right-hand-drive vehicle, which is the opposite of what you are used to. Take extra care at the Odawara bypass and the Tōmei Expressway exits, where merging lanes are short. Default limits are 60 km/h on urban roads, 80 km/h on the Hakone Turnpike open sections, and 100 km/h on the Tōmei and Odawara-Atsugi expressways. Fixed and mobile speed cameras are common.

How do I pay expressway tolls around Odawara, and is an ETC card worth the hire fee?

Most hire cars in Japan come with an ETC in-car transponder fitted; expect a small daily ETC card hire fee of around ¥500 plus a deposit. Without ETC you must stop at staffed or coin toll gates, which is fiddly on weekends heading into Gotemba or the Tōmei. ETC users get a typical 5–10% discount on the Odawara–Atami and Hakone corridors and skip the queues at Odawara-Nishi IC.

What is the young driver surcharge in Odawara, and is there a maximum age limit?

Most major firms (Times, Nippon, Toyota, Avis) apply a JPY 1,100–2,200 per day young driver fee to anyone under 25, and some refuse hirers under 21 outright. There is no statutory upper age cap, but drivers over 70 may be asked for a medical declaration or extra ID. Book early in peak cherry blossom and Golden Week, as compact cars at Odawara Station sell out fast.

What should I do if I scratch the hire car on the narrow Hakone mountain roads, and what is the parking like at key sights?

Insist on a written damage report and photos before leaving the rental counter, otherwise Japanese firms will charge full panel repair costs. The Hakone Skyline, Otome Tōge pass and Lake Ashi approach roads are very narrow with stone retaining walls, so fold in your mirrors. Parking at Hakone-Yumoto, Owakudani and Gotemba Premium Outlets costs ¥500–¥1,500 per hour; many are cashless IC card only.

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