Rental cars in Kobe from $70

If your trip to Kobe is all booked but your itinerary is a bit on the empty side, let us give you a helping hand.Stop by Kobe Tower. It’s one attraction you’ll find on travelers’ to-do lists. Meriken Park and Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall are also a stone’s throw away and worth a pit stop.

If you want to put a few miles on the clock, head off on a road trip to Himeji. Situated 35 miles away, it’s an awesome place to begin exploring the surrounding area.

Pack the car with a hamper of tasty snacks and head out to one of the gorgeous beaches near Kobe. Some of the nicest places to go for a seaside picnic are:

• Omae Beach Park (8 miles away).
• Okura Kaigan (11 miles away).

After spending lots of time rubbing shoulders with like-minded individuals, it’s always good to be able to rest and relax someplace nearby. If you’re traveling to Kobe primarily for work, these are some of the top convention centers that are close to hotels and restaurants:

• Kobe Convention Center (2 miles away).
• Kobe International Exhibition Hall (2 miles away).
• ATC Exhibition Hall (13 miles away).

Some people find weaving through traffic in big cities a little challenging. But in a small car like a mini or compact, getting around Kobe will be a snap. Prefer to spend your getaway exploring the surrounding cliffs? Have a look at our selection of mid-size and full-size SUVs. With loads of cargo space and more oomph under the hood, these bigger vehicles will make those scenic drives even more memorable. Crossing off all the attractions and experiences that Kobe is renowned for has never been easier with your own set of wheels.

You’ll be glad to know that there’s a wide variety of luxury vehicles to rent in Kobe. What you opt for depends on your budget as well as what you plan to do. Prestige vehicles are all about comfort and class. If you’re splashing out, why not book a fully kitted-out SUV, or perhaps a fancy mid-sized vehicle? Alternatively, if you’re just after something to whiz around town in at the cheapest price possible, go for a budget compact vehicle (or something else that won’t burn a hole in your wallet).

In Kobe, motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road. This means the steering wheel is on the right-hand side. If you’ve opted for a manual transmission vehicle, you’ll have to get used to shifting gears with your left hand.

Getting your hands on a place to park in Kobe isn’t always a breeze. That’s why many people search for a hotel that comes with a parking lot. When leaving the car around the city, make sure you read the signage. Overstaying the time limit could result in a steep fine.

It’s safe to assume you’ll come across some heavier traffic in Kobe, given its population of about 1,528,500. For a smooth journey, you may want to avoid the roads in the early and late peak hours.

While cruising through the streets of Kobe, keep in mind that the speed limits generally range from 30km/h to 100km/h. Most residential areas are 40km/h unless otherwise signed.

Most of the time, your rental car company will bill the amount detailed on the fine to your credit card, including local surcharges. Or they may forward your contact details to the relevant local authority, who’ll then send a fine to your postal address.

It is against the law to use your cell phone while cruising in your car around Kobe, and you could even be hit with a fine for just holding your phone when you’re in control of a vehicle. However, the use of hands-free or Bluetooth functions is allowed, as long as your attention remains on the road.

When operating a vehicle in Kobe, it’s an offence to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) greater than 0.03%. Thinking of having a couple of glasses of wine while you’re out? Consider grabbing a taxi or using a ride-sharing service.

It’s illegal to turn on a red light in Kobe. When you come across one, take the opportunity to enjoy a mindful moment until the signal goes back to green.

Seat belts are required in Hyogo Prefecture. That being said, this rule may differ for some vehicles, such as those operated by public transportation systems.