Practical Guide to Car Rental in Hiroshima, Japan
Booking a car rental in Hiroshima, Japan is straightforward whether arriving by air or Shinkansen. Vehicles can be picked up at Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), Hiroshima Train Station, and downtown locations.
| City population | About 1,200,754 residents |
| Primary pickup hubs | Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), Hiroshima Train Station, Kojinmachi |
| Driving side | Left-hand side |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.03% BAC |
| License validity | 1 year from passport entry stamp |
| Booking platforms | DiscoverCars and local providers |
Renting a car in Hiroshima provides total flexibility to explore the Chugoku region, coastal Seto Inland Sea routes, and mountainous backroads. While public transit inside the city center is comprehensive, an automobile is essential for heading outside urban limits to scenic viewpoints, historic towns, and regional parks. Rental desks operate at key transit hubs across the city, including Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), Hiroshima Train Station, and central districts like Kojinmachi. Before driving, international travelers must understand local road laws, licensing rules based on the passport entry stamp, and regional weather conditions. This guide covers essential regulations, pickup options, planning advice, and day-trip routes from Hiroshima.
Compare car rental deals in Hiroshima
Driving: on the left.
Local currency: JPY.
Pick-up: airport (HIJ) · train station · downtown
Pick-up points: Hiroshima (all locations), Japan · Hiroshima Kojinmachi, Hiroshima, Japan · Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), Hiroshima, Japan · Hiroshima Train Station, Hiroshima, Japan
Partner link — DiscoverCars comparisonEssential Driving Rules and Regulations in Japan
Driving in Hiroshima requires adhering to strict national traffic laws. Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road, and priority rules match standard Japanese traffic flow.
- Driver's License Validity: A foreign driver's license is valid for driving in Japan for up to one (1) year from your date of landing, verified by the official immigration stamp in your passport.
- Strict Alcohol Limit: Japan enforces a zero-tolerance approach with a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03%.
- Winter Driving: If you plan to travel into highland or northern zones between November and March, winter tires are essential. Watch for Japanese digital road signage displaying messages such as 'Winter Tires Required' or 'Chain Regulation' during cold weather periods.
Pricing Overview and When to Book
Car hire availability in Hiroshima varies significantly by season. Reserving well in advance via comparison platforms like DiscoverCars is recommended, particularly during peak national travel periods such as Golden Week, mid-summer Obon, and autumn foliage seasons.
| Consideration | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Advance Booking | Book 2–4 weeks ahead for regular travel; 2–3 months ahead for peak holidays |
| Vehicle Category | Compact cars are best for narrow streets and regional parking |
| Toll Management | Request an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card with your rental for expressway travel |
| Winter Add-ons | Reserve winter tires early if driving toward northern mountain corridors |
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Hiroshima
Hiroshima offers several distinct pickup points tailored to your arrival route:
- Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): The primary arrival hub for domestic and regional international flights. Ideal if you want to immediately start your road trip without entering central city traffic.
- Hiroshima Train Station: The most convenient location for travelers arriving via the Sanyo Shinkansen high-speed rail line. Offices are located in and around the station plaza.
- Hiroshima Kojinmachi & Downtown: Convenient for travelers staying in central accommodations who plan day trips after spending time in the city core.
- Hiroshima (All Locations): Broad coverage across city wards ensures flexible return options.
Practical Tips for Driving Around Hiroshima
Navigating Hiroshima City with a car requires patience in dense commercial zones, but leaving the city is seamless once on major expressways. Follow these operational tips:
1. Parking: Avoid street parking; always use designated coin-parking lots or dedicated hotel parking structures.
2. Navigation: Most vehicles come with GPS units that accept telephone numbers or MapCodes for easy destination entry.
3. Fueling: Gas stations operate as either full-service (regular is unleaded) or self-service (serufu). Credit cards are widely accepted.
Where to go by car
| Destination | Distance | Time | Tolls (est.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miyajimaguchi (for Itsukushima Shrine Ferry) | ~22 km | ~35 min | — | Drive to the mainland ferry terminal to cross over to Miyajima's famous floating torii gate. |
| Iwakuni (Kintai Bridge) | ~45 km | ~50 min | — | Visit the historic five-arch wooden Kintai Bridge and mountaintop castle in Yamaguchi Prefecture. |
| Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido Entry | ~85 km | ~1 h 15 min | — | Explore hillside temples and the scenic gateway connecting Honshu to Shikoku across island bridges. |
| Sandankyo Gorge | ~70 km | ~1 h 20 min | — | Hike through a dramatic river ravine with waterfalls and lush mountain scenery in Akiota. |
Tolls: rates vary by country and route segment — check current pricing before you go.