Sendai Car Hire

Budget-Friendly Car Hire in Sendai

Enjoy Travel offers low-cost, budget-friendly car hire when public transport just won’t do it. Having the flexibility and freedom to explore Sendai and its nearby areas on your own terms without waiting for public transport can be the difference between making or breaking your holiday. It is important to be well-organised with car hire in Sendai, especially in peak tourist season (April to May).

Securing the Best Deals

We recommend booking car hire in Sendai at least one month in advance to secure the best deals.

Understanding Sendai’s Driving Regulations

Rules of the Road for Renters

● Legally, you must be at least 18 years old before being eligible to hire a car in Japan. However, some companies require drivers to be at least 21 before they can hire a car.
● Drivers under 25 years old are generally subject to a young driver surcharge, making car hire more expensive for younger people.
● Drive on the left and overtake on the right. This is the same as the UK, but the opposite of the USA and most of Europe.
● Using your smartphone when driving – unless on hands-free mode – is strictly prohibited.
● You will need an internationally recognised driving licence.
● Speed limits are displayed in km/h (kilometres per hour), not mph (miles per hour).
● The legal limit for alcohol while driving in Japan is 0.03%, less than half of that in England. There are very strict laws against drink driving in Japan, so it is best not to drive at all after you have had any alcohol, no matter how little.

Parking in Sendai: A Guide

Here are some rules on parking in Sendai, Japan:

Finding Convenient Parking Spots in Sendai

There are a few rules for parking in Sendai, but thankfully, parking is generally convenient and available throughout the city. Costs are generally around ￥100 (€0.58) for 20-30 minutes at a time, with the price increasing by ￥100 for each additional 20 or 30 minutes.

Top Attractions in Sendai

Sendai Castle Ruins: This 17th-century castle is one of Sendai’s most popular attractions and is perfect for history buffs.

Sendai City Astronomical Observatory: The city’s observatory is well worth a visit, and perfect for looking at the night sky through top-quality telescopes.

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium: One of the best aquariums in Japan, there is a huge tank replicating the rich marine life of the Sanriku coast.

Discovering Sendai’s Highlights

There are plenty of places to stay in Sendai, although where you choose to stay can affect the overall cost of your stay. City centre accommodation is more convenient, but can also be more expensive. You could also opt to save money by hiring a car and commuting into the city if you stay on the outskirts.

Transport Options in Sendai

Metro Services: Quick and Extensive Coverage

There is a convenient subway system in Sendai, which offers quick, affordable and efficient transport throughout the city.

Buses: An Extensive Network Across the Country

There is a very reliable bus service in Sendai, which is a convenient way to travel around the city and to other nearby towns and cities.

Taxis: Convenient for Direct Routes

Taxis are more costly than buses, but they are more convenient. While they are more direct, they can also get stuck in rush hour traffic, and thus a short journey can end up costing a fortune.

Best Day Trips from Sendai

Matsushima Bay: With over 200 pine-covered islands, Matsushima Bay is known as one of Japan’s most scenic views and is just a short distance from Sendai.

Hiraizumi: This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the stronghold of a powerful Japanese clan, and there are still several stunning temples there, including Chuson-ji Temple.

Akiu Onsen & Gorge: An hour from Sendai, this area is home to natural hot springs, gorges and scenic trails, perfect for nature lovers.

Planning Your Adventure

The roads in Sendai can be tricky to navigate, especially in the major cities during rush hour. Make sure to plan your route and use a GPS navigation system.

Optimal Driving Times in Sendai

Avoiding Congestion and Maximising Enjoyment

Rush hour generally falls between 07:00 and 09:00 and 16:30 and 19:00 during the week. Avoid driving at these times for a better experience of driving in and around Sendai.

Weighing the Benefits of Car Hire in Sendai

Pros: Advantages of Personal Mobility

Travelling around Sendai by car is easily the most convenient and comfortable way to get around the city.

Cons: Potential Drawbacks of Hiring a Car

The busy roads in Sendai can be off-putting for many people, and because the public transport system is so efficient, reliable and affordable, it can be a much more attractive option compared to sitting in busy traffic all day.

Variety of Rental Vehicles in Sendai

There are lots of vehicles available for hire in Sendai, from small cars such as the Toyota Aqua to people carriers like the Subaru Levorg.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

Partnering with Sendai’s Premier Car Hire Providers

Enjoy Travel provides reliable and low-cost vehicles from reputable suppliers in Sendai, including Alamo, Enterprise and Europcar.

Selecting a Reputable Company

Pay attention to customer reviews when looking at car rental companies online. Those with positive reviews will likely be more reliable than those with negative reviews.