The most popular models representing the mini, compact, and economy car segments in Kobe are: Toyota Corolla, Toyota Auris, Opel Astra, Nissan Tiida, VW Golf, Ford Focus and others.
When hiring a budget hatchback, it is definitely worth saving on insurance deposit (franchise). Deposits on small cars in Japan vary from 100 to 1.000 euro/dollars. Check the rental conditions of each car in your selection to find a vehicle with a minimum deposit.
If your routes in Japan are foreseen to pass through hilly areas or mountains, it is not recommended to consider very small cars for rental. Their engines are usually insufficient for a confident driving on the roads with long or steep climbs.
At the rental office in Kobe, consider to take a 'Breakdown Assistance' package or ask an officer for a contact data to use in case of a vehicle breakdown. Cheap cars are sometimes unpredictable in operation.
Upon receipt of the rental invoice, please check that all the information, as well as the final payment amount do match the data in your voucher.
OrangeSmile.com wishes you a safe and great trip to Kobe!
Detailed FAQ on the rental process
Even sidewalks here have a specific markup. Most of them are divided into two lanes. One of them is dedicated to pedestrians and the other one - for cyclists. In order to eliminate all misunderstandings between the groups, each “lane” on the sidewalk has a corresponding graphic sign.
Pedestrians are prohibited to occupy the part of road for cyclists, as well as cyclists cannot ride on the lane for pedestrians. Sometimes collisions happen even on sidewalks, and there are also fines for them.
In major cities, you may often see a bright T-type yellow marking on the pavement close to pedestrian crossings. If you examine the sign closely, you can see that the asphalt in this area is uneven and consists of rows of small knobs. This marking is applied specifically for blind pedestrians as it guides them directly to the “zebra”. Walking on such yellow knob areas is literally impossible as the surface is very rough.
