6 Best Car Rentals in Amami Oshima! Which ones are recommended? Explanation of advantages and disadvantages

Surrounded by the sea, Amami Oshima is a place where you can enjoy beautiful nature and activities. It is easily accessible from central Tokyo and has become a popular tourist destination. Amami Oshima is the third largest island in Japan after Okinawa and Sado Island. It is a large island and there is no train service, so it is necessary to find other means of transportation for sightseeing. This article will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of renting a car as a means of transportation on Amami Oshima, as well as recommended companies!

Advantages and disadvantages of using a rental car

Advantages

Other means of transportation on Amami Oshima include local buses, cabs, and bicycle rentals. However, there are only a few buses per hour, and in some places only one every three hours. Cabs for sightseeing can provide courteous service, but they can be expensive. In addition, it takes a lot of energy to cycle around Amami Oshima Island all day due to its rugged terrain. Renting a car allows you to go where you want, when you want, without worrying about the time or where you want to ride. It is also cheaper overall than cabs and has the advantage of not requiring a lot of luggage.

Disadvantages

On Amami Oshima Island, animals may occasionally jump out onto the road. You need to be careful when driving on unfamiliar roads. Also, some companies require reservations in advance or have no vacancies due to the large number of users, so it is best to check before you leave.

Largest car rental company in Japan

TOYOTA Rent-a-Car

• Opening hours: 08:00 - 19:00 (April 1 - November 30), 08:00 - 20:00 (December 1 - March 31)
• Fee: From 7,150 yen for 24 hours

TOYOTA Rent-a-Car allows you to rent a car between the Amami Airport and Naze branches. By registering as a member online, you can receive a reservation discount and Rakuraku e-check-in service. If you don't want to register and make a reservation online, you can also make a reservation by phone. Toyota Rent-a-Car is more expensive than the other rental car companies I have mentioned, but it is a major company and has a great sense of security.

Website: http://www.trl-kagosima.jp/

ORIX Rent-A-Car

• Opening hours: 08:00 - 19:00 *Hours may vary during the year-end and New Year holidays.
• Fee: From 6,600 yen for 24 hours

ORIX Rent-A-Car, which has a branch office just a minute drive from Amami Airport, is as big and reliable as Toyota. If your planned travel date is still far in the future, you can make an early reservation to receive service at a discounted price.

Website: https://car.orix.co.jp/shops/?md=view&shops_pk=773&pn=20&pg=1&ret=search_shops&division=kagoshima2&ns=0

Amami Rent-a-Car

• Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00
• Fee: From 2,900 yen for 24 hours

Amami Rent-a-Car is one of the few car rental companies that have two locations, one in front of Amami Airport and the other in Nase (but only between locations). The price is quite cheap and the discount is available for the guests of Hotel New Amami and Hotel West Court Amami. The disadvantages are that the cars are older models and that they are not non-smoking cars, but if you don't mind that, it is a very economical service.

Website: https://amami-rentacar.com/first.html

Amami Lucky Rent-a-Car

• Opening hours: Nase Office 24 hours, Airport Office 08:00 - 19:00
• Rates: From 3,280 yen for 24 hours *Rates may change during peak season.

Amami Lucky Rent-a-Car has two offices, one in front of the airport and the other in the hotel "Big Marine Amami" in Nase. One important point is that both locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the Nase location is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accept, use, rent, and return cars. Even if you return the car very late, you can enjoy the night without worrying about the time.

Website: http://amami-lucky-rentacar.com/

Cheap anyway! Cheap car rental

Shima Rent-a-Car

• Opening hours: 08:00 - 19:00
• Fee: From 2,880 yen for 24 hours

Island Rent-a-Car's business hours are from 8:00 to 19:00, but you can leave between 5:00 and 7:30 and between 19:00 and 20:00 for an additional 500 yen. Car navigation systems and child seats are available for rent for 200 yen each. Although they don't carry new cars, the cost is much lower, making it a good choice for those who want to enjoy a cheap trip.

Website: https://shima-rental.com/

Maruhira Rent-a-Car

• Opening hours: 08:00 - 19:00
• Fee: From 2,750 yen for 24 hours *Rates may change during peak season.

Maruhira Rent-a-Car, the cheapest car rental company on the island, rents not only minicars and standard cars at low prices, but also BMW, Peugeot, and BMWmini. They also offer free rental of air sterilizers to prevent coronavirus infections.

Website: http://maruhiragroup.com/

Summary

Although sightseeing cabs and local buses are also available on Amami Oshima, there are great advantages to renting a car for affordable and free transportation. In addition to those mentioned in this article, there are many other rental car companies in Amami Oshima, ranging from nationwide companies to local stores. Each one offers different services and prices, so be sure to choose a rental car that fits your travel plans and have a great time!