Car rental in
Nagano
Our top branches in Nagano
Our services at Nagano
SIXT Car Rental Nagano
Find SIXT car rental in Nagano and the surrounding region at locations such as Nagano JR Station or Nagano Matsumoto Station. Our premium fleet with top brands, new cars, and flexible booking options, all accessible with the SIXT App, help ensure a smooth rental process. A rental car lets you reach Nagano's mountain shrines and castle towns at your own pace.
Recommended Vehicle Options for Car Rental in Nagano
- SUVs: Roomy for ski gear on snowy roads toward Hakuba.
- Minivans: Seat groups on day trips to Matsumoto.
- Compact cars: Fit tight streets and lots around Zenkoji Temple.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Nagano?
Find the best rental car prices for your trip with SIXT. The costs depend on various factors:
- Vehicle type: Each category, from compact cars to premium luxury models, has its own daily rate.
- Length of rental: Weekly, weekend, and monthly rentals are generally cheaper per day than daily rentals.
- Pick-up and return branches: Prices may vary according to where you start and end your rental.
- Seasonal trends: Rates may rise during the annual Nagano Ebisuko Fireworks Festival and Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon.
- Best Price: Choose the Best Price option to pay now and save more compared with the Stay Flexible option.
SIXT Tip: To access the most competitive prices, book your car early and compare dates.
Add-ons & Protection Packages
Customize your booking with functional add-ons and comprehensive protection:
- Available add-ons include navigation systems, child safety seats, additional drivers, and snow chains for snowy roads.
- Choose from our protection options for greater peace of mind.
Lock in your booking for clear pricing, expert assistance, and high-quality vehicles.
Driving Tips for Nagano
Under prefectural rules, drivers must fit chains or use studless tires on snowy or icy roads, and studless tires belong on all four wheels.
Traffic Rules in Nagano
- Vehicles keep to the left in Japan.
- Where no sign states a limit, 60 km/h (37 mph) applies on ordinary roads and 100 km/h (62 mph) on expressways.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crossings.
Traffic rules and fines can change — always confirm current regulations before you drive.
Road Conditions and Navigation
- Four-wheel or all-wheel drive helps in heavy snow.
- Mountain routes have steep hills, tunnels, and sudden changes in road conditions.
Parking in Nagano
Station-area garages and temple lots serve most city visits.
- West Plaza Nagano Parking: Multilevel garage near Nagano Station.
- Zenkoji Temple parking: On-site lot for visits.
Fueling Instructions
- Local labels include Regular (red pump), High-Octane (yellow pump), and Diesel (green pump).
- Service stations can be far apart on long expressway stretches, so refuel first.
SIXT Tip: Save time when returning your vehicle by letting us take care of refueling or charging with the optional Refueling/recharging service.
Tolls
Tolls apply on Japan's expressways, including the Joshin-etsu and Nagano Expressways. ETC lanes are the norm, and cash lanes remain at most plazas.
For personalized advice on toll routes and payment options, the SIXT branch team will gladly assist you at pick-up.
Top Places to Visit by Car in Nagano
Snow monkeys, shrines, and a historic castle reward a drive.
Togakushi Shrine: Mountain Shrine Complex
- Distance from Nagano city center: 30 km (19 mi)
- Estimated driving time: 65 minutes
Five shrines sit on Mount Togakushi, and a cedar avenue of more than 300 trees leads to Okusha. Many businesses close from late November to early April. Paid Okushairiguchi Parking Lot is the closest lot to the Okusha trailhead.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: Bathing Macaques
- Distance from Nagano city center: 35 km (22 mi)
- Estimated driving time: 50 minutes
Wild macaques bathe in hot springs near Yamanouchi. A 30-minute forest trail leads to the park. The free Kanbayashi Onsen Parking Lot at the trailhead is open year-round.
Matsumoto Castle: A Historic Landmark
- Distance from Nagano city center: 69 km (43 mi)
- Estimated driving time: 60 minutes
This flatland castle is one of twelve surviving original keeps in Japan. The 1594 keep is a National Treasure. The city-run Matsumoto Castle Otemon Parking Lot is within walking distance.
Hakuba: Alpine Valley
- Distance from Nagano city center: 53 km (33 mi)
- Estimated driving time: 60 minutes
Hakuba lies beneath the Northern Alps, and Happo-One hosted the 1998 Olympic downhill. Olympic ski jumping took place here too. Several parking lots serve Happo-One, some free and some paid.
A SIXT car rental in Nagano gives you the flexibility to explore on your schedule. Book now for effortless exploration!
Customer reviews & feedback
What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Nagano. The score is an average of all customer responses.
