Car Hire Kyoto - Mini guide to Kyoto

Kyoto, a 1200 year old city and the former capital of Japan, is something of a renaissance city. Home to ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, it is also the center of Japan's television and film industry, as well as an education hub, with more than thirty institutions of higher learning.

Although Kyoto does not have its own airport, you can hire a car and drive there from Kansai International Airport, south of Osaka, or fly into Tokyo and take a bus or train. If you've hired a car, you will have the run of the city when you arrive, or you can make use of the extensive public transportation system. Buses, trains and subway cars will take you almost anywhere you want to go.

Although there is some high-tech presence in Kyoto, much of the city's economy rests on the efforts of small companies run by artisans that produce and sell traditional Japanese crafts. Fans and parasols, wooden dolls and kimonos are very popular, but if you're feeling feisty, you can even take home a genuine samurai sword.

Beyond shopping, there is a lot of sight-seeing to do in Kyoto. Hire a car and visit Ukyo-ku, the northwest ward of the city, where the beautiful views of Mt. Arashiyama's blossoming cherry trees will blow you away. Head south, into Fushimi-ku ward, you will find ancient Fushimi Castle. Next door to that is Higashiyama-ku ward, home of the entertainment district, Gion, a center for fine food and elegant geisha.

And, after a day of sightseeing, when you've had your share of the ancient and traditional and stuffed yourself with fabulous food, you can burn off some calories and let loose at one of Kyoto's nightclubs, host to many of the world's most famous and talented DJ's.

Whether your tastes run to ancient temples and traditionally crafted kimonos, or bustling shopping centers and glittering night clubs, Kyoto is a great place to be.

Car hire deals in: Japan

We rent the following types of cars: Economy (Vauxhall Corsa or equiv.), Mini, Small family (Ford Focus or equiv.), Medium family (Toyota Avensis or equiv.), large family (BMW 5 series), 4x4, SUV, Convertible, Van, Sports car, Luxury cars.

Hire cheap cars from the following suppliers, Ebookers, Opodo, Avis, Expedia, Sixt, Thrifty and budget rental prices from EasyCar, Budget, Holiday Autos, Economy, 121carhire.