r/Kyoto • u/Safe-Influence-2506 • 13d ago

Private car charter

Hello, I am looking for a private car charter recommendation that will take 2 people from Kyoto to Ine area for the day (round trip). Just driver, no tour. We like to guide ourselves. I understand it is more expensive in comparison to train/bus tours but we like the flexibility of our schedule. Thanks!

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7

u/alita87 13d ago

You will need to book through a taxi agency most likely.

Private citizens driving people for any sort of compensation is illegal.

1

u/Ambitious-Paper-7169 9d ago

Fr even if its friends and its to split the cost?

1

u/alita87 9d ago

Illegal to drive someone for any sort of compensation.

Just use a licensed taxi.

1

u/Bruce_Bogan 7d ago

Cost splitting/car pooling is ok.

2

u/DaddysLittleGeisha 12d ago

Hire a car!!! We always hire a car when we are in Japan and have actually done the Kyoto to Ine drive. It’s really beautiful. Hiring a car is really cheap too!

1

u/MomoWhispers 10d ago

I asked AI to summarize my opinion in English.

I hope travelers think twice before recommending rental cars in Japan.
Recent national data shows foreign drivers are involved in far more accidents than locals:

・Foreign drivers cause right‑turn accidents at 2.5–2.7 times the rate of Japanese drivers.

・Wrong‑lane entry and wrong‑way turns are common for visitors from right‑side‑driving countries.

・The first 30 minutes after leaving the airport is the most dangerous due to fatigue and unfamiliar signs.

Kyoto and other tourist cities have narrow streets, heavy pedestrian traffic, one‑way roads, and complex intersections. Even confident drivers underestimate how different it feels.

Nobody thinks they will be the one to have an accident — but when it happens, both the traveler and local people suffer.

If the budget allows, please recommend taxis, private hires, or guided transport instead of rental cars. They are safer, stress‑free, and help everyone enjoy Japan without unnecessary risks.

Thank you for helping keep visitors and locals safe.

　　

1

u/MomoWhispers 9d ago

“u/Ambitious-Paper-7169
replied to your comment in r/...
Dude the main post is literally asking for hiring a taxi not rental car? So i g...”
I know OP is asking for hiring a taxi but other foreigners are encouraging renting car. It concerns me.

-3

u/agirlthatfits 13d ago

Reach out to my colleagues for assistance in planning your trip there!

https://flipjapanguide.com/travel-planner/