🚗 Make your trip in Tsuruoka more flexible! Complete Guide to Rental Cars Near the Station

If you really want to enjoy sightseeing in Tsuruoka, having a car definitely makes things easier!

Peaceful beaches, majestic mountains, and a world-renowned food culture— Tsuruoka is a place where you can enjoy a deeply moving and delicious journey.

However… the reality is that sightseeing spots and activity facilities are scattered across and beyond the city, and transportation options are limited. To visit them efficiently, having a rental car that gives you the freedom to move around is by far the most convenient choice.

【Recommended for People Like This】

Those who feel uneasy about the limited number of buses
Those who want to travel comfortably with family or in a group
Those who want to explore wide-area attractions like the Three Mountains of Dewa (Dewa Sanzan)
Those who want to travel freely without being restricted by timetables or routes
Those planning activities like hiking or temple visits, or traveling with lots of luggage

【Comparison with Other Transportation Options】

【Rental Car Services Around Tsuruoka Station】

Several rental car companies are located within a few minutes' walk from Tsuruoka Station.

Toyota Rent-a-Car Tsuruoka Station Front Branch
Nippon Rent-A-Car Tsuruoka Station Front Office
ORIX Rent-A-Car Tsuruoka Station Front BT Branch
Nissan Rent-A-Car Tsuruoka Station Front Branch

🌍 All locations accept foreign renters with an International Driving Permit + passport 💳 Credit card payment accepted / Smooth pick-up with online reservation in advance

【Requirements and Important Notes for Foreign Renters】

Return Rules

Be sure to return the car on time (late returns will incur additional fees)
Returning the car with a full tank is standard practice. You may be asked to provide the fuel receipt.
Returning the car outside business hours requires prior arrangement. Some locations have a dedicated drop-off box.
One-way drop-offs (returning the car to a different location) may incur additional fees.

Requirements for Foreigners to Rent a Car

Those who hold an International Driving Permit issued by a Geneva Convention signatory country
For certain countries like Germany, France, Switzerland, and Taiwan, a driver's license with an official Japanese translation is acceptable.

Required Documents

Valid International Driving Permit (within its expiration date)
Passport
Driver’s license with official Japanese translation (only for applicable countries)

Age & License Holding Period

21 years old or older
At least one year must have passed since obtaining the driver’s license

Payment Methods

Credit card payment is standard (major international brands accepted)
Many locations do not accept debit cards or cash payments

Processing Time

If you’ve made a reservation online in advance, the on-the-day procedure takes about 10 minutes.
Since verifying translation documents may take extra time, please arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Estimated Rental Prices

Kei cars (small vehicles): from ¥6,000 per day
Compact cars: from ¥6,600 per day
Minivans / One-box cars: from ¥8,000 per day (varies by season and vehicle type)

【Easily Accessible by Rental Car! Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Tsuruoka】

Dewa Sanzan Shrines (Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, Mount Yudono): With a car, you can take the most direct routes and efficiently visit all three sacred mountains.
**Dainichibō Temple and Multi-story Traditional Houses**: You can freely stop by historical and cultural sites around Mount Haguro.
Trailheads for Mt. Chokai and Mt. Gassan: Perfect for early morning departures and easy transport after descent—ideal for conquering Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.
Kamo Aquarium (Jellyfish Dream Theater), Kamo 100-Year Kitchen, and Zenpōji Temple: Enjoy easy access to Tsuruoka’s scenic seaside attractions by car.

Only Two Months! Now is the time to embark on the **Dewa Sanzan Sanja Mōde** — the sacred pilgrimage to all three shrines.

Kamo Aquarium (Jellyfish Dream Pavilion) and recommended places nearby

“Speak Not, Hear Not” — Yudono Shrine Main Sanctuary and Other Must-See Spots in the Area

【Summary】

With a rental car, your trip to Tsuruoka becomes more flexible and fulfilling! It takes the stress out of getting around and lets you explore scenic spots, cultural sites, and local cuisine at your own pace.

For international travelers especially, renting a car is a reliable way to explore Tsuruoka without depending on public transport. Use this guide to make the most of your rental car and enjoy a Tsuruoka journey that's uniquely yours!

However… Some traffic signs may be difficult for international visitors to understand. Please drive with extra caution when using a car in Japan!

Also, please don’t rely solely on the information provided here— we recommend checking each company’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date details.

That's all for today's article.

Guesthouse Watasagi is a guesthouse located right in between the ocean, the mountains, and the city center.

We hope you will enjoy Tsuruoka and Shonai to the fullest with Guesthouse Watasagi as your base 😊.

We also promote the attractions of our local areas of Yamagata, Tsuruoka, and Shonai. The latest updates are posted on Instagram. Please follow us and stay tuned💕

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