Centrair: A Few Hours' Drive Away from Famous Destinations
Centrair (Central Japan International Airport) is the gateway to Nagoya, one of the three largest cities in Japan.
The airport has flights to cities across Japan, along with direct flights to countries in East and Southeast Asian countries. Additionally, popular sightseeing spots such as Nagoya, Shirakawa-go village, Ghibli Park, and Kanazawa are accessible by rental car.
This article introduces how to rent a car at Centrair—the entranceway to the Chubu region—and five car rental companies at the airport.
Discount coupon: Book a rental car at a 10% discount
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1. How to Rent a Car at Centrair
There are two terminals at Centrair: Terminals 1 and 2. Most of the domestic and international flights depart from Terminal 1.
Terminal 1 is directly connected by a slope to the Access Plaza, a portal to various public transportation (trains, buses, taxis, and high-speed boats).
The following is how to book a rental car at Centrair.
1: Refer to this article when making an online car rental reservation in advance.
2: After arriving at the airport, head to the car rental reception on the first floor of the Access Plaza. A free shuttle bus service connects Terminal 2 to the Access Plaza.
3: After completing the necessary steps, you can pick up your rental car and drive away*.
For information about rental cars in Japan, please look at the MATCHA article listed below.
The following is a list of major companies at Centrair, along with a link to Klook, a website where customers can search for discount coupons, compare costs, and reserve rental cars.
2. Nippon Rent-A-Car
Nippon Rent-A-Car is a long-established company with 560 offices across Japan. At Centrair, users can pick up their cars on the first floor of the Access Plaza.
The office is open from 8:00 to 20:00. While there is a reception counter on the second floor, those who have already booked their vehicle should head directly to the first-floor sales office.
Nippon Rent-A-Car offers a wide variety of vehicles, from compact, large-size, and luxury types. A multi-lingual navigation system is also available, and customers can return their vehicles at a different site where the car was rented.
MATCHA is currently offering a 10% discount coupon for overseas visitors, which can be used at the Nippon Rent-A-Car office in Centrair.
Click Here for 10% Discount at Nippon Rent-A-Car!
3. Nissan Rent a Car
Nissan Rent a Car is managed by Nissan, one of the world's leading car manufacturers. The company's office is on the Access Plaza's first floor. It is open daily from 8:00 to 20:00.
Most vehicles at the Central Japan International Airport office are equipped with navigation and electronic toll collection (ETC) systems. Customers with an ETC card can navigate the toll roads smoothly.
The majority of cars are Nissan vehicles, which are known for their cutting-edge technology and attractive design. The lineup even includes electric vehicles and sports cars.
Click Here to Book Nissan Rent a Car at Centrair on Klook!
4. Times Car Rental
In addition to car rentals, Times Car Rental manages parking lots and a car-sharing service. Their office on the first floor of Centrair is open from 9:00 to 21:00.
While the company started as a subsidiary of Mazda Motor Corporation, customers can now choose from an extensive lineup of automakers. There are various convenient services for an additional fee, such as returning your rental vehicle at a different site.
Members of Times Club (car rental) and Times Car (car-sharing service) are entitled to discounts. This also includes Pitto Go, a service that allows members to collect and return vehicles with less paperwork. Please note that Pitto Go guidance is only listed on the Japanese website.
Those planning to drive in Japan repeatedly should consider becoming a member.
Click Here to Book Times Car Rental at Centrair on Klook!
5. Toyota Rent a Car
Toyota Rent a Car is managed by Toyota Rental & Leasing, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. The company's office is on the first floor and is open from 7:30 to 22:00. Their business hours are perfect for travelers arriving early in the morning or late at night.
Toyota Rent a Car is the largest company in Japan's car rental industry, with the highest number of vehicles and 1,200 sales offices across the country. Since it is affiliated with Toyota—one of the major automobile companies worldwide—customers can choose from an extensive lineup of vehicles, including high-class models.
Click Here to Book Toyota Rent a Car at Centrair on Klook!
6. Orix Rent-A-Car
Orix Rent-A-Car is the second-largest company in the Japanese car rental industry. Their office, located on the first floor of Centrair, is open from 8:00 to 20:00.
Orix is known for its diverse selection of vehicles. Some people even rent trucks when moving into a new house.
Customers can also collect various points when renting a vehicle, such as JAL or ANA frequent flyer mileage. There are campaigns exclusive to the Nagoya area, and for customers who book an early reservation. Please note that certain campaigns are only listed on the Japanese website.
Click Here to Book Orix Rent-A-Car at Centrair on Klook
7. Sightseeing Spots Near Centrair
The Chubu region, where Centrair is located, has recently become popular among many tourists.
From the airport, it is a three-hour drive to both Shirakawa-go village community and the nature-rich Gokayama. The villages are known for its Gassho-zukuri style of architecture. Both locations have become fashionable spots to enjoy the scenery of ancient Japan.
Ghibli Park, a theme park produced by Studio Ghibli, opened in 2022. It takes about an hour by car from the airport.
It is a four-hour drive to Kanazawa City, which is home to 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Kenroku-en Garden.
Lodgings near Shirakawa-go and Ghibli Park are listed in the MATCHA articles below. Since the former location is located in a remote area, it might be wise to book an inn for one or two nights.
8. FAQs: Rental Cars at Centrair
Q1: Should I reserve a rental car in advance?
A: Yes. Recently, travelers have started using rental cars in Japan, including the Nagoya area. A car might not be available without an advance reservation.
Q2: What should I watch out for when driving in the Nagoya area?
A: Please read this MATCHA article for general information about riding rental cars in Japan.
Aichi Prefecture, where Nagoya is located, boasts the largest number of registered vehicles in Japan. Be prepared to encounter a lot of traffic. Please take extra care since Aichi is also famous for Nagoya-bashiri, an illegal style of driving.
There will be much snow in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama during the winter. Those planning a visit during this season should book a vehicle with snow tires. They should also consider driving a four-wheel drive or bringing a snow chain as well.
Nissan Rent a Car has four-wheel drives in its lineup, so be sure to check it out!
Q3: Toyota has its headquarters in Aichi Prefecture. Are there any special discounts for renting Toyota vehicles in Aichi Prefecture?
A: As of Sptember 2023, there are no such discounts. However, a 10％ coupon from MATCHA is available at Nippon Rent-A-Car. It applies to Toyota vehicles as well, so please take a look!
Be sure to drop by the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. The facility located in Aichi features the technology and history of the company.
Q4: Are there rental car agencies outside of Centrair?
A: Yes. There are offices of the car rental companies mentioned above in various locations throughout the Chubu region. Please check each company's website for details.
The discount coupon for Nippon Rent-A-Car and Nissan Rent a Car can be used at offices outside of Centrair.
9. Enjoy the Area around Nagoya!
There are many attractive spots near Nagoya. Compare various packages and prices when choosing a rental car that best fits your travel needs.
For more information about attractions and accommodations around Nagoya City, please check the MATCHA articles listed below!
