Car hire Shodoshima

Hi, I’m having trouble finding car hire on Shodoshima for 23rd-26th November 2024. Either cars are not available (Orix) or companies seem not to rent to holders of International Driving License/ non-Japanese speakers. I am from the UK, used to small roads so not too worried about driving. If I can’t hire a car, can anyone recommend alternatives? Staying near Ikeda port.

The unavailability of rental cars has become a problem in many parts of Japan since corona. I have not looked up anything, but considering that your visit falls onto a weekend during the peak season of the local autumn color seasons makes me suspect that cars are sold out.

Shodoshima has a relatively good - and inexpensive - bus network:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5431.html#section_orientation

Do you know where you want to go on Shodoshima? Most tourist attractions are accessible by bus, but does not operate frequently. I stayed on the west end of the island and managed to go to the east end by bus.

I was just hoping to see the whole of the island and have a bit of freedom. I do want to visit the mountainous centre. I have had a look at the bus timetables and actually, it looks as if it should be possible to visit the main areas of the island by bus. I guess we’ll be doing that! Thanks for the response.

I'm afraid the following thorough website's "Access - How to get around Shodoshima" page doesn't have an English version, but there is a list of rent-a-car companies you can try clicking on.

https://www.town.shodoshima.lg.jp/kanko/access/howtomove_island.html

The website also has a list of places that accept inquiries on tourism in the island. If you could write an email in plain textbook English, using short sentences, I'm sure someone can at least do a machine translation and respond.

https://www-town-shodoshima-lg-jp.translate.goog/kanko/other_info/cont...

I hope it helps.

Thank you, I will try that. Very helpful!