Your Ultimate Guide on How to Rent a Car in Hokkaido Prefecture

Know before you go

To rent a car in Hokkaido, you’ll need to prepare a credit card, passport, valid international driver's license, and a Japanese translation of the driver's license. You can apply for the translation online or at the motor vehicle office. Online applications take 7 to 12 working days.

Major car rental companies in Hokkaido

In Hokkaido, major car rental companies like Toyota, Orix, Times, Nippon, and Nissan offer well-maintained vehicles, multilingual services, and smooth rental processes. They have branches near airports with free shuttle services. These companies provide additional conveniences such as one-way rentals, multilingual navigation systems, ETC cards used for highway tolls, and child safety seats, ensuring an easy rental experience for travelers from any country.

Common car models and prices

When renting a car, the choice of model and type depends on personal preferences and the number of passengers. Rental prices for different car models vary slightly between companies.

Here are some examples from the well-known Toyota rental company, providing options based on the number of passengers and associated costs, which can be useful for those planning their Hokkaido car rental budget.

*The luggage capacity in the table is for reference only. If you have more luggage, you can adjust the seats to create additional space.

Rental car prices

Renting a car in Hokkaido is generally affordable, but beyond the base rental fee, there are additional expenses to consider such as optional features like 4WD, one-way rental fees, insurance, snow tires, child seats, multilingual navigation, and ETC cards.

Costs for returning the car to a different location are often free within a certain distance but increase with greater distances. Other budget considerations include parking fees, highway tolls paid with ETC cards, and fuel costs, which are essential for estimating overall expenses.

Rental car insurance

When renting a car in Japan, basic insurance coverage is mandatory, while optional advanced insurance can be chosen based on personal preference. Basic insurance typically covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and damage to the rented vehicle.

Advanced insurance options may include additional benefits like tire coverage, roadside assistance, and waiver of deductibles such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Non-Operation Charge (NOC). CDW helps waive deductibles for vehicle damage, while NOC covers compensation for business losses to the rental company. Prices for these coverages vary among rental companies and plans.

Camper van rentals

Renting a camper van in Hokkaido is a great way to explore the region. It provides flexibility, comfort, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional travel methods. Camper vans come equipped with beds, kitchens, and bathrooms, letting you freely navigate Hokkaido's scenic landscapes while enjoying a worry-free experience on the road. This option eliminates the need for hotel bookings and reduces transportation expenses, making it ideal for those seeking a deeper exploration of Hokkaido's natural beauty.

The car rental process explained

Preparing for a drive in Hokkaido involves having the necessary documents—an international driver's license, passport, and an international credit card. Reservation steps include selecting dates, car type, and optional extras like 4WD or child seats.

Upon arrival, pick up the car, inspect it for damage with the staff, and familiarize yourself with vehicle controls if needed. Confirm emergency contacts and return details.

Return the car with a full tank, remove personal items, settle any fees for delays, and complete the return process with staff verification of the vehicle’s condition.

Driving tips for a safe journey in Hokkaido's winters

Driving in Hokkaido during winter, especially amidst its stunning snow-covered landscapes, may be challenging. Here are some important tips to remember before setting off.

Driving safe in the snow

Driving in Hokkaido during winter requires precautions due to early darkness and reduced visibility during snowfall. Use headlights during morning, dusk, and snowfall for better visibility. Snowy roads can ice over, so choose cars with studless snow tires and 4WD for rugged conditions. Drive slowly, avoid sharp turns and sudden braking, and maintain safe distances from other vehicles. Careful driving ensures a safe and memorable winter experience in Hokkaido's romantic snowy landscapes.

Refilling gas before returning the car

The rented car must be returned with a full tank of gas to avoid being charged extra. Gas stations offer three types of fuel: High-Octane, Regular, and Diesel. Common gas station chains in Hokkaido include Eneos, Cosmo, Hokuren, Apollostation, Idemitsu Kosan, and Shell, with prices around 158 to 160 Japanese yen per liter as of 2023.

Gas stations in Japan are either full-service, where attendants assist with fueling, or self-service, where customers prepay and fuel independently using the pump. Remember to keep the receipt as proof of refueling when returning the car.

Get the Hokkaido Expressway Pass for better savings

In Hokkaido, road toll expenses can be a significant part of travel costs, typically JPY 25 per kilometer on expressways plus a JPY 150 road maintenance fee, except in central Sapporo. The Hokkaido Expressway Pass offers a flat-rate option for unlimited travel on Hokkaido's expressways, using the ETC system to avoid toll booth stops and language issues. Speed limits on expressways are generally 100 km/h unless indicated otherwise, and drivers must adhere to lane rules, using the inner lane (overtaking lane) for passing only.

*You can apply for this pass until September 30, 2024 only.

The Hokkaido Expressway Pass
Official website: https://en.driveplaza.com/drawari/hokkaido_expass/

Frequently asked questions

If it’s your first time renting a car in Hokkaido, you're likely to have several questions or uncertainties. Here are two common questions about renting a car in Hokkaido to help ease your concerns.

Q1: Should I opt for additional insurance when renting a car?

Rental cars in Japan always include basic insurance, but whether to add advanced insurance is a personal decision. For instance, if you're concerned about minor damages while driving in Japan and do not opt for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), you may have to pay at least around JPY 100,000 in deductible fees, and possibly additional Non-Operation Charge (NOC) fees depending on the situation. Even with basic insurance, these deductibles can add up to significant expenses.

Q2: How can I estimate fuel expenses?

To estimate fuel expenses, first, calculate your travel duration and planned destinations. Then, visit the Nexco East Japan website where you can input your starting point, destination, and any waypoints to see toll fees and distances. Combine this with your vehicle's fuel consumption rate to calculate fuel costs and transportation expenses.

3 recommended driving routes in Hokkaido

Thinking about renting a car for a trip across Hokkaido but unsure how to plan your itinerary? Here are three recommended driving routes that you can follow along for your first road trip in Hokkaido.

Northern Hokkaido

1. Pick up your rental car at Asahikawa Airport.
2. Drive to Sounkyo Gorge to admire its spectacular canyon and natural scenery.
3. Stay at Hotel Taisetsu in Sounkyo Onsen, known for its panoramic baths and private hot springs.
4. Visit Shikisai-no-Oka (Shikisai Hill) in Biei and Farm Tomita in Furano, enjoying the expansive flower fields.
5. Conclude the trip with a visit to Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, famous for its adorable polar bears and penguins.

This itinerary provides a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and wildlife encounters, perfect for a memorable road trip across Hokkaido.

Central Hokkaido

1. Pick up your rental car at New Chitose Airport.
2. Head to Otaru to enjoy delicious seafood and explore the charming Otaru Canal. Stay at Hotel Sonia Otaru for a picturesque canal view and local hot spring experience.
3. Proceed to Niseko, a renowned destination for skiing and outdoor activities.
4. Visit Lake Toya to admire its scenic beauty and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the local hot springs and cuisine.
5. Conclude the trip in Sapporo, experiencing the vibrant city life and shopping opportunities.

Southern Hokkaido

1. Pick up your rental car at Hakodate Airport
2. Start with a visit to Hakodate Morning Market and the historic Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse district, where you can sample fresh seafood and local cuisine.
3. Head to Mount Hakodate to witness its stunning “million-dollar” night view. 
4. Drive to Trappist Monastery in Hokuto City to enjoy famous Trappist butter, followed by exploring Matsumae Castle for its historical and cultural insights.
5. Unwind in the tranquility and beauty of Onuma Park before returning to Hakodate.

Consider a private taxi tour around Hokkaido

Hokkaido is vast, and distances between points can be considerable. If you enjoy the freedom and relaxation of traveling on the road but want to avoid the hassle of navigation or getting lost, hiring a sightseeing taxi is your best bet. Not only can you benefit from professional drivers offering multilingual services, but you can also save your energy from driving and focus entirely on exploring Hokkaido's beautiful landscapes. Whether touring Biei and Furano or visiting Yoichi and the Shakotan Peninsula by taxi, you can fully appreciate Hokkaido's natural beauty and cultural charm.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.