How to Rent a Car in Hokkaido: A Complete Guide

Written By Mark Youngyuen

TLDR

  • Renting a car is the best way to explore Hokkaido, especially for rural areas, ski resorts, and flower fields.

  • Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) (Geneva 1949) + passport.

  • Major pick-up points: New Chitose Airport (CTS), Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa.

  • Trusted rental platforms: Klook, Toyota Rent-A-Car, Orix, Nippon, Times Car Rental.

  • Winter requires snow tyres (standard). GPS with English support and map codes make navigation easy.

Why Renting a Car Makes Sense in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is vast, rural, and less connected by public transport than the rest of Japan. Trains cover major cities, but reaching ski resorts, flower fields, and national parks is far easier by car. The island’s well-maintained roads and scenic highways make driving one of the best ways to experience its landscapes.

Rental Car Requirements in Hokkaido

  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Must comply with the 1949 Geneva Convention. (Check with the individual providers)

  • Passport: Required for all bookings.

  • Credit Card: Needed for deposit and booking guarantee.

  • Minimum Age: 18, though some companies charge extra fees for drivers under 25.

Where to Rent a Car in Hokkaido

1. New Chitose Airport (CTS)

Hokkaido’s main gateway and the most popular rental hub.

  • Why rent here: Best for starting long road trips to Niseko, Furano, or eastern Hokkaido.

  • Logistics: Counters inside the terminal; cars collected via a short free shuttle.

  • Rental companies: Toyota, Nippon, Times, Orix, Nissan, plus Klook partners.

2. Sapporo City

Convenient for travellers spending time in the capital before heading out.

  • Why rent here: Avoid extra rental days if exploring Sapporo first.

  • Best for: Day trips to Otaru, Jozankei Onsen, or ski resorts like Teine.

  • Rental companies: Toyota, Orix, Nippon branches near Sapporo Station.

3. Hakodate

Southern hub with its own airport and Shinkansen access.

  • Why rent here: Perfect for exploring Onuma Quasi-National Park, Matsumae, and Lake Toya.

  • Rental companies: Toyota, Times, and Orix offices near Hakodate Station and Airport.

4. Asahikawa

The gateway to central Hokkaido and its wilderness.

  • Why rent here: Ideal for reaching Daisetsuzan National Park and Furano ski areas.

  • Rental companies: Toyota, Nippon, and Times at the airport and Asahikawa Station.

Recommended Rental Car Companies

  • Toyota Rent-A-Car – Nationwide coverage, strong customer support.

  • Orix Rent-A-Car – Competitive pricing, multilingual services.

  • Times Car Rental – Widely available with flexible plans.

  • Nippon Rent-A-Car – Reliable and accessible at airports.

  • NICONICO Rent-A-Car – Budget-friendly option.

All cars typically include ETC cards for expressways and GPS navigation (English available).

Choosing the Right Vehicle

  • Compact Cars: Best for couples or solo travellers sticking to cities and short trips.

  • SUVs / 4WDs: Recommended for winter or mountain driving.

  • Vans / Minivans: Ideal for families or groups with ski gear or luggage.

Driving in Hokkaido: Seasonal Tips

Winter (Dec–Mar)

  • All rentals come with snow tyres as standard.

  • Drive slowly, keep distance, and avoid sudden braking.

  • Be mindful of black ice on highways and rural roads.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

  • Ideal season for flower field drives and coastal road trips.

  • Roads are clear and safe.

Autumn (Sep–Oct)

  • Stunning foliage drives through Biei, Daisetsuzan, and Shiretoko.

  • Nights can bring frost; pack warm layers.

Spring (Apr–May)

  • Some mountain passes may remain closed until early May.

  • Carry a light jacket — snow lingers at altitude.

Alternatives to Car Rental

  • JR Hokkaido Rail Pass: Great for city-to-city travel, but rural access is limited.

  • Buses: Cheaper but infrequent in rural areas.

  • Private Transfers: Comfortable but significantly more expensive.

For flexibility and access to hidden gems, renting a car remains the most rewarding option.

References:

Japan Guide. “Driving in Japan.” https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2024.html

Japan Guide. “Hokkaido Travel: Access and Getting Around.” https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e623a.html

Klook. “Car Rentals in Hokkaido (New Chitose Airport).” https://www.klook.com/en-GB/car-rentals

Nippon Rent-A-Car. “Driving in Hokkaido.” https://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/

Toyota Rent-A-Car. “Hokkaido Car Rentals.” https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/

Mark Youngyuen
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What to Pack for Hokkaido in Every Season