[Hokkaido Car Rental] Recommendations and 2024 Latest Guide - Best Way to Experience the Snow Country!

北海道租車，是你前往北海道旅遊時，極為彈性的旅遊方式之一！租車可以讓你自由安排行程，快速抵達不同的景點，遊玩日本想要解放雙手雙腳，那肯定是租車自駕來場深度旅遊了～

本文將詳細介紹北海道租車的推薦原因、必備證件、保險解析、線上租車公司比較、取還車流程、注意事項及常見問題，繼續往下看，給你最完整的北海道租車自駕攻略！

Most Common Questions Before Renting a Car in Hokkaido:

Q: Is it safe to rent a car in Hokkaido when it snows?
A: Hokkaido has appropriate road facilities and vehicle equipment for snowy weather. Drivers should simplyslow down and drive carefully.It's not as dangerous or difficult as you might imagine.

If you prefer to avoid risks, Hokkaido is also great to visit in spring and summer with flower seasons and festivals - it's enjoyable all year round!

Q : I forgot to bring my international driver’s license. Can I still rent a car?
A： No! Travelers must have a international driver’s license to legally rent and drive a car in Japan. You can't hit the road without it.

Q: Is it necessary to rent a car to explore Hokkaido?
A: Hokkaido is Japan's largest prefecture, occupying 22% of Japan's total area. JR trains or buses can't easily reach all places. In this case, renting a car becomes a very flexible option, allowing you to plan your journey more freely with the ability to stop whenever you want!

Q: What's the minimum cost for renting a car in Hokkaido?
A: By booking through gogoout for the Hokkaido area, you can rent a car for as low as $47 per day,with basic insurance included in the price！

Continue reading for more selected recommended rental companies to prepare for your upcoming Hokkaido trip!

Hokkaido Car Rental Recommendations at a Glance

Hokkaido Car Rental Company 店家	Company intro	Price	English Communication	Airport pickup and drop-off	Basic Insurance	Full Compensation Insurance
北海道新千歲 前往預訂👉	Near New Chitose Airport, offering free airport pickup	Starting from $67/day	⭕️	✅	✅	Available on-site
HDC租車 前往預訂👉	Next to Hakodate Airport, offering a variety of vehicle models	Starting at $47/day	⭕️	✅	✅	Available on-site
サーモンレンタカー 前往預訂👉	Providing camper van rental services in the Sapporo area	Starting from $89/day	❌	✅	✅	Available on-site

👇👇Hokkaido car rental from $47 per day👇👇

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Hokkaido Car Rental Company Comparison

There are many online and chain car rental companies in Hokkaido, each offering different locations, vehicles, and insurance amounts. Here's a basic comparison table of fees and services, using Hakodate Airport pickup as an example for reference!

Comparing compact 4-seater vehicles:

	gogoout	Tabirai	Times CAR RENTAL	ORIX RENT-A-CAR
Airport pickup and drop-off	Varies by company	Varies by company	○	○
English contact	○ Online customer service	○ Online customer service	○	○ Online customer service
Price (one day)	About $47	About $67	About $69	About $88
GPS	Varies by company	Varies by company	○	○
ETC	Varies by company	Varies by company	About $3/times	About $3/times
Safety seat	Varies by company	About $8/unit	About $8/unit	About $8/unit
Open hour	(Times vary by company) 8:00~19:00	(Times vary by company) 8:00~20:00	8:00~19:00	9:00~18:00 8:00~20:00
CDW compensation	Add on-site	About $8/24h	About $8/24h	About $8/24h
NOC compensation	Add on-site	About $5/times	About $5/24h	About $5/24h

Hokkaido Car Rental Insurance Analysis

When renting a car in Hokkaido, it's highly recommended to get full insurance coverage for the vehicle. Extreme weather conditions and unfamiliar traffic patterns make it better to be safe than sorry!

All rental vehicles are legally required to have basic insurance,
including liability insurance, which provides a certain degree of compensation for personal injury, property damage, and vehicle damage.

Although most compensation is paid by the insurance company, car rental customers still need to bear a portion of the costs, known as the "deductible."

The following two types of compensation insurance systems provide additional protection for consumers to choose from, covering different aspects of the deductible!

1. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

CDW is used to reduce the compensation burden in case of vehicle damage or collision accidents, usually included in the original rental fee.

In addition to the basic mandatory insurance, it can exempt the deductible that the car rental customer needs to pay. When an accident occurs, this additional insurance will provide you with greater peace of mind.

2.Non-Operation Charge (NOC)

NOC is similar to the business loss fee commonly seen in Taiwan. Car rental companies will offer this insurance as an additional purchase option.

NOC primarilywhich can exempt you from paying for the rental company's business loss during the vehicle repair period caused by the accident..

Note | These two types of insurance are separate and may not both compensate for business loss fees. Be sure to triple-check what system the car rental company provides before renting!

Insurance Coverage	Basic Mandatory Insurance	+CDW	+NOC
Personal injury compensation (for victims)	✔️	✔️	✔️
Property damage compensation	✔️	✔️	✔️
Vehicle damage compensation	✔️	✔️	✔️
Personal injury compensation (for passengers)	✔️	✔️	✔️
Deductible exemption		✔️	✔️
Business loss fee exemption			✔️

Essential Documents for Hokkaido Car Rental

Before renting a car in Hokkaido, make sure you have all the important documents ready!
These documents are not only required by the car rental company but are also key to ensuring your trip goes smoothly:

1. Passport: Not only needed when renting a car, but also for identity verification in case of spot checks or accidents, as well as for tax-free shopping.

2. Valid domestic driver's license: Recommended to bring for the rental company and law enforcement to verify your legal driving status.

3. International driver’s license: Travelers from American countries can rent a car in Japan by international driving permit.

4. Credit card used for car rental reservation: May be required at pickup for identity and payment verification.

Three Steps to Reserve a Car in Hokkaido

Step 1: Online Reservation for Hokkaido Area Vehicles

When booking on gogoout, choose Hokkaido as your pickup location and browse the various vehicle types provided on the platform.

The platform displays detailed vehicle information, including real photos, vehicle specifications, and user reviews, helping you make the most suitable choice.

Remember to book early to ensure you don't miss out on vehicles during peak seasons!

Step 2: Pick Up the Vehicle at the Car Rental Company in Hokkaido

Upon arrival at the car rental company in Hokkaido, prepare your booking confirmation and important documents such as international driving permit and driver's license translation.

Confirm and sign the rental contract. Carefully inspect the vehicle condition, including tire tread depth and whether snow brushes are provided. Ensure there's no damage and take photos for record.
Confirm the return time and fuel options to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to additional charges for vehicle damage.

Step 3: End Your Hokkaido Self-Drive Rental Car Journey

After completing your trip, return the vehicle to the rental company at the scheduled time.

Confirm the mileage with the rental company staff and settle the final fees, including ETC highway tolls.

Finally, return the car keys to successfully conclude your Hokkaido car rental journey.

Using gogoout for car rental is just that fast!

From compact cars to multi-passenger vehicles and vans, everything you need for car rental is sorted in one go.

gogoout displays real photos of the vehicles, detailed specifications, and user reviews, helping you make the most suitable choice. Overseas car rental is no longer difficult!

Hokkaido Car Rental: Essential Tips

1. Winter Driving in Hokkaido

Slippery Roads: Maintain a Longer Safe Distance

Slippery roads aren't just a concern during snowfall. The most treacherous conditions often arise from seemingly melted, but actually frozen, ice patches that can cause you to lose control and skid.

For safety, try to drive in the tracks left by vehicles ahead of you, as they've already cleared some snow.
Maintain a longer safe distance between vehicles, as wet roads significantly increase braking distances.

Early Sunsets: Reduced Visibility at Night

Hokkaido's winter days are short, making it harder to see road markings at night. When planning your itinerary, avoid driving on remote roads after dark. Slow down on mountain roads and curves, as the white landscape can make it challenging to judge turns or detect dead ends.

Heavy Snow/Blizzards: Significantly Reduced Visibility

During heavy snowfall or blizzards, your visibility may be severely impaired. The "white-out" conditions can drastically reduce your visual range and even cause disorientation. If you encounter these conditions, turn on your headlights and hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible to others. Avoid sudden braking to prevent rear-end collisions.

For more comprehensive U.S. traffic regulations, visit:【Japan Car Rental】2024 Car Rental Tips, Cost Comparison, Complete Discover Japan's Free Journey!

Narrow Roads Due to Snow Removal

In Hokkaido, snowplows clear roads after heavy snowfall, but this often results in large snow piles on the leftmost lane, narrowing already slim roads.

This can make it difficult to distinguish lane directions, especially for oncoming traffic. If you're not accustomed to winter driving in Hokkaido, stick to wider roads with better visibility for a more comfortable and safe journey.

For more Hokkaido car rental tips, read:Hokkaido Road Safety Guide

Freezing Temperatures: Vehicle Icing

When vehicles are parked outdoors for extended periods in cold weather, windows, parking brakes, and windshield wipers may freeze.

When parking overnight, don't engage the parking brake, and avoid forcibly opening frozen doors – wait for them to thaw.

Remember to lift the windshield wipers to prevent them from freezing to the glass, and use a snow brush to remove snow covering the vehicle.

Mapcode Navigation May Be Less Accurate Than Google Maps

In Hokkaido's winter, road closures due to heavy snow are common, but in-car navigation systems may not update quickly enough. This can lead to unexpected detours.

Use both Google Maps and Mapcode navigation: check Google Maps for road conditions in advance, then use Mapcode to navigate to your destination.

For more on Japanese Mapcode settings, read:How to Navigate While Driving in Japan? Mapcode Introduction

2. Hokkaido Traffic Signs

Snow Poles and Arrow Feathers

In Hokkaido, you'll notice red and white downward-pointing arrows along roadsides. These "arrow feathers" help drivers identify lane boundaries when covered in snow. Use these to gauge your position on the road during poor visibility conditions.

"Snow poles" are tall, cylindrical red and white poles placed around streets to mark obstacles hidden by snow. Both pedestrians and drivers should avoid these areas.

Traffic lights:

Hokkaido's traffic lights are often vertically arranged in addition to the standard horizontal layout. The vertical design is less likely to be obscured by snow, ensuring visibility for road users.

Traffic Signs:

Heavy snow can cover road signs, making them hard to read. Before setting out, use Google Maps to familiarize yourself with the route. When you see an inverted triangle "止" sign at an intersection, always come to a full stop and check for safety before proceeding – this is strictly enforced in Japan.

For more comprehensive Japanese traffic signs, visit:【Japan Car Rental】2024 Car Rental Tips, Cost Comparison, Complete Discover Japan's Free Journey!

3. 北海道雪地自駕配備

Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped with the following when booking online:

Snow Tires with Chains

Snow tires have deeper treads for better traction and water displacement on snowy roads.

Chains are optional but recommended for extra grip.

Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

在汽車四顆輪子都有動力的情況下，可以讓你深陷深雪時，有機會可以避免原地空轉打滑，順利駛出積雪。
相較後輪驅動車輛，四輪驅動會更建議在北海道自駕時租用哦！

Snow Brush

After parking outdoors, your car may be covered in snow. A snow brush is essential for quick snow removal.

Usually available from rental companies upon request, or purchasable at gas stations and convenience stores if needed.

4. Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP)

Due to Hokkaido's vast size, highway tolls can be expensive for inter-city travel. The Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP) allows unlimited use of Hokkaido's expressways for a flat fee during the pass period.

Use the Hokkaido ETC Fee Calculator to determine if purchasing a HEP is cost-effective for your trip.

5. Hokkaido Gas Stations

Hokkaido gas stations offer both full-service and self-service options. Confirm the fuel type for your rental car when picking it up.

Fuel type	Fuel gun color	Japanese	English
Regular (95)	Red	レギコラー	Regular
Premium (98)	Yellow	ハイオク	Premium
Diesel	Green	軽油	Diesel

Self-service fueling steps:

1. Choose fuel type, quantity, and payment method:
At self-service stations, follow on-screen instructions to select the amount of fuel (by volume or price) or fill up completely. Payment can be made by credit card, at self-service payment machines, or at staffed counters.

Hokkaido Car Rental: Typical Travel Times

Hokkaido is Japan's largest prefecture, covering 22% of the country's land area and home to three international airports. Plan your inter-city driving times in advance. Here are estimated driving times from Sapporo to various destinations:

1. Sapporo to New Chitose International Airport: 50-60 minutes
2. Sapporo to Hakodate International Airport: 4-4.5 hours
3. Sapporo to Asahikawa International Airport: 2-2.5 hours
4. Sapporo to Otaru: 1 hour
5. Sapporo to Lake Shikotsu-Toya: 50 minutes
6. Sapporo to Noboribetsu: 1 hour

Hokkaido Car Rental: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the age requirement for renting a car in Hokkaido?

A: Generally, you must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license. However, many companies restrict rentals to those 20 and older or require at least one year of driving experience. Always confirm age restrictions with your chosen rental company.

2. How are Hokkaido toll roads calculated?

A: Hokkaido's expressways have both cash "General" lanes and "ETC" (Electronic Toll Collection) lanes. ETC lanes are more convenient during high traffic periods.

If your rental car doesn't have an ETC card, use the cash lanes. If you purchase a HEP, you'll use the ETC lanes.

(Note: ETC lanes have a 20 km/h speed limit to ensure proper detection.)

3. What should I do if I have an accident while driving a rental car in Hokkaido?

A: In case of an accident in Hokkaido, whether it's a single-vehicle incident or a collision:
1.Contact the rental company immediately for assistance.
2.Call the police.
3.Take photos of the scene.
4.Move the vehicle to the side if it's obstructing traffic.
5.Obtain an accident report for insurance purposes.

4. How do I pay traffic fines in Hokkaido?

A: All fines must be paid at the local police station (Koban). When picking up your rental car, ask if you should pay fines directly or if the rental company will handle them upon return.

Don't ignore fines or attempt to pay online after returning home, as penalties may increase significantly.

Conclusion: Hokkaido Car Rental

Hokkaido offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural heritage, best explored by car.

Understanding rental recommendations, required documents, insurance information, company comparisons, pickup/return procedures, and important considerations will help you plan and enjoy your Hokkaido self-drive adventure.

This article's FAQ section addresses common concerns, allowing you to enjoy your trip worry-free. We hope this guide helps you rent a car smoothly and have a memorable Hokkaido self-drive experience!

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