What is Hakuba like?
Hakuba Village is located in the northwestern part of Nagano Prefecture, at the foot of the Northern Japanese Alps, in Kitaazumi District. It is known as a summer retreat and attracts many domestic and international tourists year-round for activities such as skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The area is home to “Happo-One Ski Resort,” one of Japan’s largest ski resorts.
Hakuba gained international fame as a host venue for the Nagano Winter Olympics, making it a popular destination for inbound travelers. Surrounded by the majestic and beautiful Northern Japanese Alps, the village enjoys a rich natural environment nurtured by the basin landscape. The rustic charm of Shinshu’s countryside changes with the seasons, offering visitors a variety of scenic delights throughout the year. Seasonal activities available in spring, summer, autumn, and winter also add to its appeal.
Winter Driving Tips
Hakuba’s roads can be slippery in winter. Make sure your rental car is equipped with snow tires or chains.
Best Time to Visit
To avoid heavy traffic and find convenient parking, we recommend arriving in the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays.
Why Rent a Car in Hakuba?
Hakuba is not only famous for its world-class ski resorts but also offers stunning views and plenty of attractions. Renting a car will make your trip much easier, allowing you to explore nearby spots and enjoy a comfortable ride.
When is the ski season?
The ski season typically runs from mid-December to around April, depending on snowfall conditions. If you plan to visit Hakuba during the ski season, be sure to use a vehicle equipped with snow tire winter tires.
Can I Rent a Car in Hakuba?
There are a few local car rental companies in the town, but there are very few rental car services around Hakuba Station. If you plan to travel part of the way by train or bus, it is recommended that you rent a car at Matsumoto Station or Nagano Station in Nagano Prefecture. Rental car companies at Nagano Station and Matsumoto Station offer a selection of vehicles suited for snowy mountain roads, such as SUVs, cars equipped with studless winter tires, and 4WD vehicles. However, since the ski season is extremely busy, it is advisable to make a reservation several months in advance.
It is also possible to rent a car from a local rental company in Hakuba. However, be sure to check the insurance coverage carefully. Driving on snowy roads can be slippery and increases the risk of accidents. Some rental agreements may require a high penalty fee in case of an accident or have limited liability coverage for personal injury or property damage.
Car Rental Options Near Nagano Station
- Nippon Rent-A-Car Nagano Station East Exit Branch
Address: 624 Tsuruga Nanase, Sun Rise East Exit 1F, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
https://store.nipponrentacar.co.jp/en/b/nrs/info/660428 - Toyota Rent-A-Car Nagano Branch
Address: 1275-1 Minami-Nagano, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/reservation/index01.aspx?shopMode=0&rShop=64401&eShop=020
Car Rental Options Near Matsumoto Station
- Nippon Rent-A-Car Matsumoto Station Alps Exit Branch
Address: 4-16 Habaue, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
https://store.nipponrentacar.co.jp/en/b/nrs/info/660015/?BT3=selectReserveOfficeWithRecommendation&ret=3&multilang=1&teikei_cd= - Toyota Rent-A-Car Matsumoto Station Front Branch
Address: 2-1-20 Fukashi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/reservation/index01.aspx?shopMode=0&rShop=64401&eShop=041
Can You Drive from Tokyo to Hakuba?
Yes, driving from Tokyo to Hakuba is relatively easy. There are well-developed expressways, such as the Kan-Etsu Expressway and the Chuo Expressway, that connect the Tokyo metropolitan area to Hakuba. Even foreign drivers who are not familiar with driving in Japan may find it convenient to reach Hakuba by car. The distance from central Tokyo to Hakuba is approximately 250 km to 300 km, and the drive takes around 3 to 4 hours.
Is Parking Free in Hakuba?
While many ski resorts offer free parking, it’s important to check for any fees in advance, especially during peak ski season.
Nearby Attractions and Parking Tips
Onsen Visits: After a day on the slopes, visiting one of Hakuba’s famous onsens is a must. There are free parking areas near most onsen resorts.
Can You Rent a Car in Tokyo? What About Snow Tires?
There are important points to consider when renting a car in Tokyo, especially for winter driving. Most rental cars in Tokyo do not come equipped with snow tires, even during winter. This is because snowfall is rare in Tokyo, and many residents use normal tires year-round. Additionally, rental companies in Tokyo often have limited availability of 4WD vehicles.
Even if you request a car with snow tires at the time of reservation, availability may be limited due to high demand. Certain sections of highways leading to Hakuba require vehicles to be equipped with snow tires or snow chains, meaning a car with normal tires cannot reach Hakuba. To avoid issues, it is highly recommended to make a reservation several months in advance.
What is ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car?
We at ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car specialize in providing rental cars for foreign tourists and expatriates in Japan.
Since many of our customers travel to ski resorts and the Tohoku region in winter, all our vehicles come standard with studless winter tires, and we also offer 4WD vehicles. Additionally, some of our cars are equipped with roof carriers for skis and snowboards that may not fit inside the vehicle.
We accept reservations several months in advance, allowing customers to plan their trips easily. Many major car rental companies in Japan only accept reservations up to two months in advance and often have staff who speak only Japanese.
Feel free to contact us!
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