Hokkaido & Sapporo: A Globally Popular Tourist Destination
Sapporo, a major city surrounded by mountain ranges, is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world. One of its biggest attractions is the ability to enjoy Hokkaido’s vast nature and distinct four seasons. Inbound travelers not only visit Sapporo but also explore famous spots such as Niseko, Rusutsu, Asahikawa, Hakodate, and Wakkanai. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while in summer, Hokkaido serves as a comfortable getaway from the heat.
When traveling within Hokkaido, renting a car is often more convenient than using public transportation such as trains and buses. However, since Sapporo has many car rental companies, it can be difficult to choose the right one.
This article introduces some recommended car rental companies in Sapporo.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, this is a must-read!
Key Points for Choosing a Rental Car
Hokkaido, known for its many tourist attractions, has numerous car rental companies. However, some of them only have websites in Japanese or do not offer English support, which can be challenging for first-time visitors to Japan or those who don’t speak Japanese at all. Additionally, local rental car companies may have different insurance and coverage policies, so it’s essential to understand these details before renting a car.
Rental Car Prices
The most commonly rented vehicles are economy cars such as the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Aqua, and Nissan Note. Below is a price comparison of major nationwide rental car companies.
Rental Fee for One Day (24 Hours)
| Toyota Rent a Car | ¥7,150 | https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/ |
| Times Car Rental | ¥7,700 | https://www.timescar-rental.com/en/ |
| Nissan Rent a Car | ¥7,700 | https://nissan-rentacar.com/en |
| Nippon Rent a Car | ¥8,250 | https://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/nrglobal/ |
| Orix Rent a Car | ¥7,150 | https://car.orix.co.jp/eng/ |
- Prices may increase during peak seasons.
- Rates may change, so be sure to check the latest information.
The standard rate for an economy car from a major rental company ranges from ¥7,000 to ¥8,000 per day. However, some local rental companies offer cars starting at around ¥5,000 per day.
Insurance & Coverage
It is possible to rent a car from a local rental company, but it is essential to check the insurance details beforehand. Driving on snowy roads can be slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Some rental agreements may require you to pay high penalties in case of an accident, or they may have limitations on personal and property damage coverage.
Choosing a rental company solely based on low rental fees may lead to situations where the insurance does not fully cover potential accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to research the insurance terms in advance.
The minimum insurance coverage required by law for rental car businesses is as follows:
・Personal Liability: At least ¥80 million per person
・Property Damage Liability: At least ¥2 million per accident
・Passenger Compensation: At least ¥5 million per person
Currently, most automobile insurance policies in Japan offer unlimited coverage for personal and property liability. However, some budget rental car companies may only provide coverage based on the legal minimum requirements.
When choosing a rental car in Japan, it is highly recommended to carefully review the insurance coverage. If you have any uncertainties, be sure to confirm the details with the rental company.
CDW and NOC Coverage
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) is an exemption system that covers the deductible amount in the event of an accident while driving a rental car. Normally, there is a certain amount of out-of-pocket expense for car repairs, but this system helps cover that cost. The fee for CDW coverage is approximately ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 per 24 hours, and it is recommended to enroll in the system as a precaution.
NOC (Non-Operation Charge) is a predetermined amount that must be paid as compensation for business downtime if a rental car requires repairs or cleaning. Some rental companies offer an NOC support system, which exempts customers from these charges in the event of an incident. It is advisable to opt for this coverage to avoid unexpected expenses.
Available Vehicle Types
Major rental car companies generally provide new cars, whereas budget rental companies often use used cars. The selection of vehicle types varies not only by rental company but also by individual store locations. Therefore, it is important to check in advance whether your desired vehicle model is available at the rental location you plan to use.
Additionally, the cleanliness and maintenance condition of the vehicle are crucial factors when choosing a rental car. Checking online reviews can help assess these aspects, so it is recommended to do some research beforehand.
Optional Features
Rental car options vary by company. For example:
- During winter, confirm whether the car is equipped with studless (winter) tires.
- For families with children, check if child seats are available.
Some rental companies do not provide these options, so it is essential to verify this in advance. When making inquiries, contact the specific store you plan to rent from rather than relying on general company-wide policies.
Particularly with budget rental companies, certain features such as ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) devices and GPS navigation systems may not be standard and could require an additional fee as an optional add-on. Even if you assume a car comes with standard features, it is always best to double-check all details before making a reservation.
Weekly & Monthly Car Rentals
So far, we have introduced short-term rental cars in Hokkaido. However, if you need a rental car for an extended period—such as weekly or monthly rentals—it is recommended to choose a company that specializes in long-term rentals.
That said, some long-term rental companies in Hokkaido do not offer English support or do not allow rentals with an international driving permit (IDP), so you need to be cautious.
If you are unsure which rental company to choose for a long-term rental, feel free to consult ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car!
What is ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car?
At ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car, we specialize in providing rental cars for foreign tourists and expatriates visiting Japan.
Our company is based in Tokyo and Saitama, so many of our customers start their journey from Tokyo and take several days to travel to Hokkaido while sightseeing.
During the winter season, many customers head to ski resorts or the Tohoku region, so we provide rental cars with standard-equipped studless (winter) tires and 4WD vehicles.
For those traveling with ski or snowboard gear, some of our cars are equipped with roof racks to accommodate extra luggage.
Additionally, we allow advance reservations several months in advance, making it easier to plan your trip.
But I only want to rent a car in Hokkaido!
No problem!
We, at ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car, have partner companies in Hokkaido, allowing us to offer rental cars at a lower price than the rates listed on our website.
By booking through us, not only can you rent a car at a cheaper rate than booking directly, but you also get English support, making the process much easier!
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