Renting a car in Hokkaido is actually very simple, straightforward and streamline. Most websites from big businesses have English translations which makes the process very simple. Just click what car you want, how many days, the pick up and drop off time and you are good to go! I have had good experiences with both Orix, and Budget car rentals.
Now before you rent, there are a few things to be aware of, and these are:
- Your confidence to drive in a foreign country. To be honest Hokkaido is probably the easiest place to drive in Japan as the roads are wider and there are fewer people. Unless it is winter, in which case the roads are covered in snow, sometimes it’s easier to just take public transport. (snowstorms are not fun to drive in, but you can trust a local bus driver to get you to your destination)
- An international drivers licence. “Japan recognizes only international driving permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, which are issued by a large number of countries.” Note that, “Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland and Taiwan do not issue permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, but instead have a separate agreement that allows drivers from these countries to drive in Japan for up to one year with an official Japanese translation of their driver’s license.” If you want to read more, have a look here.
- The rules and signs may be a little different compared to your own country. If you want to know more about these check out my other post here on Road Rules in Japan.
Things to consider before renting
You want to think about a few things when you rent a car, for example:
- Where and when you will pick up or drop offf
- Kei car or Standard car
- 4WD or snow tires
- What you need to bring to the rental shop
Where and When to Pickup and Return the Car
Most rental companies will have pickup and drop off hours between 8am and 7pm. Most rentals will allow you to use different pick up and drop off locations, however the type of car you can choose to rent will depend on the pick up (and sometimes) drop off locations that you choose. If you can’t find a good option for yourself, try changing the pick up or drop off locations on the same date, or try rent from a different company.
Kei Cars (light automobiles) or Standard Cars
What is the difference between a Kei car and a standard car? Kei cars are sometimes listed as “light automobiles” and their power is generally under 660cc (you really have to push down on the accelerator pedal), they are small, light, economical machines. A standard car will usually have a cc of 1300 or more, which gives you a lot more power when you press down on the accelerator. Kei cars usually also have a yellow number plate to help identify them especially when you are on the road. If you have plans to drive for multiple hours (2+ hours) between cities or in the countrysides, I would recommend against getting a Kei car. Most people appreciate the comfort of a standard sized engine which is much better for long distances.
However, if you are renting it to get around town and maybe do a small day drive within two hours, I think there is nothing wrong with getting a Kei car. They are definitely cheaper to rent and easy to park, giving them those advantages.
NOTE: Kei cars use DIESEL, not regular petrol. Diesel is cheaper in Japan and there is no extra tax to use it.
Most standard cars will use regular petrol, HOWEVER be sure to either ask before you get the keys or check the little fuel flap, they usually leave a sticker on it.
4WD and Snow Tires
If you are renting during the winter, I would HIGHLY recommend you get a car with 4WD (four wheel drive). There are variable conditions which make driving a lot more difficult than the other seasons, such as snow or ice on the roads and snowstorms; which can all cause trouble for cars that are not using all four wheels. It may cost slightly more in gas to operate a four wheel drive car however it will save you from a lot of sticky (or in this case slippery) situations, potential crashes, and just help you avoid getting stuck!
As regards to snow tires, generally all cars in Hokkaido are required to change their tyres before the winter and after winter. We call them “summer tires” and “winter tires”. There are some options when you rent to get special snow or studless tires.
What to bring to the rental shop
Most rental shops require you to bring your:
- 1. PASSPORT
- 2. INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE
- 3. YOUR CREDIT CARD
Okay, I have considered these, what next?
Let’s take a small look at the rental system on the website. We will use the Toyota Car Rental website mostly for this example because it’s pretty well laid out. The general flow is:
- Change the website into English.
- Choose your pick up and drop off locations and time.
- Select the vehicle that you want.
- Select any add ons, options you wish to have.
- Make the reservation and pay.
I’m on the website, how do I change it to English?
If you allow the browser to track your location, it should already convert to an English version of the website.
If it’s not already in English, most websites will have a button somewhere to change to English. If you cannot find it in the header, look for the three dashed lines or options tabs. If you cannot find it there, it might be at the bottom of the page. Here are a few examples:
Orix
Budget Car rentals. This one is also simple, just click “language” in the top right corner if it is not already in English.
Toyota
The same as above, look for the word language at the top, and choose your preferred language from the drop down menu.
I’ve selected my language, so what’s next?
After that the process should be fairly straightforward. The vendor will ask you to put the pick up location and drop off location first, then the time and dates. This is so they can suggest to you what kind of vehicles are scheduled to be available on those dates and those times. After, have a look at the model that fits your needs and fits within your budget, add any necessary options you would like, fill in the customer information and you are good to go!
Select the vehicle you want and any add on options
What is about the ETC card?
An ETC card is a device that lets you travel on the highways in Hokkaido without having to pay in cash. As you pass through the ETC gates (toll gates) when entering and exiting the highway, pass through the purple gates that say “ETC”. You just drive through slowly at 10-20km/h. The gate will scan the card in your car and the journey will be recorded.
You will pay the toll road fee when you return to the rental shop. There you can usually pay in cash or by credit card.
The benefits are:
- The toll road fee’s are actually a bit cheaper using an ETC card as the system is fully automated, they don’t have to pay for someone to stay in the toll booth all day to take cash and give chance. If you are traveling using the toll roads outside of Sapporo City I think you will save more than the rental fee of 330 yen.
- It’s convenient and you don’t have to queue up at the gate and fumble for cash.
The insurance options are your choice. Make sure you read the package to know exactly what you are insured for and how much you are insured up until.
Reserve and pay
After that, it’s as simple as filling in your customer information, which may include the type of driver’s license you will be carrying and your flight details.
I hope you have found this post useful! If you know anybody that might benefit from reading, please send the link through to them!
Happy renting!