Please use this page to contact car and vehicle hire agencies in all prefectures of,
Japan.
There are some things to remember when hiring vehicles
in Japan.
1) You must have a valid drivers licence and an international drivers licence.
(International Licenses can usually be obtained from the D.M.V or auto clubs
in your country.)
2) A special license may be required depending on the type of vehicle hired.
3) Some vehicles (such as some mini buses) are only hired WITH a
driver. This can be a great help if you are unfamiliar with roads and road
conditions, however the cost of these vehicles is also higher.
4) Hokkaido and some other areas of Japan, receive a huge amount of snow in the winter months. Be
sure that the vehicle is equipped with snow tyres and take appropriate caution
when driving in snowy / icy conditions.
5) The Hokkaido area has increased costs for vehicle higher during the summer
months.
6) Most, if not all, rental companies require you to reserve the vehicle at
least three (3) days in advance.
If you would like your business listed on this page, please go to our advertising section.
Hokkaido
Rental Car Agencies in Sapporo (Area Code 011) -
Mazda Rent-A-Car & Car Lease Hokkaido - Official Website Mazda Rentacar ( http://www.mazda-rentacar.co.jp/ ) Reservation Center
Ph. 0120 - 015656
Toyota Rental - Official Website Toyota Rentalease ( http://www.rent.toyota.co.jp/ ) Reservation Center
Ph. 0120 - 148939
Nippon Rent-A-Car Service - Official Website Nippon Rentacar ( http://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/ ) Reservation Center
Ph. 717 - 0919
Orix Rent-A-Car Hokkaido - Official Website Orix Rentacar ( http://car.orix.co.jp/ ) Reservation Center
Ph. 737 - 0543
Nissan Rent-A-Car - Official Website Nissan Rentacar ( http://nissan-rentacar.com/ ) Reservation Center
Ph. 0120 - 004123 Japaren Hokkaido - Official Website Japaren ( http://www.japaren.jp/ ) Reservation Center
Ph. 219 - 3905
Station Rent-A-Car (Ekiren) Hokkaido - Official Website
Ekiren ( http://www.ekiren.co.jp/ ) Reservation Center
Ph. 742 - 8211
Honda Rental & Leasing Sapporo - Reservation Center
Ph. 865 - 5555
Mitsubishi Rent-A-Car - Reservation Center
Ph. 0120 - 111300
Some notes on rental cars and driving in Hokkaido ;
General -
Unlike much of Japan , renting a car in Hokkaido can be a good option for getting
around depending on the destination, time available and season. Road conditions
change significantly between the summer and winter period and many roads
in winter may be closed. Hokkaido does not have the extensive train network
that operates on the island of Honshu and therefore rental cars or buses
will be the only option for getting to some areas. Top
Roads & Speed Limits -
Roads in Hokkaido are relatively wide and straight when compared to other areas
of Japan , which makes driving easier and much of the island has expressways
which provide even faster more direct routes. Expressways however, are always
toll roads and therefore can be expensive. Also although roads are generally
wide and straight, speed limits on national roads tend to be very low when
compared to foreign countries. Most national roads have limits of 50, 60
or occasionally 70 km/ph. Expressways are slightly higher with limits of
70, 80 and occasionally 100km/ph. Winter driving in Hokkaido can also be
quite difficult and dangerous. The area receives many meters of snow during
the winter and falls of 40, 50 and 60cm in a day are not uncommon. Top
License Requirements -
It is absolutely necessary to provide an international drivers license when
hiring a car in Japan . It should be noted however that certain countries,
namely France , Germany and Switzerland use a different international driving
convention and therefore international licenses from these countries are
NOT valid in Japan . Drivers from these countries must obtain an official
translation of your home country's driving license. Please contact your local
consulate for information on how to get a translation. The minimum driving
age in Japan is 18 years old, however some agencies may not rent to people
under the age of 25. Top
Pricing & Bookings -
Cars will vary in price depending on class, and engine size. There may also
be extra charges for navigation systems and baby seats. Insurance is always
necessary but varying levels are possible. Small cars start at about 5000
yen per day, medium about 10000 yen per day and large about 15000 yen per
day. It is possible to find various specials during the year which make rental
cheaper. Rates will also change seasonally and this is especially true in
Hokkaido . Due to the small number of companies operating in Hokkaido and
the huge number of tourists that come during the summer, car agencies can
and often do run out of vehicles. The summer period will have a summer surge
charge which can significantly increase the price. Also most rental companies
will require you to book at least three (3) days in advance, especially during
the peak summer period. Unfortunately most rental companies do not offer
English websites or English help services. Top
