Hokkaido’s greatest charm lies in its overwhelming scale. Distances between cities are long, and the railway network is less developed than in the main island of Honshu, making rental cars an effective means of travel.

Even driving on a straight road feels like a cleansing experience. Expansive grasslands, mountains that change color with the seasons, small fishing ports, local farm stands, and landscapes that look like they belong in a photo album—these are the delights of a Hokkaido drive.

Hokkaido is also ideal for travelers who don’t normally drive abroad or who are anxious about driving on the other side of the road. Roads in Hokkaido tend to be wider, traffic is lighter than in major cities, and parking is generally more accessible, even in downtown areas. Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, where tight streets and crowded conditions can be stressful, Hokkaido offers a more relaxed, beginner-friendly driving environment.

With a car, you’re not limited to popular destinations; you can also encounter your own discoveries. Urban areas and wild nature, famous landmarks and hidden gems are all seamlessly connected. This is the essence of freely exploring Hokkaido.

While individual rail tickets can be expensive—around 18,000 yen round-trip from Sapporo to Hakodate or roughly 23,000 yen to Wakkanai—a 5-day JR Hokkaido Rail Pass costs 22,000 yen for adults and 11,000 yen for children.

For couples or small groups, a rental car often offers better value: a compact car rental for five days typically ranges from about 29,600 yen to 46,000 yen.

Hokkaido spans about 500 km east to west and 400 km north to south—much larger than many travelers expect. With limited time, it’s easy to overpack your itinerary, but narrowing down the areas you want to visit is key to a successful road trip.

Focus on one region at a time to avoid long daily drives and maximize your experience.

Also consider where you’ll stay overnight: while cities like Sapporo and Hakodate offer a wide range of accommodations, smaller towns may have limited options, so booking in advance is recommended.

Towering mountains, mirror-like lakes, primeval forests, and dramatic coastlines: Hokkaido offers encounters with untouched, genuine nature. Summer brings refreshing breezes on cool plateaus, while winter offers quiet, snow-covered drives. Spring awakens flowers and greenery, and autumn paints the mountains in brilliant colors. The ever-changing seasons add rich texture to your journey.

Hokkaido is one of Japan’s top food destinations, known for its fresh seafood, high-quality dairy and produce, wagyu beef, jingisukan (grilled lamb), ramen, and sweets. Coastal areas like Otaru, Hakodate, Kushiro, and Shiretoko are ideal for seafood, while inland regions such as Tokachi, Obihiro, Furano, and Biei are known for vegetables, fruits, and dairy.

A spontaneous stop at a roadside diner or market might also offer an unforgettable culinary surprise.

From Noboribetsu and Yunokawa to Jozankei, Tokachigawa, and Niseko, Hokkaido is home to hot springs with diverse mineral qualities.

To relieve driving fatigue, consider stopping by a day-use onsen or staying overnight at a ryokan. Soaking in an open-air bath amidst nature is a blissful way to reset both body and mind.

Major airports like New Chitose and Hakodate offer multiple rental car options, while smaller airports such as Memanbetsu may have only a few.

The three major airports for touring Hokkaido are New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, Hakodate Airport in the outskirts of the city, and Asahikawa Airport near Biei and Asahikawa. Methods to access the city area from each airport.

Booking online through rental car company websites is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as availability can be limited at airport and station offices.

Online reservations allow you to select the rental period, pick-up and drop-off locations, vehicle type, and insurance options, with prices shown upfront. Many major sites support English, Chinese (Taiwanese), and Korean.

Major Rental Car Companies in Hokkaido
・Nippon Rent-A-Car
・Nissan Rent-A-Car
・Honda Rent-A-Car
・Toyota Rent-A-Car
・Times Car Rental

Special Discount (Nippon Rent-A-Car)
Enjoy 10% off when you book through the website below using the coupon code: iUzM2RfVlJ

In Hokkaido, the average cost to rent a compact car for 24 hours ranges from 9,900 to 12,100 yen, with a general average around 10,700 yen. Prices vary slightly by company and may rise during peak seasons. Larger vehicles like SUVs or vans typically cost 18,000 to 30,000 yen or more per day.

To drive a car in Japan, you must be above the age of 18 and possess an international driver’s license within one year from issuance and within one year from the date of entry into Japan.

Most basic plans include voluntary insurance. Adding Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Non-Operation Charge (NOC) protection offers extra peace of mind. If you plan to use expressways often, ask about renting an ETC card for smoother toll payment. If you choose not to rent an ETC card, be sure to use the manned (一般) lane only.

Many vehicles come equipped with car navigation systems, but since they are sometimes offered as optional features, it is important to check in advance. It is advisable to ask at the time of reservation whether a navigation system that supports foreign languages is available.

Most rentals require the fuel tank to be full upon return. Find the nearest gas station before returning the car to avoid last-minute stress. Rental car companies often ask for the receipt from the last refueling, so be sure to keep it and have it ready to show when returning the car.

Additionally, when you leave urban areas, the number of gas stations typically decreases. Ensure you have a full tank when starting your long-distance Hokkaido road trip and refuel whenever possible.

The “One-Way System” lets you return the car at a different location—ideal for long-distance travel in vast Hokkaido. A fee may apply, but it saves time and effort.

Foreign travelers driving in Japan should keep the following points in mind.

Long-distance driving is common in Hokkaido, so it’s important to take breaks every few hours. Michi no Eki, or roadside stations, are ideal rest stops, with 129 locations across the region as of June 2025. All offer free 24-hour parking and restrooms, and 128 provide free Wi-Fi. Many feature local restaurants, gift shops, tourist information, and even hot springs or small museums. In fact, 84 locations have staffed information desks where you can get travel tips or dining recommendations. They’re a great way to recharge and discover more of the local charm along your journey.

Japan’s GPS systems use “MAPCODE®”—numerical addresses for specific locations. Even hard-to-find natural areas or facilities are easy to locate with a MAPCODE.

Most rental cars are equipped with this feature, making navigation easy despite language barriers. However, since mapcodes are expressed as numbers, entering them incorrectly can lead you to a completely different location.

Once you’ve set your destination in the car navigation system, be sure to double-check that it matches your intended location. When I go somewhere new these days, I always use a MAPCODE to set the destination.

Despite careful planning, emergencies can occur. Knowing the correct procedures and contacts is vital for a safe and secure road trip in Hokkaido.

For urgent situations, Japan has clear and efficient emergency dial numbers.

・Police: Dial 110 for incidents such as accidents, robberies, conflicts, or any situation requiring police assistance.  

・Ambulance, Rescue, or Fire: Dial 119 for medical emergencies, rescue operations, or fire incidents.  

A critical support mechanism for foreign tourists is the multi-language translation service available for both 110 and 119 calls. This service allows for a three-way call between the caller, the dispatcher (or EMT/firefighter), and an interpreter, ensuring accurate communication during a crisis. English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with additional languages available during weekday business hours.

For vehicle breakdowns or mechanical trouble, the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) Road Service is the primary contact. They can be reached by dialing 03-5730-0111 (telephone charges apply). JAF also offers a free 24/7 over-the-phone interpretation service in 14 languages—simply inform the operator of the language needed, and a three-way call with an interpreter will be established.

Travelers who are members of overseas automobile clubs affiliated with JAF—such as The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), AIT (Alliance Internationale de Tourisme), AAA (the American Automobile Association), or CAA (the Canadian Automobile Association)—may also be eligible for certain JAF services during their stay in Japan. Be sure to present your membership credentials when requesting assistance.

If travelers have auto insurance affiliated with JAF, they should inform their insurance company that they are JAF members, as this may grant access to additional preferential services.

Here are a few recommended driving itineraries to help you explore Hokkaido’s diverse landscapes, local flavors, and hidden gems at your own pace.

Traveling Hokkaido by rental car isn’t just about convenience—it’s about freedom. Choose your route based on your own instincts, encounter people and landscapes along the way, and weave together a unique story of your journey.

Unbound by fixed routes or timetables, you’ll fully experience a land where cities and wilderness, food and hot springs, the past and present all converge.

This is the essence of a Hokkaido road trip—and it’s only possible with your hands on the wheel.

Take the driver’s seat, and open the door to the great northern frontier.