Renting a car is practically essential for any trip to Hokkaido. Most people use New Chitose Airport, which has become the gateway to Hokkaido, and many find themselves wondering, "I've arrived at the airport, but how do I get around from here?"

Therefore, this time we focused on rental cars that can depart from New Chitose Airport.

This article will introduce you to various rental car companies, including which ones are the cheapest and their unique features. We'll also cover the rental process after arriving at New Chitose Airport and recommend some great tourist spots accessible from the airport, so please use this as a reference!

Table of contents
1. Driving spots you can visit on a day trip from New Chitose Airport!
2. How to choose a rental car company
2-1. How many rental car companies are there?
2-2. Where can I borrow it? When borrowing and when returning it
2-3. We compared rental car companies.
3. From the airport to renting a car
4. Recommended driving routes departing from New Chitose Airport
4-1. A drive to Sapporo, departing from New Chitose Airport at noon!
4-2. Drive to Asahikawa from New Chitose Airport in the morning!
4-3. Take a morning flight from New Chitose Airport and drive to Tokachigawa Onsen!
Final thoughts

1. Driving spots you can visit on a day trip from New Chitose Airport!

The lavender fields of Biei are a quintessential symbol of summer in Hokkaido. Visit Japan's most beautiful town during its most beautiful season. Location: Lavender fields of Ayaka no Sato, Biei
▣160 km from New Chitose Airport to Biei (Estimated travel time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes [using toll roads])

Besides lavender, Furano and Biei are home to many other beautiful summer flowers.
Location: Sunflower fields in full bloom on Zerubu Hill in Biei

Located in Tokachi, Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Garden Road is a paradise of flowers, with eight gardens scattered throughout, welcoming visitors. Location: Hokkaido Garden Road (Tokachi)
▣180 km from New Chitose Airport to Tokachi (Travel time: approximately 2 hours 50 minutes [using toll roads])

One of Muroran's eight scenic spots, the open sea view from Masuichi Beach offers breathtaking scenery unique to its sheer cliffs. Location: Muroran, Masuichi Beach Open Sea View
▣New Chitose Airport to Muroran: 93 km (Travel time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes [using toll roads])

2. How to choose a rental car company

2-1. How many rental car companies are there?

More than half of those traveling to Hokkaido use New Chitose Airport, and it is said that over 90% of them rent a car at the airport.

Naturally, in areas with many customers, numerous rental car companies are concentrated. Including rental car companies that primarily use major manufacturers' vehicles, and companies that compete on the number of vehicle types they offer from multiple manufacturers, there are roughly 30 or more companies in total.

2-2. Where can I borrow it? When borrowing and when returning it

☆Conclusion: Basically, you pick up your car after going to the rental car company's branch.

At New Chitose Airport, some rental car companies have their own counters, while others do not.

★If there is a rental car counter: Upon arrival, please gather in front of the counter to register, and then proceed together to your respective rental location. (Registration is completed at the counter, and rentals will be picked up after you move to your location.)

★If there is no rental car counter: After arriving at New Chitose Airport, call the dedicated shuttle service line and wait for the shuttle vehicle. (You will be taken to the rental office for check-in and then the rental car will be provided.)

Some rental companies will come to your location in advance if you provide your flight number when making a reservation. In such cases, they may even have a sign waiting for you in the arrival lobby, making it very easy to find them. In any case, this varies depending on the rental car company, so you should definitely check beforehand.

~Companies with counters~
■Toyota Rent-a-Lease, Times Car Rental, ORIX Rent-a-Car, Honda Auto Rent-a-Car, Honda Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Budget Rent-a-Car
*Toyota Rent-a-Lease will distribute numbered tickets at the reception desk, and procedures will be carried out in numerical order after you move to the branch office.

2-3. We compared rental car companies.

For example, even if you want to rent a trendy hybrid car, the price can vary slightly depending on the company... It's incredibly difficult to figure out which one is the cheapest, right? So, we've compared four major rental car companies, so please take a look!

*Prices are based on compact cars and represent the peak season (mainly July to October).

Looking at the comparison table, Toyota Rent-a-Car is the most expensive, but this is their standard price.

In the case of Toyota, if you join the "TS CUBIC CARD" issued by Toyota Finance, you can get a 5% to 20% discount. (The annual fee is free for the first year, and 1,312 yen from the second year onwards.) Other discounts such as the internet class-specific discount (5%) can also be used in conjunction, so if you use them together, there will be almost no difference in price. As a little-known trick, there is also a discount (10%) with the "JAF card," making it a very convenient company to use.

For ORIX, OTS, and WANZ, the prices are almost identical, differing by only a few hundred yen. These companies offer a wide selection of car manufacturers, so you won't be limited to only one specific car model.

For compact cars, the March is relatively inexpensive, but the cheaper they are, the more popular they become, and since there are often limited quantities, they sell out very quickly. I recommend booking well in advance of your departure date, rather than waiting until the last minute.

Also, some companies lower their prices by using used cars, so if your priority is simply the cheapest option, you might want to consider using a company listed on a comparison website!

■In the case of Toyota Rent-a-Car (approximately 9 minutes from the airport to the rental office)

~Other Features~
・The largest in Japan
The closest car rental company to New Chitose Airport
• We have shuttle buses that can accommodate wheelchair users.
• You can also choose a new car.
Toyota Rent-a-Lease Homepage

■ ORIX New Chitose Airport Branch (approximately 10 minutes from the airport to the branch)

~Other Features~
• Member discount (registration required) + web discount available
- Second largest in the rental car industry after Toyota
• Many attractive campaigns are available.
- You can specify the car model.
ORIX Rent-a-Car Homepage
http://car.orix.co.jp/shops/?md=view&shops_pk=1

■OTS Rent-a-Car (approximately 10 minutes from the airport to the office)

~Other Features~
• Membership benefits include a 5% to 71% discount off the regular price.
• Peace of mind package available (various insurance coverage is provided in case of unforeseen circumstances)
・Adjacent to JR Minami-Chitose Station
OTS Rent-a-Car Homepage

■ One's Rent-a-Car (approximately 10 minutes from the airport to the office)

~Other Features~
- The cheapest in the industry (that's our selling point)
• Wide variety of products available
- Vehicle type can be specified.
- You can download and fill out the consent form in advance, saving time at the site.
One's Rent-a-Car Homepage

By the way, when booking a rental car, a rental car comparison website that allows you to compare multiple rental car companies is very convenient!
[Recommended Sites]Rent-a-Car.com

Also, if you book a tour that includes a rental car, you won't need to make a separate rental car reservation, which is very convenient!

3. From the airport to renting a car

Now, let me explain the process and time it takes from arriving at the airport to completing the rental car pickup. *This time is based on peak season.

- Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport

When making a reservation, be sure to check whether there is a reception counter.

★If the company has a reception counter, please use the map to find your way and complete the registration process.
*In some cases, you may receive a reservation number and proceed to the rental office for processing in order. (e.g., Toyota Rent-a-Car) [Estimated time from arrival to completion of check-in (during peak hours): approximately 20-30 minutes]
*During peak times, the shuttle bus will depart for the office once it reaches its passenger capacity.

★If your company does not have a reception counter, please contact the office immediately upon arrival and wait for the shuttle vehicle to arrive. [Estimated time (during peak hours): approximately 15-20 minutes]

- Travel to each branch office by shuttle bus

Most rental car companies have offices near the airport. It takes approximately 9 to 15 minutes to reach the rental car by shuttle bus from the airport. However, the time it takes to move to the pick-up area with luggage and board the car will naturally increase with the number of people. [Estimated time from airport to shuttle bus pick-up area (during peak hours): approximately 15-20 minutes]

- Upon arrival, explanations and payment will be made at the branch office (confirmation of return time and location, terms and conditions, etc.).

Upon arrival at the branch office, you will fill out the necessary information on a form and receive instructions. Please remember to bring the driver's licenses of all drivers. Don't forget your ETC card either!

*Please remember to take it with you when returning it. If paying on-site, you will pay after filling out the form.
*Companies that accept online payments can save a little time!
[Estimated time required for filling out forms and explanations (during peak hours): approximately 10-20 minutes]

- Car inspection (checking for any existing scratches or damage on the car) *This is important

We'll check for any existing scratches or damage that you didn't cause. This is surprisingly important, as a thorough check can help avoid problems later on, especially when driving a car you're not familiar with.

Loan completed

Set your navigation system before you leave! Enjoy a comfortable drive!

4. Recommended driving routes departing from New Chitose Airport

4-1. A drive from New Chitose Airport in the afternoon to Sapporo!

~~The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness Memorial Square~~

"The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness," a film starring Ken Takakura and featuring a stellar cast including Chieko Baisho, Kaori Momoi, and Tetsuya Takeda, is a popular spot that continues to attract visitors across generations, thanks to its connection to director Yoji Yamada. Let's share in the happiness at the very place where the film was made!

~~Yuni Garden~~

This British-style herb garden, said to be one of the largest in Japan, boasts a site area equivalent to 10 Tokyo Domes!

Fifteen gardens are set up around the theme of "happiness," where you can feel happy surrounded by herbs. How about a blissful stroll accompanied by wonderful scents?

<For more information on sightseeing in Yubari, please refer to this as well!>
https://hokkaido-labo.com/yubari-sightseeing-4373

4-2. Driving from New Chitose Airport in the morning to Asahikawa!

~~Stone oven pizza lunch at Furano Cheese Factory♪~~

Using a wood-fired oven from Naples, the birthplace of pizza, they serve an exquisite Margherita pizza made with carefully selected ingredients such as flour from Furano, tomatoes, and onions!

Of course, they use mozzarella made in-house by Furano Cheese Factory. This pizza, baked at high temperature for a short time, is definitely worth trying!

Furano Cheese Factory
★Margherita pizza: 1,500 yen per pizza, etc.

~~Farm Tomita~~

This farm is the birthplace of lavender, making it famous. In particular, the "Field of Colors" is covered in a rainbow-colored carpet, offering a beautiful view of the flowers. Since it's on the way, be sure to stop by.
Farm Tomita

~~Biei Selected Fruits~~

This shop sells bread and sweets made with vegetables grown in Biei, a town nestled in beautiful hills, as well as other locally sourced ingredients. It's one of Biei's premier stores, comprised of four booths, perfect for picking up souvenirs! You can also relax on the terrace, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful break during your drive.
美瑛選果

~~Northwest Hill Observation Park~~

Photo courtesy of: Hokkaido Sapporo Photo Collection
If you have time, stop by the park where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent Tokachi Plain and hills, and admire Japan's most beautiful town!

4-3. Driving from New Chitose Airport in the morning to Tokachigawa Onsen!

~~Tokachi Millennium Forest~~

Tokachi Millennium Forest, one of the gardens along the Hokkaido Garden Route, is a place where visitors can enjoy the sight of resilient trees and beautifully blooming gardens.

~~Tokachi Millennium Forest Goat Cheese Factory & Garden Cafe Laulau~~

At our terrace restaurant, pizzas made with cheese from goats raised in a stress-free environment are extremely popular.

Let's enjoy lunch in Tokachi while a pleasant breeze blows through.
Tokachi Millennium Forest

~~A Japanese elm tree in Horooka Minami, Toyokoro Town~~

The "Harunire tree" standing near the Tokachi River riverbed is known as a rare tree in which two trees lean against each other and support each other as they go about their daily lives.

Having grown together for over 140 years without separating, it's known as a sacred place for lovers. It's said that if you pledge your love here, you'll be united forever!

For more information···Toyokoro Tourist Guide

~~Tofutsu Station~~

Tofutsu Station got its name through word of mouth because the character "弗" (fu) in Tofutsu Station looks similar to "dollar." Touching this sign might mean you'll never be short of money! Be sure to take a picture of it before you leave! Incidentally, it seems to be a very popular station among railway enthusiasts as well.

For more information···Toyokoro Tourist Guide

Final thoughts

When renting a car, it's possible that travel time from the airport and the paperwork at the rental office may take some time, potentially causing delays. By including the time for renting the car in your arrival time, you'll have more time to relax and plan your actions. Be sure to keep this in mind when booking your flight!

【Related article】
~Information for those who want to rent a car in Sapporo city~
Rent a car in Sapporo! A guide to choosing the right car and recommended driving spots♪
~Driving spots from New Chitose Airport: Furano and Biei~

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