Renting a car is practically a necessity when traveling in Hokkaido. Many people plan their trips by flying to New Chitose Airport from various locations, staying overnight in Sapporo, and then renting a car.

But there are so many rental car companies in Sapporo, it can be hard to decide where to rent from.

So, I'd like to introduce how to rent a car and choose one in Sapporo, along with some recommended driving spots!

<Table of Contents>
1. Driving spots you can visit on a day trip from Sapporo!
2. Things to know when renting a car in Sapporo
2-1. How many rental car companies are there?
2-2. Where can I borrow it? When borrowing and when returning it
3. Two recommended day trip driving itineraries departing from Sapporo!
~For those who want to enjoy a refreshing drive through the highlands~
3-1. A drive along National Route 276 between Lake Shikotsu and Kimobetsu, chasing Mount Yotei.
~For those who want to enjoy a seaside drive~
3-2. A long drive along the Orolon Line towards Ishikari♪
·in conclusion

1. Driving spots you can visit on a day trip from Sapporo!

Shakotan Island's Mui Coast is about a 4-hour drive from Sapporo. The Shakotan Peninsula, with its towering cliffs, is dotted with spots where you can enjoy panoramic views of the crystal-clear, deep blue waters of Shakotan.

Horokanai boasts the largest buckwheat fields in Japan. You can reach this scene, pictured here, in about 2 hours and 45 minutes, approximately 150km from Sapporo. The cultivated area covers more than 3,200 hectares, and from late July to early August, the fields are covered in a blanket of white buckwheat flowers.

The Sandan Falls in Oku-Ashibetsu, Ashibetsu City. About two hours from Sapporo, you can see a powerful, raging torrent hidden deep in the mountains. It's a cool and pleasant place in the summer.

Miyama Pass in Biei is about a 3-hour drive from Sapporo and is said to be the most scenic spot along the Flower Road Route 237. It's also an interesting place where you can become the owner of five lavender plants by purchasing a share of five. If you're interested, contact the Kamifurano Tourism Association.

The Biei Northwest Hill Observatory is about a 3-hour drive from Sapporo and offers magnificent views of rolling hills and patchwork landscapes. Route 237, also known as the Flower Road, is a pleasant drive as you can enjoy the flower fields of farms along the way.

The route along National Routes 231 and 232, from Ishikari to Teshio and then to Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost city, is known as the Orolon Line and is a popular route for a scenic seaside drive.

2. Things to know when renting a car in Sapporo

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

When traveling in Hokkaido, most people will likely choose to rent a car as their primary mode of transportation.
Getting to major tourist spots by train can sometimes require multiple transfers, and if you're in Hokkaido, enjoying a comfortable drive along the wide roads is also a great part of the trip!
So, I looked into how many rental cars are available in Hokkaido.
It's important to know that there are two types of rental car companies: those operated by automobile manufacturers and those that offer a wide selection of vehicles.

■ Some well-known examples include Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, Honda Rent-a-Car, etc.
■ ORIX Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Times Car Rental, Budget Rent-a-Car, etc. offer a wide selection of popular car models from various manufacturers.

Furthermore, with the recent proliferation of online reservation portals (web-based reservation sites), making online reservations has become incredibly easy.

There are so many websites to choose from that it's difficult to compare them all and find the right one.
So, I'd like to introduce some portal sites that I personally think are really useful!

Rakuten Travel
The large number of vehicles available and the option to book a rental car for one-way rentals are attractive features. Rakuten is well-known and offers a wide range of rental car options, from major companies to local businesses, and the ability to search by airport is a great advantage. However, because it mainly features major companies, the prices are slightly higher.

Rakuten Travel

Rennavi
This portal site offers comparisons with over 50 companies nationwide and features various campaigns. The prices are relatively low, and you can also search for tourist information, making it a convenient site for finding information about tourist destinations in your area.

Rennavi

Rent-a-Car.com
This is a nationwide rental car reservation portal site. Its popularity stems from its wide selection of vehicle types. The ability to compare rental cars from over 30 companies is a major draw. Furthermore, the search results also include those from its sister portal site (RentaSearch), further expanding the range of choices.

Rent-a-Car.com

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

When renting a car, Sapporo has a relatively large number of rental car companies, from major chains to smaller businesses, so you can choose a company that suits your location, such as Sapporo Station or Susukino.

When returning a rental car, one common concern is the one-way rental fee if you return it to a different location. If you rent a car within Sapporo city, major chain rental car companies usually do not charge a one-way rental fee even if you return it to a branch near New Chitose Airport. Similarly, rental car companies with branches in Otaru often do not charge a one-way rental fee even if you return the car in Otaru.

Also, if you return the vehicle to a distant location such as Asahikawa, Hakodate, or eastern Hokkaido, a drop-off fee will be charged, so please take this into consideration when planning your itinerary.

3. Two recommended day trip driving itineraries departing from Sapporo!

~For those who want to enjoy a refreshing drive through the highlands~

3-1. A scenic drive and 1-day tour following Mt. Yotei along National Route 276 between Lake Shikotsu and Kimobetsu.

From Sapporo, take National Route 453 to Lake Shikotsu (travel time from Sapporo to Lake Shikotsu: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).

<Places to visit>

Lake Shikotsu (Estimated sightseeing time: approximately 1 hour)
Lake Shikotsu, shining amidst the dense jungle, has a rich history. There are many ways to enjoy it, such as strolling along the lakeshore, exploring the primeval forest, or exploring the hot spring town. The towering peaks of Mount Tarumae and Mount Eniwa in front of you have an overwhelming presence.

Shikotsu Lake Hot Spring Inn Association
Address: Shikotsu Lake Hot Springs, Chitose City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0123-25-2201

Mount Yotei is right before your eyes! Enjoy a scenic drive through Hokkaido on National Highway 276 in Kimobetsu (approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes from Lake Shikotsu).

Lunch is decided: stone-baked bread! Let's enjoy homemade bread and superb coffee at "Sokesh Bakery x Tomoe Coffee." (Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lake Shikotsu)

*The simple and natural atmosphere is so relaxing! Many repeat customers travel long distances to visit.
Popular items include the "Cheese Bread" made with raclette cheese from "Farm Takara," and the "Escargot," a croissant filled with honey, milk, and raisins. Be sure to try them!

Sokesh Bakery x Tomoe Coffee
Address: 185-1 Nakazato, Kimobetsu-cho
Phone: 0136-33-6688
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 17:00 PM (or until sold out)
Regular holiday: Tuesday and Wednesday

Enjoy the local specialty, fried potatoes, at Nakayama Pass. Get fresh, morning-picked vegetables directly from the farm! (Approximately 44 minutes from Sokesh Bakery x Tomoe Coffee)
(Estimated sightseeing time: approximately 1 hour)

Touge Marche
Address: 345 Kawakami, Kimobetsu-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Business hours 10:00 to 16:30

How about ending your drive with a visit to the famous Jozankei Onsen hot springs?
While there are many hot springs, this one is a footbath. Why not enjoy the nature of Jozankei as if you were taking a forest bath, in a quiet and relaxing space for adults only (children under elementary school age are not allowed)?

Jozan, the village of the heart
Address: 372-1, Jozankei Onsen Nishi 4-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Business hours 10:00 to 18:00
Price: 1,000 yen (includes use of footbath and lounge, tea, snacks, and drinks)

Returning to Sapporo (Estimated time from Nakayama Pass: approximately 1 hour)

~For those who want to enjoy a seaside drive~

3-2. A long drive along the Orolon Line towards Ishikari♪

Sapporo Kita Interchange (Sassho Expressway) - Fukagawa-Rumoi Expressway Chichibetsu Interchange - Hokuryu Town Sunflower Village (1 hour 45 minutes)

<Places to visit>

A breathtaking sunflower field, the size of five Tokyo Domes, boasts 1.5 million sunflowers! The best time to see them is from mid-July to late August, and the "Hokuryu Town Sunflower Festival" is held from July 18th (Sat) to August 23rd (Sun), attracting many visitors.

Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association

After enjoying the sunflower fields, we'll head north along the Orolon Line, which runs along the Sea of ​​Japan, to Rumoi, a town on the coast (about 80 minutes from Hokuryu Town).

★Enjoy a seafood lunch at the Obira Herring House Roadside Station in Obira Town, a nationally designated important cultural property! You can also admire the charming old wooden architecture.

Roadside Station Obira Herring House
Address: Onishika Hirotomi, Obira-machi, Rumoi-gun
Phone: 0164-57-1411
Closed on Mondays (Open every day from the third Monday of June to the second Monday of August)
開館時間：　8：00～17：00（5～10月）　9：00～16：00（11～4月）

After enjoying lunch, we'll head back towards Rumoi and continue south along the Sea of ​​Japan coast.

<Places to visit>
Located in the town of Mashike, this is Hokkaido's oldest and northernmost sake brewery. You can take a tour of the brewery, and their popular dry local sake makes a great souvenir!
(Approximately 1 hour from Obira Herring House)

Kunimare Brewery
1-17 Inaba-cho, Mashike-cho, Mashike-gun, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 09:00 AM - 17:00 PM, open every day.
TEL +0164-53-1050-XNUMX

<Places to visit>
Ofuyu Cape Observatory.
Enjoy magnificent views of the Sea of ​​Japan and towering cliffs. Walking along the iron walkway to the observation deck at an altitude of 135 meters is a great workout!
(Approximately 30 minutes from Kunimare Sake Brewery)
*The facility is closed at night during the winter season.

Continue south along National Route 231 from Cape Ofuyu. You can enjoy a scenic drive along the coast.

<Places to visit>
★Hamanasu Hill Park (Best time to see: mid-June to early July) Enjoy the Hamanasu flowers and take a stroll along the Ishikari Lighthouse promenade.
(Approximately 90 minutes from Ofuyu Cape)
*There's also a visitor center, so be sure to stop by!

*The soft-serve ice cream with rose petals is delicious! (Estimated sightseeing time: about 1 hour)

Tourist information can be found here.
Ishikari Tourism Association

★Visit the "Ishikarihama Sand Park 2015" sand sculpture contest held at Ishikarihama Beach and Asobeach Ishikari (June 20th (Sat) - July 5th (Sun))

(Estimated sightseeing time: approximately 30 minutes)

*The drive from Ishikari City to Sapporo City takes approximately 4-50 minutes.

Final thoughts

Rental cars have now become so commonplace that you can search for them with just one finger on your computer or smartphone while walking, eating (though that's bad manners and should be avoided), or even while riding the train.

However, you need to be aware that there can be unexpected pitfalls. In addition to the above, there are many other reasons why the actual price may differ from the listed price, such as whether it is inclusive or exclusive of tax, or if the navigation system or ETC that you thought was standard equipment is not actually installed. So, be sure to carefully check the details and become a savvy renter!

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