Car Rentals in Sapporo, JPN

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Sapporo

Renting a car in Sapporo offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your needs. This is particularly beneficial for families and those seeking outdoor and sports-related experiences. Key attractions such as Odori Park, known for its urban charm and family-friendly atmosphere, and the soothing Jozankei Hot Spring, perfect for wellness and relaxation, are conveniently accessible by car. You can also visit the picturesque Otaru Canal, located a short drive away. Additionally, exploring the Sapporo City Centre allows you to see iconic landmarks like the Sapporo Clock Tower and Sapporo TV Tower without the hassle of public transport. The nearby cities of Otaru and Chitose, featuring attractions like Lake Shikotsu and Asarigawa Hot Spring, are easily reachable by car, enhancing your travel experience. With a rental car, you can enjoy a stress-free journey through Hokkaido, making the most of your time in Sapporo and its beautiful surroundings.

Most popular car hires in Sapporo

• Compact Van: This spacious option accommodates up to 6 travellers and provides room for up to 8 large suitcases, making it ideal for solo travellers or couples who require extra space for luggage. The Compact Van allows you to explore Sapporo comfortably while managing your belongings easily. It's a fantastic choice for those looking to travel with friends or family, ensuring everyone has ample room during your journey.
• Mini: Perfect for those travelling in smaller groups, the Mini car option accommodates up to 4 travellers with space for 2 small suitcases. This makes it an ideal choice for solo travellers or couples who want a compact vehicle for navigating the city of Sapporo. The Mini offers excellent fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability, allowing you to explore the area without the bulk of a larger car.
• Midsize: Providing a balance of space and comfort, the Midsize car accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. This option is particularly suitable for couples or families who seek both comfort and flexibility during their travels around Sapporo. With the Midsize car, you can enjoy a pleasant driving experience while having enough room for all your luggage.

Top rated car suppliers in Sapporo

• Alamo Rent A Car: With over 5 rental locations throughout Sapporo, Alamo Rent A Car is a highly convenient choice for travellers. Known for their excellent range of vehicles, the most popular options include Compact and Mini cars, perfect for navigating the city and surrounding areas. Renting with Alamo allows you the flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace, making it an ideal option for those looking to manage their luggage and itinerary with ease.
• Europcar: Europcar has a rental location in Sapporo, providing a straightforward option for visitors. Their most booked vehicle is the Economy car, which is well-suited for both city driving and longer trips around Hokkaido. With Europcar, you can enjoy a reliable vehicle that meets your travel needs, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience as you explore the beautiful region of Sapporo and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Sapporo

• Sapporo City Centre: Sapporo City Centre is ideal for those seeking a vibrant urban experience. It's surrounded by attractions such as the Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park, both perfect for family outings. Enjoy shopping, ski activities, and the local hotsprings, all within easy reach. The area boasts a variety of dining options, including breweries and sweet treat shops, making it a delightful place to unwind after a day of exploration.
• Otaru: Located a short distance from Sapporo, Otaru is a picturesque city renowned for its canals and scenic views. Visitors can immerse themselves in outdoor activities, from skiing to exploring the charming Otaru Canal. The area is also famous for its hotsprings, such as Asarigawa Hot Spring, providing relaxation after a day of sightseeing. Otaru offers delightful local treats and opportunities to visit distilleries, making it perfect for food enthusiasts.
• Chitose: Chitose is a tranquil city, known for its romantic ambiance and stunning natural settings. It is home to Lake Shikotsu, a beautiful spot for outdoor activities and scenic views. The area features hotsprings like Shikotsuko Onsen, ideal for wellness and relaxation. Chitose also offers access to Shikotsu-Toya National Park, perfect for adventure seekers. The diverse dining options, including local restaurants and wineries, enhance the overall experience.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Sapporo

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. You are likely to secure more favourable rates when booking early and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally more affordable to rent and easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire providers exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It is straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning long road trips, seek out rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Sapporo

The best time to rent a car in and around Sapporo is October, when prices are at their lowest and demand is steady. This is followed closely by March and June, which also offer slight reductions in price with average demand. Conversely, April tends to be the most expensive month, with high pricing and low demand, while July and August see a surge in both demand and prices, making it a busy time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	20.7°F (-6.3°C)	Light Rain	Very Cloudy	Average	Average
February	21.6°F (-5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	29.7°F (-1.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	41.0°F (5.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
May	52.7°F (11.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
June	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
July	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
September	62.8°F (17.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High
December	26.1°F (-3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly High