Japan Self-Driving Tour: Hokkaido Car Rental Guide 2024 ～ Recommended Sightseeing Spots Around!

Visitors from Hong Kong who rent a car in Japan must meet and have the following conditions: 📌 A valid original Hong Kong driver's license 📌 An International Driving Permit 📌 A credit card ⚠️ Some rental companies require a driver's license held for one year or more. ⚠️ Provisional driving licenses and copies of driver's licenses are not accepted. ⚠️ Some companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.

After deciding on your itinerary, you can book a rental car through a travel booking website.
Choose your car type, pick-up and return date and time.
Select additional services such as insurance or child safety seats.
Fill in driver information and complete the order payment.

🔑 Declare other drivers (if any)
🔑 Check the rental agreement, including insurance coverage
🔑 Inspect the vehicle condition; it's best to take photos as evidence to protect yourself
🔑 Install GPS
🔑 Understand the type of fuel required for the car
🔑 Familiarize yourself with the car's interior features
🔑 Know the return rules (e.g., whether full tank is required)
🔑 Understand the contact information for the car rental company.

Hokkaido Rent a Car is a local car rental company operating in Hokkaido, offering various car options, from small cars (such as Honda Fit) suitable for 2-3 people to Toyota Alphard for groups of 4-5 people, ensuring you have plenty of choices. The lowest price starts at HK$422.

In Japan, cars are right-hand drive with the driver's seat on the right side of the vehicle.
When driving, stay on the left side of the road and make large turns into the right lane when turning right and smaller turns into the left lane when turning left.
Turn signals are located on the right-hand side, while the windshield wipers are on the left side.
Speed limits are measured in kilometers per hour, with urban areas typically ranging from 40 to 50 kilometers per hour.
Traffic regulations are strictly enforced. Speeding or traffic violations can result in immediate fines.
Toll roads have a segmented fee structure based on the distance traveled.
Before traveling, check fuel prices in advance.
In case of an accident, report it to the police first and then contact your insurance company.
Pay attention to road signs and regulations to avoid getting lost.
In Hokkaido, there are two methods for car rentals: daily rental fees or hourly fees (such as 6 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours).
Rental prices vary depending on the rental company and vehicle type.

Winter roads in Hokkaido often have snow or ice, so please drive carefully to avoid accidents.
Snow chains are not typically installed, and local drivers usually switch to specialized "snow tires."
Before renting a car, confirm that it has snow tires installed.
When driving in snowy conditions, slow down, turn wider when cornering, and accelerate gently to avoid wheel slippage.
Lift the wipers when parking to prevent freezing.
Be extra cautious after snowfall when sunny days can cause icy roads.
Sunlight reflecting off the snow can be blinding, so sunglasses are recommended to protect your vision.