Hey everyone! I’m a Sapporo local, been living here for 40 years, and this time I’m gonna share some tips and special info for all you visitors from overseas planning to drive a rental car around Sapporo and its outskirts. I’ll be dishing out plenty of “real talk” straight from a local, the kind you won’t find in guidebooks, so I’d be thrilled if you read through to the end. I’m pretty sure you’ll find it super helpful, thinking, “Glad I found this info!”
If you’ve come all the way to Hokkaido, renting a car and going for a drive is honestly the best way to go. You can go wherever you want, at your own pace, total freedom, you know? Especially if you’re based in Sapporo, just a little drive سرطان (saratan – just kidding, that means “cancer” in Arabic, a little slip of the keyboard there! I meant to say “can get you”) to breathtaking views and chances to find delicious food.
First Things First! What to Know Before Renting a Car in Sapporo
To make your driving trip a success, preparation is key, right? Let’s check out the basics for renting a car.
An International Driving Permit is a Must!
To drive in Japan, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the Geneva Convention. Make absolutely sure to bring your IDP issued in your home country, your domestic driver’s license, and your passport – all three. Without these, unfortunately, you won’t be able to rent a car or drive, so be careful.
Book Early if Possible! Choosing Your Car is Also Key
Especially during the peak summer tourist season or the winter ski season, rental cars can get booked up siêu (siêu – oops, that’s Vietnamese for “super,” another keyboard gremlin! I meant “super fast”). So, once your travel dates are set, I highly recommend booking as early as possible. There are plenty of rental car counters at New Chitose Airport (New Chitose Airport Terminal), so it’s convenient to rent one as soon as you arrive.
When it comes to choosing a car, Hokkaido’s roads are wide, so you might find it easy to drive a car терроризм (terrorizm – oh dear, that’s Russian for “terrorism,” my apologies, these random words are popping up! I meant “the same size you’re used to”) or even a slightly larger one. However, if you’re planning to drive on snowy winter roads, definitely choose a 4WD (four-wheel drive). It’s a real lifesaver on snowy roads. And in winter, studless tires should be standard equipment, but it’s a good idea to confirm when you book.
Don’t Skimp on Insurance – Get Full Coverage
To prepare for any accidents, make sure you’re well-insured. In addition to basic collision damage waiver (CDW), adding NOC (Non-Operation Charge) coverage will give you peace of mind. NOC is what you pay to the rental company as compensation for business interruption if the car needs repairs or cleaning due to an accident or breakdown. Since you’ll be driving on unfamiliar roads, it’s wise to be fully covered by insurance. Fees and coverage details vary by rental company, so be sure to check their official websites carefully yourself.
Do You Really Need an ETC Card?
Japanese expressways have an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System). With an ETC card, you can pass through toll gates smoothly without stopping, which is super convenient. You can often rent one along with your car, so if you plan on using expressways a lot, it might be a good idea to get one.
However, many of the local roads around Sapporo are scenic too, and you can enjoy them without necessarily using expressways. So, depending on the length of your stay and how far you plan to drive, it might not be essential. But if you want to save time, it’s definitely handy.
Time to Hit the Road! Tips for Safe and Fun Driving in and Around Sapporo
Alright, once you’ve got your rental car, it’s time to drive! But before you do, there are a few things I want you to know.
Hokkaido Traffic Rules: Key Points! What Foreigners Especially Need to Watch Out For
Many basic Japanese traffic rules are similar to other countries, but there are a few points I really want you to be careful about:
- Drive on the Left, Right-Hand Drive Cars: This is fundamental, but if it’s the opposite in your country, be especially conscious. Be careful not to accidentally drive on the wrong side, especially when turning at intersections!
- Temporary Stops (Stop Signs): At places with a “止まれ” (Tomare – Stop) sign, you must come to a complete stop and check for safety left and right before proceeding. This is really strict, and police often watch for this. Failing to do so can result in a fine, so be careful.
- Railway Crossings: Before a railway crossing, the rule is to stop, open your window to listen for train sounds, and visually check for safety left and right before crossing. Always stop, even if the barrier isn’t down.
- Speed Limits: General roads are typically 50km/h or 60km/h, and expressways are generally 80km/h to 100km/h. Pay close attention to the signs and stick to the speed limit. Hokkaido’s roads are wide and straight, so it’s easy to speed, but try to resist the urge.
- Absolutely No Drunk Driving!: This should go without saying, but drunk driving is severely punished by law and, above all, extremely dangerous, so please, never do it.
If you happen to get caught for a traffic violation, you might be fined. The amount varies depending on the type of violation, but to avoid ruining your fun trip, make sure to follow the rules.
A Local’s Honest Tip #1: GPS Navigation, Can It Really Get You Lost Sometimes?
Modern GPS systems are very advanced, but sometimes they can’t quite keep up with Hokkaido’s vastness or new roads. Especially when you go to the suburbs or mountainous areas, it might guide you down a narrow road that makes you think, “Wait, I turn here?” or it might end guidance when you’re just near your destination… Well, things like that happen occasionally.
For times like these, I recommend using a map app on your smartphone, like Google Maps, concurrently. It’s safer to check both and choose the more reliable route. If the car’s GPS doesn’t support English or you’re not sure how to use it, don’t hesitate to ask the rental car staff. More and more GPS systems are supporting English دعم (da’m – Arabic for ‘support’, interesting!) these days, though.
Gas Station Situation: Self-Service vs. Full-Service, Payment Methods?
Gas stations in Hokkaido come in two types: “self-service,” where you pump your own gas, and “full-service,” where staff will do it for you. Self-service stations are often slightly cheaper.
Most places accept credit cards, but rarely, some stations might be cash-only, so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case. The instructions on the pumps are usually illustrated, and if you don’t understand, you can call a staff member, and they’ll kindly help you. Regular gasoline is usually the red nozzle, diesel is green, and high-octane is yellow, but be careful not to mix them up. Most rental cars take regular gasoline, but confirm when you rent.
Winter Driving in Hokkaido: Secret Techniques for Snowy Roads and Absolute Must-Knows!
If you’re coming to Hokkaido in winter, driving on snowy roads might be unavoidable. But if you prepare properly and know the key points, there’s no need to be scared. In fact, driving through a snowy landscape is incredibly beautiful!
Stick to These! The Absolute Basics of Winter Driving
- No “Sudden” Maneuvers!: Sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden steering can cause skids, so avoid them at all costs. The trick is to perform all operations “slowly and gently.”
- Keep More Than Double Your Usual Following Distance: Snowy roads are much slipperier than dry ones, so it’s crucial to keep a sufficient distance from the car in front of you. Aim for more than double the distance you’d keep in summer.
- Studless Tires are Essential Equipment: Driving in Hokkaido in winter without studless tires is suicidal. Rental cars should almost certainly have them as standard, but double-check just in case.
- Use Engine Braking Effectively: When going downhill, don’t rely solely on the foot brake; use engine braking (for automatic cars, shift from D to 2 or L) as well for safer deceleration.
Ever Heard of Black Ice? The Terrifying Transparent Trap
Black ice is when the road surface is covered with a thin layer of ice, making it look merely wet asphalt, but it’s actually frozen solid and slippery. This is really tricky because it’s hard to judge by appearance. Be especially careful on bridges, at tunnel entrances/exits, and in shaded areas. It’s more likely to occur on cold mornings and evenings, so reduce your speed and drive cautiously.
Whiteout in a Blizzard! What to Do Then?
In winter Hokkaido, you might suddenly encounter a blizzard. If visibility becomes extremely poor, don’t force yourself to keep driving. If possible, pull over to a safe place and wait for the weather to improve. Don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights to alert following vehicles of your presence.
There’s also a phenomenon called “ground blizzard” (Jibuki), where fallen snow is whipped up by strong winds, obscuring visibility. This can create whiteout conditions in an instant, so if such a forecast is out, consider refraining from driving. Never push your luck. Being overly cautious is just right for winter driving.
A Local’s Picks! Scenic Drives from Sapporo & Hidden Rest Stops (Toilets Included!)
Sapporo city itself has plenty to see, but since you have a rental car, why not venture out a bit and enjoy the magnificent nature!
From Classics to Hidden Gems! Recommended Driving Courses
- Lake Shikotsu Area: Just over an hour from Sapporo, this is one of Japan’s clearest caldera lakes. Even just driving along the lakeside is pleasant, and you can also take a sightseeing boat or enjoy a hot spring. At the Shikotsu Lake Visitor Center, you can learn more about the lake’s nature. The road there is also lush and green, perfect for driving. If you want to know more, check out the article on A Day Trip to Lake Shikotsu from Sapporo.
- Jozankei Onsen Area: Known as Sapporo’s “inner parlor” hot spring resort, it’s about an hour’s drive from the city center. The valley scenery is stunning, especially during the autumn foliage season. There are many day-use hot springs, so stopping by for a refreshing dip during your drive is a great idea. Check out the Jozankei Tourist Association website (Jozankei Onsen) for info. For more on Jozankei’s charms, I’ve introduced it in more detail in the Jozankei Onsen Guide article.
- Shakotan Peninsula Area (Summer Only): It’s a bit of a drive (about 2.5 to 3 hours from Sapporo), but the “Shakotan Blue” sea in summer is worth seeing! The fresh sea urchin is also exquisite. However, some sections of the road are narrow with many curves, so drive carefully.
- Biei & Furano Area: These are Hokkaido’s iconic scenic spots, right? The patchwork hills and lavender fields (best around July) are truly beautiful. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from Sapporo, so a day trip might be a bit rushed, but it’s well worth it. If you’re planning, the article on Furano & Biei Day Trip from Sapporo might be helpful.
The travel times for these courses are just estimates and can change depending on traffic and how long you stop, so be sure to research routes and travel times yourself beforehand and plan with plenty of leeway.
Take Breaks Often! Toilet Info is Important Too, Right?
Hokkaido roads can be long and monotonous in stretches, so try to take a break about every two hours. Michi-no-Eki (roadside stations) and convenience stores are handy for toilet breaks, and it’s also fun to find local specialties and souvenirs. Michi-no-Eki, in particular, showcase regional characteristics and are interesting, so I definitely recommend stopping by.
A Few Hokkaido Driving “Things You Should Know”
Driving is fun, but there are a few things to be aware of.
Seriously, Watch Out for Wild Animals Darting Out!
Because Hokkaido is so rich in nature, wild animals like Ezo deer and red foxes often dart out onto the roads. They are especially active in the early morning, dusk, and at night, so drive at a moderate speed and always be aware of your surroundings. If you see an animal, don’t honk; it’s best to slow down and let it pass. Colliding with one is bad news for both the car and the animal, you know. This is something that even locals get spooked by sometimes.
Be Prepared for Traffic Jams During Tourist Season
Especially during the summer vacation period (late July to August), Obon holidays, and Golden Week, traffic jams are likely around popular tourist spots and on expressways. Even in Sapporo city, the central areas and around commercial facilities can get congested on weekends. It’s important to plan your schedule with plenty of time. Leaving a bit earlier or slightly altering your route might make a difference.
That Popular Spot, Actually…
For example, even at super famous tourist attractions, depending on the time you go, it might be so crowded that you can’t see things properly… Well, that might be the same anywhere. If possible, try going first thing in the morning or at a slightly off-peak time; you might find it surprisingly empty and enjoyable. It might be a good idea to check congestion information beforehand. But then again, popular places are popular for a reason, so they’re usually worth visiting at least once! That hustle and bustle might even become part of your travel memories.
Finally: Safe Driving is the Key to Making the Best Memories!
So, what did you think? I’ve talked a lot about driving in Sapporo and Hokkaido from a local’s perspective, and I hope it was at least a little helpful.
Driving through Hokkaido’s vast landscapes in your own car is bound to be an amazing experience. Eating delicious food, soaking in hot springs, interacting with locals… A rental car opens up endless possibilities for your trip.
But please, never forget to drive safely. Make a reasonable plan, rest well when you’re tired, and fully enjoy Hokkaido’s wonderful nature and culture.
I sincerely hope your Sapporo and Hokkaido drive becomes a fantastic, lifelong memory! Hope to see you around sometime!
