How to find a cheap car hire deal in Sapporo
Searching for a cheap rental car in Sapporo? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging $151 a day, we compare the best offers so you can search less, save more, and feel good about what you paid.
Daily rental prices in Sapporo start from just $46.
Staying a while and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $305 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Sapporo car hire. Try booking around two weeks before your departure date.
Browse the offers available with Nissan Rent a Car, Budget and Times. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
The coverage Nissan Rent a Car or another supplier offers for your Sapporo car hire can differ, so remember to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging $102 a day.
Taking second place is this provider, offering daily rates of around $100.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $100 a day with this supplier.
The Economy rental category is a reliable option if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Sapporo.
Flying to Sapporo? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by picking up a car hire at New Chitose Airport. If you're flying to Sapporo through this hub, simply pick up your ride after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 48 kilometres and takes around 45 minutes.
Flying in another way? You can pick up a car hire from Okadama Airport just as quickly. The centre is 10 kilometres or so away and takes roughly 20 minutes to reach by car.
Compare car hire types in Sapporo
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or simply planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this Sapporo car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Sapporo that makes light work of heavy loads. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Sapporo car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so give them a quick comparison.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These add-ons can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Sapporo.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car hire in Japan. Rules can vary, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
If the kids are tagging along, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Sapporo car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
If you've never driven in Japan, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In Japan, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.03%. If you intend to have a few drinks, hand the keys to someone else or take another form of transport.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) for everything you buy throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.
Japanese is the language most often spoken across the country.
Best hotels in Sapporo for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at Miidokoro House Hotel. Offering parking as well as Wi-Fi and a games room, this hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Sapporo.
Need more ideas? Browse the lineup of hotels in Sapporo. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
You're ready to make some memories now you've found a car hire deal in Sapporo and your hotel. From Fushimi Inari Shrine to Hokkaido Shrine and Ganso Sapporo Ramen Street, you'll find plenty to fill your days here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Sapporo
Shift gears and take off to Tomakomai. Around 48 kilometres southeast of central Sapporo, you'll find must-sees like Harumi Park and Art Museum.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Tomakomai include Hotel Wing International Tomakomai and Dormy Inn Tomakomai.
Add Otaru to your travels too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Sapporo and drive around 32 kilometres northwest to take in main draws such as Otaru Snow Light Path and Otaru Canal.
Relax after a day of exploring Otaru at Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal or GRIDS Premium Hotel Otaru. These hotels have arrangements for guests with cars.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Hakodate, roughly 145 kilometres south of Sapporo. First, swing past Ono River Cherry Blossom Avenue, then take your time exploring Mt. Hakodate Observatory.
Catch up on sleep in Hakodate at either JR Inn Hakodate or HOTEL Mystays Hakodate Goryokaku. They've got a bed waiting for you and parking availability too.
