Explore Sapporo by Rental Car
Sapporo is the prefectural capital of Hokkaido, which is full of attractions from nature to delicious food.
While the city itself is charming, there are wonderful destinations to visit nearby, including Otaru City, where beautiful stone buildings are lined up, Jozankei Onsen, one of the major hot spring resorts in the prefecture, and Lake Shikotsu, where visitors can participate in activities while enjoying the great view. Furano and Asahiyama Memorial Park are also close to this area.
A rental car will be handy when touring the neighboring areas around Sapporo.
This article features six major car rental offices near Sapporo Station. We've also included discount information and coupons, so please take a look!
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Car Rental Companies Near Sapporo Station
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For information on accessibility from Tokyo and car rental information at New Chitose Airport, please check the articles below.
Car Rental Companies Near Sapporo Station
Since traveling by rental car has become increasingly popular in Sapporo, there are many major companies in the city, such as Nissan Rent a Car and Nippon Rent-A-Car. The map above shows car rental companies near Sapporo Station.
The following is a list of companies along with a link to Klook, a website where customers can search for discount coupons, compare costs, and book rental cars.
For information regarding rental cars in Japan, check out the MATCHA article listed below!
1. Nissan Rent a Car (Discount Available)
Nissan Rent a Car is a subsidiary of Nissan, one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers. There are four offices near Sapporo Station that are all within a three to seven-minute walking distance: Sapporo Station South Exit, Sapporo Station South Exit Asty, Sapporo Odori, and Sapporo Station East Exit.
ETC card rental and self-service check-in are available at the four offices mentioned above. The Asty office is inside a building connected to Sapporo Station, so the walk will be pleasant on cold winter days. Business hours vary according to the office, so please check the official website.
Most cars at Nissan Rent a Car are Nissan products, known for their cutting-edge technology and attractive design. The lineup also includes electric vehicles and sports cars.
There will be a 10％ discount when reserving a vehicle via MATCHA using the link below. It applies to both Japanese and overseas visitors, so please check it out!
2. Nippon Rent-A-Car (Discount Available)
Nippon Rent-A-Car is a long-established company with 560 offices across Japan.
There are four Nippon Rent-A-Car offices near Sapporo Station: Sapporo Ekimae, Sapporo Station Higashi, Sapporo Station Minami, and Sapporo Center Building. They are all within a five-minute walking distance from the station. The business hours and process of returning cars vary for each office, so please check the official website.
Nippon Rent-A-Car offers a wide variety of vehicles, from compact to large-size and luxury types as well. A multi-lingual navigation system is also available. Additionally, customers can return their cars at a different site.
MATCHA is currently issuing a 10% discount coupon for international visitors, so please take advantage of this service!
Use the 10% Discount at Nippon Rent-A-Car
3. Times Car Rental
Times Car Rental, which manages parking lots and a car-sharing service, is popular among people of all ages. While the company initially started as a subsidiary of Mazda Motor Corporation, customers can now choose from an extensive lineup of automakers.
Times Station, located a four-minute walking distance from JR Sapporo Station (South Exit) and municipal subway (Exit 3), is open from 8:30 to 19:00. Please note that business hours change during the New Year holidays (December 31 to January 3), with the car rental company open from 9:00 to 18:00.
Members of Times Club (car rental) and Times Car (car-sharing service) are entitled to discounts, along with "Pitto Go," a service that allows members to collect and return vehicles with less paperwork (information is available only in Japanese).
Those planning to repeatedly drive in Japan should consider becoming a member.
Book a Times Car Rental at Sapporo Station on Klook
4. Toyota Rent a Car
Toyota Rent a Car is managed by Toyota Rental & Leasing, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.
The Sapporo Station Branch and Subway Sapporo Station Branch are located near the south exit of the station. The former location is regularly open from 8:00 to 20:00, closing at 21:00 in July and August. The latter is open from 8:00 to 19:00. Those returning vehicles late at night should use the Sapporo Station Store.
Toyota Rent a Car is the largest company in the car rental industry in Japan. It has the largest number of vehicles, with 1,200 offices nationwide. Since it is affiliated with Toyota, one of the major automobile companies worldwide, customers can choose from an extensive lineup of vehicles, including high-class models.
Book a Toyota rental car at Sapporo Station on Klook
5. Orix Rent-A-Car
Orix Rent-A-Car is the second largest company in the Japanese car rental business.
There are two offices—Sapporo Ekimae Branch and Sapporo Ekimae Self-Service Counter—located three minutes on foot from Sapporo Station North Exit. The former is open from 8:00 to 20:00 (April to October) and 8:00 to 19:00 (November to March).
Moreover, the self-service (unmanned) counter is convenient because customers can pick up a car without paperwork. This branch is open from 6:00 to 20:00.
Orix is known for its diverse car types. Some people even rent trucks when moving to a new house.
By renting a vehicle, customers can also collect various points, such as JAL or ANA frequent flyer mileage. There are various campaigns, some that are exclusive to Hokkaido, for customers making early reservations. Some campaigns even distribute Michi no Eki (roadside station) coupons. Please note that certain campaigns are only listed on the Japanese website.
6. Budget Rent a Car
Budget Rent a Car is a long-established American company with offices in about 120 countries. Their Japanese offices are located near major train stations and airports, so customers can easily pick up and return vehicles.
The Sapporo Station North Exit branch, located seven minutes on foot from the station, is open from 8:00 to 20:00. Additionally, all vehicles are equipped with snow tires during the winter season (November to April).
At Budget, customers can return cars without filling up the tank. There is also an ETC card rental service. They offer additional options without any extra charges.
Some offices offer a discount with early reservations, so be sure to check it out!
Book Budget Rent a Car at Sapporo Station on Klook
FAQ: Rental Cars in Hokkaido
Q1: Should I book a car in advance?
A: Yes. Using rental cars is a popular way to travel in Hokkaido. A car might not be available without a reservation, especially in July and August when many locals go on summer vacation.
Q2: What should I watch out for when driving in Hokkaido?
A: For general information about riding rental cars in Japan, please read this MATCHA article.
From October to May in Hokkaido, the roads will be frozen with snow accumulated on the surface. While major roads will be snowplowed, some areas may be closed due to icy roads.
Drivers should take extra caution since visibility is low during blizzards and roads become slippery due to snow.
While most rental cars in Hokkaido are equipped with snow tires in winter, we recommend checking this in advance. Booking a four-wheel drive or bringing a snow chain are other options.
Nissan Rent a Car has four-wheel drives in its lineup, so be sure to check it out!
Q3: Are there rental car companies outside Sapporo Station?
A: Yes. Offices of the aforementioned companies are located at various places in Hokkaido. Please check the websites for details on each location.
The discount coupons for Nippon Rent-A-Car and Nissan Rent a Car can be used at other offices as well.
Traffic, Highlights, and Accommodations in Hokkaido
From Sapporo Station, it is a four-hour ride on a limited express train to Hakodate: a Shinkansen terminal connecting the Honshu region and Hokkaido.
Jozankei, a spot to enjoy autumn foliage, is an hour's drive away from Sapporo. It's also an hour-and-a-half drive to Noboribetsu Onsen, and a two-hour drive to Asahiyama Zoo. Booking a car near Sapporo Station will make the trip easier.
For further information on sightseeing destinations and accommodations in Hokkaido, please check the MATCHA articles listed below.
Find a hotel room in Sapporo on Booking.com
Travel by Highway or Late-Night Bus: Find Tickets at the Lowest Price!
