Car Hire Chitose Airport — Your Key to Hokkaido’s Wild Beauty

New Chitose Airport is the gateway to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island and a destination that practically demands a rental car. Unlike the densely populated south, Hokkaido offers vast national parks, volcanic hot springs, ski resorts, and coastal drives that are best experienced on four wheels. Public transport exists, but it can’t take you to the remote onsen towns, hidden waterfalls, and scenic mountain passes that make this island special.

The airport is located about 50 kilometres from Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital and Japan’s fifth-largest city. Most international visitors arrive here for skiing in Niseko, hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park, or exploring the volcanic landscapes of Lake Toya. A rental car transforms these ambitions into an easy reality.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Chitose Airport

Rental car counters are located on the first floor of the domestic terminal building, though they serve international arrivals as well. Major operators include Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan, Orix, and Nippon. The car parks are a short walk from the terminal via covered walkways.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for foreign drivers, issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Australia, the UK, the USA, and most European countries are covered. Obtain your IDP before departing—there’s no way to get one in Japan.

Counter hours run from approximately 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though winter schedules may vary. Given Hokkaido’s popularity with skiers, book well in advance for December through March—the best rental cars get snapped up early.

Where to Go with Your Rental Car from Chitose Airport

Sapporo (50 km) — Hokkaido’s capital is a 45-minute drive north. Visit the historic Clock Tower, explore Odori Park, and sample fresh seafood at the Central Wholesale Market. Sapporo is also famous for its beer—tours of the Sapporo Brewery are popular.

Noboribetsu Onsen (70 km) — One of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, Noboribetsu features the dramatic Jigokudani (Hell Valley) with its steaming volcanic vents. The drive takes about an hour through scenic forest roads.

Lake Toya (100 km) — This caldera lake offers year-round beauty, from summer fireworks to winter snowscapes. The active volcano Usu-zan provides hiking trails with spectacular views. Drive time is around 90 minutes.

Niseko (120 km) — World-famous for its powder snow, Niseko is a two-hour drive in good conditions. The area also offers excellent hiking, golf, and hot springs in summer. Winter driving requires proper preparation and often snow chains.

Daisetsuzan National Park (150 km) — Japan’s largest national park features volcanic peaks, alpine meadows, and brown bears. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, and the park’s remote areas are inaccessible without a car.

Tips for Driving in Hokkaido

Hokkaido follows the same left-hand traffic rules as the rest of Japan. Speed limits are 50–60 km/h on regular roads and 80–100 km/h on expressways. The Hokkaido Expressway network connects major cities, though tolls can be expensive for longer journeys.

Winter driving (November through April) requires special attention. Snow tyres are mandatory and included with rentals during winter months. Ask about snow chains if you’re heading into the mountains. Roads are well-maintained, but blizzard conditions can close routes unexpectedly.

Navigation is essential outside the cities. GPS-equipped rental cars are standard, and smartphone coverage is good along major routes. In remote mountain areas, signal can be spotty—download offline maps before venturing off the beaten track.

Fuel stations are spaced further apart than in southern Japan, especially on Hokkaido’s eastern side. Fill up in cities like Sapporo and Obihiro before heading into rural areas. Many countryside stations close early, often by 6:00 PM.

Wildlife is abundant—Hokkaido has the highest concentration of brown bears in Japan. Drive carefully, especially at dawn and dusk, and never approach bears if you spot them from the road.

Book through our search above to secure the best car hire at Chitose Airport and experience Hokkaido’s wilderness with complete freedom.