Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Sapporo - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Sapporo
Sapporo
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Sapporo
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Sapporo
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Sapporo
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Sapporo?
Sapporo, located on Hokkaido Island, offers diverse attractions from urban landscapes to natural beauty. Renting a car provides the freedom to explore efficiently and comfortably.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. A rental car lets you easily access destinations like ski resorts, national parks, and scenic coastal routes that are difficult to reach by public transport.
Convenience and Comfort. Enjoy the convenience of travelling at your own pace, especially if you're carrying ski equipment, luggage, or travelling with family.
Flexibility in All Seasons. Whether it's summer lavender fields or winter snow festivals, a car allows you to experience Hokkaido's seasonal attractions without relying on tour schedules.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Sapporo
Before renting a car in Sapporo, understand the requirements and regulations to ensure a smooth experience.
Area
1,121 square kilometres (433 square miles)
Population
Approximately 2 million residents
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Ideal for
Exploring Hokkaido's diverse landscapes
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, the minimum age to rent a car is 18, but some companies may require drivers to be 21 or older. Additional fees might apply for young drivers.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original licence if their licence is not in Japanese.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; unlimited mileage is common, but some rentals may have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Winter TyresDuring winter months (November to March), ensure the rental car is equipped with winter tyres for safe driving on snowy and icy roads.
Car Rental Prices in Sapporo – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (July to August, December to February): Higher demand leads to prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (April to June, September to November): Discounts are often available
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Sapporo?
To book a car in Sapporo, compare prices, select the right vehicle, and review rental terms.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle suitable for your needs, considering Hokkaido's varied terrain and weather.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card when collecting your rental.
General Information About Sapporo
Sapporo combines urban convenience with access to stunning natural landscapes.
Sapporo is the largest city on Hokkaido Island and is known for its beer, snow festival, and ramen. Renting a car is ideal for exploring beyond the city centre, but be aware of local traffic rules and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Sapporo Snow Festival
A winter event featuring impressive snow and ice sculptures.
Odori Park
A green oasis in the city centre, perfect for a stroll.
Sapporo Beer Garden
A historic brewery offering beer tastings and tours.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Convenient and secure parking options are available throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available, but time limits and restrictions may apply.
Park & Ride
Park outside the city centre and use public transport to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Sapporo
Major Brands Available
ENEOS, Idemitsu, and Cosmo Oil are common fuel stations.
Easy to Find
Gas stations are readily available throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Self-Service
Many stations are self-service, but assistance is usually available.
Useful Tips for Visiting Sapporo
Use Public Transport
Sapporo has an efficient subway and bus system for navigating the city centre.
Winter Driving
Be prepared for snowy and icy conditions during winter months.
Plan for Traffic
Avoid driving during rush hours to minimise delays.
Carry Cash
While credit cards are widely accepted, some smaller establishments may prefer cash.
Key Transportation Hubs in Sapporo
Railway Stations
Sapporo Station
The main railway station, connecting to various destinations throughout Hokkaido.
Airports
New Chitose Airport (CTS)
The primary airport serving Sapporo, located approximately 45 kilometres (28 miles) south-east of the city.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Sapporo?
Renting a car in Sapporo requires a few key documents and considerations.
A valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most companies require drivers to be at least 18 years old, but some may have higher age requirements.
A credit or debit card is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Sapporo as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 16.12.2024
Peaceful, good drives
David Lee
Reviewed: 22.04.2025
Really pleasant trip.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 12.08.2025
So peaceful, loved it.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 18.07.2025
Decent, car helpful.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 07.11.2024
Fantastic spontaneous weekend! Hokkaido's beauty was easily accessible by car; so smooth and enjoyable.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 25.08.2024
Having a car made exploring Sapporo and the surrounding areas so easy. The food scene was amazing, although the Odori Park was a bit underwhelming on the day we visited.
Alice Johnson
Reviewed: 11.01.2025
Pretty chill, yeah.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 01.08.2025