Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Asahikawa (Hokkaido Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Asahikawa (Hokkaido Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Asahikawa (Hokkaido Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Asahikawa (Hokkaido Island)
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Asahikawa, located on Hokkaido Island, is a city known for its stunning natural landscapes and local attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore the region at your own pace.
Access Remote Locations. Hokkaido's beauty lies in its vast landscapes. With a rental car, you can easily reach scenic spots like the Daisetsuzan National Park and the Biei Patchwork Road, which are difficult to access by public transport.
Flexible Itinerary. Having a car allows you to customize your itinerary according to your interests. Whether it’s visiting local farms, hot springs, or breweries, you’re in control of your schedule.
Convenience for Families. Traveling with family, especially with children, is much more comfortable with a rental car. You can easily transport luggage, strollers, and other essentials without the hassle of public transport.
Before renting a car in Asahikawa, it’s essential to understand the local rules and regulations. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.
Area
747.6 km² (288.6 sq mi)
Population
Approximately 335,728 residents
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST), GMT+9
Ideal for
Exploring Hokkaido's natural landscapes
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, you need to be at least 18 years old to rent a car in Japan. However, some rental companies may have a minimum age of 21.
2. Driver’s LicenseA valid driver's license from your home country is required. If your license is not in Japanese, you’ll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
3. InsuranceBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but consider purchasing additional coverage for peace of mind.
4. Mileage PolicyCheck the mileage policy. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions.
5. Fuel PolicyFamiliarize yourself with the fuel policy. Typically, you're expected to return the car with a full tank.
6. Toll RoadsHokkaido has toll roads. Consider purchasing an ETC card (Electronic Toll Collection) for easy payment.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £11 / $14 / €13 per day
Peak season (July to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to March): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Asahikawa is easy if you follow these steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering the road conditions and luggage space.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, International Driving Permit (if required), passport, and credit card when picking up the vehicle.
Asahikawa is a charming city surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.
Asahikawa, located in the heart of Hokkaido, offers a blend of urban convenience and easy access to nature. Driving in Asahikawa is generally straightforward, but awareness of local traffic regulations and conditions is essential. The city does not have congestion charges or low-emission zones, making it easier to navigate by car. However, be mindful of rush hour times to avoid unnecessary delays.
Top Attractions to Discover
Asahiyama Zoo
Famous for its innovative enclosures that allow visitors to observe animals in their natural behaviors.
Asahikawa Ramen Village
A collection of ramen shops, each offering its unique take on Asahikawa-style ramen.
Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum
Learn about the sake-making process and sample local brews.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available throughout the city center.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but make sure to check for time restrictions and payment requirements.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities if you plan to explore the city center.
Gas Stations in Asahikawa
Major Brands Available
You’ll find major fuel brands like Eneos, Idemitsu, and Cosmo throughout Asahikawa.
Easy Refueling
Refueling is generally easy, with many self-service stations available.
Check Opening Hours
Be aware of opening hours, as some stations may close early in rural areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting Asahikawa
Drive Carefully in Winter
Hokkaido winters can be harsh, with icy roads and heavy snowfall. Drive cautiously and use winter tires.
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of wildlife, especially deer, when driving in rural areas.
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra time for travel during peak seasons and holidays.
Learn Basic Japanese Phrases
Knowing a few basic Japanese phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals.
Major Bus Stations
Asahikawa Station Bus Terminal
Serves local and long-distance bus routes.
Railway Stations
Asahikawa Station
The main railway station in Asahikawa, connecting to various destinations in Hokkaido.
Airports
Asahikawa Airport (AKJ)
Located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Asahikawa, serving domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Asahikawa is a straightforward process. Here’s what you’ll need.
A valid driver's license from your home country is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary if your license is not in Japanese.
A valid passport is required for identification purposes.
A major credit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
The minimum age to rent a car is generally 18, but some companies may require renters to be 21 or older.
This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Asahikawa (Hokkaido Island) as
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Heard amazing things about Asahikawa, and they were right! Exploring Hokkaido by car was incredibly convenient and scenic.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 21.02.2025
Hokkaido's Asahikawa was breathtaking! Getting around by car was a breeze.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 27.06.2025
Asahikawa was a delightful surprise! Having a car made exploring so easy. The zoo was smaller than expected, but still lovely.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 26.11.2024
Fantastic trip to Asahikawa! Meeting friends there was so much fun, and having a car made everything effortless. Highly recommend!
Christopher Lee
Reviewed: 09.10.2024
Asahikawa was wonderful! Catching up with friends and exploring the region by car was perfect.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 04.05.2025
Asahikawa was amazing! So easy getting around with a car, and catching up with friends made it perfect.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 09.10.2024
Pretty peaceful, really.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 03.03.2025
Low-key enjoyable trip
Ashley Miller
Reviewed: 30.09.2024
Relaxing, car was handy
Chloe Martinez
Reviewed: 28.05.2025
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 03.11.2024