Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Chitose (Hokkaido Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Chitose (Hokkaido Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Chitose (Hokkaido Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Chitose (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
Chitose, located on Hokkaido Island, is a gateway to stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural experiences. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Discover the hidden gems and create unforgettable memories with the convenience of your own vehicle.
Explore Hokkaido's Natural Beauty. Chitose is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including Shikotsu-Toya National Park and Lake Shikotsu. A rental car allows you to easily access these remote locations and immerse yourself in nature.
Visit Local Attractions. From the Chitose Salmon Aquarium to the Peace Pagoda, there are many attractions to discover in and around Chitose. With a car, you can visit multiple sites in a single day, maximizing your time and enjoyment.
Enjoy Culinary Delights. Hokkaido is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and with a rental car, you can venture beyond the city center to explore local restaurants and farms offering fresh seafood, dairy products, and other regional specialties.
Experience Seasonal Festivals. Chitose and the surrounding area host various festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from salmon to snow. A car allows you to easily attend these events and experience the local culture firsthand.
Before renting a car in Chitose, it's essential to understand the local regulations and requirements. Familiarize yourself with the age restrictions, licensing rules, insurance options, and other important details to ensure a smooth and trouble-free rental experience.
Area
594.95 square kilometers (229.71 square miles)
Population
Approximately 97,000 residents
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST), GMT+9
Ideal for
Exploring Hokkaido's natural landscapes and local attractions
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes, especially on weekdays
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Chitose require drivers to be at least 18 years old, but some may have additional restrictions for younger drivers. A young driver surcharge may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver's License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in Japanese. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter's credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals come with unlimited mileage, allowing you to explore Hokkaido without worrying about extra charges. Fuel policies vary, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before booking.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
The average daily rate for an economy-class rental car in Chitose is from £25 / $31 / €30 per day. Prices may vary depending on the season, availability, and rental company.
Business:
from £45 / $56 / €54 per day
Electric:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Executive:
from £55 / $69 / €66 per day
7 Seater:
from £65 / $81 / €78 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £40 / $50 / €48 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 Chitose is a simple process. By following these steps, you can secure the best deal and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals from various rental companies in Chitose.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage space.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking your rental car in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to the rental counter when picking up your vehicle.
Chitose is a city located on Hokkaido Island, known for its natural beauty and proximity to New Chitose Airport. The city offers a mix of urban amenities and access to stunning landscapes, making it a popular destination for travelers.
As the gateway to Hokkaido, Chitose provides easy access to the island's many attractions. While the city itself is relatively easy to navigate, driving outside of Chitose requires an understanding of local traffic laws, road conditions, and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Chitose Salmon Aquarium
A unique aquarium showcasing the life cycle of salmon and other local fish species.
Lake Shikotsu
A pristine caldera lake surrounded by forests and mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, boating, and fishing.
Northern Horse Park
A horse-themed amusement park with riding trails, shows, and other equestrian activities.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in the city center and near major attractions, offering secure and convenient parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available in some areas, but may be limited and time-restricted.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located near train stations or bus terminals to access the city center.
Gas Stations in Chitose
Major Brands Available
Look for gas stations from major brands like Eneos, Idemitsu, and Cosmo Oil.
Refueling Tips
Most gas stations offer both self-service and full-service options. Be prepared to pay in cash or with a credit card.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Chitose
Drive on the Left
Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Japan.
Observe Speed Limits
Pay attention to speed limit signs and adhere to the posted limits.
Be Aware of Wildlife
Be cautious of wildlife, especially deer, crossing the roads, particularly in rural areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Allow extra time for travel during peak hours and weekends, as traffic congestion can occur.
Railway Stations
Minami-Chitose Station
A major railway station connecting Chitose to Sapporo and other destinations.
Chitose Station
Another important railway station serving local and regional train lines.
Airports
New Chitose Airport (CTS)
The primary airport serving Sapporo and the surrounding region, offering domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Chitose is a straightforward process, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here's what you'll need
If you're from Japan, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 18 years old.
A valid credit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies might accept debit cards, but it's best to confirm in advance.
A passport or another form of photo identification may be required for international renters.
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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 Chitose (Hokkaido Island) as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 10.07.2025
Hokkaido was amazing! Getting around with a car was so easy, and catching up with friends in Chitose made it perfect.
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 17.11.2024
Chitose lived up to the hype, though the airport food court was a bit underwhelming. Exploring with a car was perfect.
David Miller
Reviewed: 12.11.2024
Peaceful and pleasant.
Karen Wilson
Reviewed: 25.01.2025
Low-key enjoyable trip
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 31.10.2024
Summer in Chitose was fantastic! Having a car made exploring the stunning scenery so convenient. We loved the freedom to discover hidden gems.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 26.03.2025
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First trip to Chitose, and it was fantastic! Exploring by car was so liberating and easy.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 05.10.2024