Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
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Obihiro (Hokkaido Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Obihiro (Hokkaido Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Obihiro (Hokkaido Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Obihiro (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
Obihiro, located on Hokkaido Island, offers vast landscapes and unique attractions that are best explored with the freedom of a rental car. While public transport exists, it can be limiting, especially when venturing into the surrounding countryside.
Explore Hokkaido's Natural Beauty. Obihiro serves as a gateway to national parks, scenic routes, and remote onsen (hot springs) that are difficult to reach without a car.
Visit Local Farms and Dairy Lands. The Tokachi region, surrounding Obihiro, is known for its agriculture. A car allows you to explore farms, cheese factories, and other local producers at your own pace.
Enjoy Seasonal Activities. Hokkaido offers diverse seasonal activities, from skiing in winter to flower viewing in summer. A rental car allows you to easily access these experiences.
Before renting a car in Obihiro, it’s important to understand the local regulations and requirements. This includes age restrictions, licensing, insurance, and other essential terms.
Area
618.94 square kilometers (239 square miles)
Population
Approximately 165,000 residents
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Ideal for
Exploring rural Hokkaido
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during morning and evening commute times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, drivers must be at least 18 years old to rent a car in Japan. However, some rental companies may have higher age requirements or charge additional fees for young drivers.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid Japanese driver’s license is required for residents. International visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, along with their original driver's license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage. Fuel policies vary, but returning the car with a full tank is common to avoid extra charges.
5. Winter TiresFrom November to April, many rental cars in Hokkaido are equipped with winter tires. Verify this when booking, especially during snowy periods.
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 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (July to August): Sees higher demand due to summer holidays, prices increase by 20-30%
Low season (November to March): Often come with discounts due to winter conditions
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth car rental experience in Obihiro, Hokkaido.
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 terrain and number of passengers.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, International Driving Permit (if required), credit card, and passport when collecting your rental.
Obihiro is a city in Hokkaido, known for its agricultural landscape and access to natural attractions. Driving is a convenient way to explore the region, but understanding local traffic rules and parking is essential.
As a key city in the Tokachi Plain, Obihiro offers a blend of rural charm and modern amenities. While the city itself is manageable, a car is recommended for exploring the broader region, including national parks and scenic routes. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking regulations to ensure a pleasant experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Shichiku Garden
A beautiful garden with seasonal flowers and serene landscapes.
Ban'ei Horse Racing
A unique form of horse racing with heavy draft horses pulling weighted sleds.
Lake Shikaribetsu
A pristine lake surrounded by untouched wilderness.
Where to Find Parking
City Center Parking
Public parking garages and on-street parking are available, but can be limited during peak hours.
Shopping Centers
Many shopping centers offer free parking for customers.
Hotels
Most hotels provide parking facilities for guests.
Gas Stations in Obihiro
Major Brands
Gas stations from major brands like Eneos, Idemitsu, and Cosmo are readily available.
Self-Service Stations
Self-service stations are common; instructions are usually available in Japanese.
Highway Service Areas
Gas stations are also available at service areas along major highways.
Useful Tips for Visiting Obihiro
Winter Driving
Be prepared for snowy and icy conditions during winter. Ensure your rental car has winter tires.
Roadside Assistance
Familiarize yourself with the contact information for roadside assistance.
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra travel time during peak hours, especially on routes leading to popular attractions.
Respect Local Customs
Drive courteously and follow local traffic rules.
Airports
Obihiro Airport (OBO)
The main airport serving the city, with domestic flights to and from major cities like Tokyo and Sapporo.
Railway Stations
Obihiro Station
The central railway station, providing access to the JR Hokkaido rail network.
Bus Stations
Obihiro Ekimae Bus Terminal
Located near the train station, offering local and regional bus services.
Renting a car in Obihiro is a straightforward process, but ensure you have the necessary documents and meet the requirements.
Japanese residents need a valid Japanese driver’s license. International visitors require an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, along with their original license.
The minimum age to rent a car is generally 18 years old, but some companies may have higher age restrictions or fees for younger drivers.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
International renters should bring their passport as proof of identity.
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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 Obihiro (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.
Obihiro was surprisingly delightful! My quick business trip went smoothly, and having a car made exploring the area incredibly easy. Beautiful scenery, efficient travel.
David Lee
Reviewed: 10.09.2024
Exploring Hokkaido's charm from Obihiro was fantastic! Having a car gave us such freedom to discover hidden gems and enjoy the stunning scenery at our own pace. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 19.01.2025
Hokkaido's beauty unfolded effortlessly. Driving around Obihiro was a dream!
Jessica Clark
Reviewed: 07.03.2025
Pleasant enough, really.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 01.01.2025
Obihiro was wonderful! Getting around was easy, and I loved spending relaxing days by the coast. Such a peaceful trip.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Obihiro was great; catching up with friends was perfect.
Katherine Wilson
Reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Pretty chill, really
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 26.10.2024