How to Rent a Car in Hokkaido: 6 Car Rental Services Near New Chitose Airport

Car Rental Shops Located near New Chitose Airport

Photo by Pixta

Hokkaido is filled with fascinating charms from food and gorgeous scenery to historical spots. There are multiple ways to travel to the northernmost island from Tokyo. However, the most convenient way is by plane to New Chitose Airport.

Using a rental car is convenient when traveling around Hokkaido's vast lands. There are multiple car rental shops available in New Chitose Airport.

This article introduces how to rent a car and six major companies offering car rentals at New Chitose Airport.

Nippon Rent-A-Car 10% Off Coupon (English)

Table of Contents:

1. How to Rent a Car at New Chitose Airport
2. Nippon Rent-A-Car
3. Times Car Rental
4. TOYOTA Rent a Car
5. ORIX Rent-A-Car
6. Nissan Rent a Car
7. Budget Rent a Car
8. Hokkaido Rental Car FAQ
9. Hokkaido Transportation, Highlights, and Hotels

How to Rent a Car at New Chitose Airport

Photo by Pixta

Please refer to the directions below when renting a car at New Chitose Airport.

1. Refer to this article and make an advanced reservation online for a rental car.

2. Please head to the car rental counter once you arrive at New Chitose Airport. If you are arriving on a domestic flight, car rental counters are in the domestic terminal on the first floor. If you are arriving on an international flight, car rental counters are in the international terminal on the first floor.

3. After completing the paperwork, you will head to the car rental shop in Chitose City by shuttle bus. The shuttle bus stop is right next to the terminal exit, so you can easily get to the bus stop without getting wet from the rain or snow. This gives peace of mind during the cold winter months (*).
*Information regarding paperwork and shuttle buses may vary with each car rental shop. Please confirm the details at the time of your reservation.

We recommend reading the MATCHA article below for important things to note when renting a car in Japan.

Next, we will introduce major car rental shops inside New Chitose Airport. Individual sections will include additional details such as coupon information and a link to Klook, a website to easily compare rental car prices among companies and make reservations.

1. Nippon Rent-A-Car

This photo is for illustrative purposes only.

Nippon Rent-A-Car is a major car rental company with 560 locations across Japan. The counter is located in the domestic and international terminals at New Chitose Airport, with business hours from 7:00 to 23:00 (*). This is a reassuring option for those with flights arriving early in the morning or late at night.

Nippon Rent-A-Car provides various car models, from compact cars to those seating multiple adults and luxury vehicles. Additionally, the service is appealing for the multilingual car navigation system installed in each vehicle and the one-way rental service.

MATCHA has an exclusive 10% discount coupon for international visitors for Nippon Rent-A-Car. Please be sure to check it out!

Nippon Rent-A-Car 10% Off Coupon (English)

*Business hours will end at 21:00 until March 31, 2023. This will change to 22:00 from April 1, 2023, to December 30, 2023.

2. Times Car Rental

This photo is for illustrative purposes only.

Times Car Rental, a company that also provides parking lots and car share services, is popular among people of all generations. It was originally a subsidiary of Mazda but currently provides car models from various manufacturers.

Assistance is available at their counters at New Chitose Airport's domestic and international terminals from 9:00 to 19:00.

You can receive various discounts and services by becoming a member of Times Club or Times Car (information only available in Japanese). One such service is “Tap & Go,” allowing you to skip required paperwork when departing or returning your rental car. Will you be using rental cars often in Japan? Then why not become a member?

Reserve with Times Car Rental New Chitose Airport on Klook

3. TOYOTA Rent a Car

This photo is for illustrative purposes only.

TOYOTA Rent a Car is operated by Toyota Rent-a-Lease, an affiliate company of Toyota Motor Corporation. There are two branches in New Chitose Airport: New Chitose Airport Poplar Shop and New Chitose Airport Suzuran Shop. Both locations have counters in the domestic and international terminals operating from 8:00 to 20:00.

TOYOTA Rent a Car is the largest corporation in the Japanese rental car industry, with 1,200 offices across Japan. It also takes the top rank in the number of rental vehicles owned. You can rent from their extensive line-up of Toyota vehicles, including luxury lines, thanks to being an affiliate of Toyota. And, of course, Toyota is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world.

Reserve with TOYOTA Rent a Car at New Chitose Airport on Klook

4. ORIX Rent-A-Car

ORIX Rent-A-Car is the second largest corporation in the industry. The counter in the domestic and international terminals at New Chitose Airport operates from 8:00 to 19:00.

ORIX Rent-A-Car is appealing because customers can rent car models from various manufacturers. They also carry specialty vehicles, such as trucks, so many customers book this service during a move.

You can also earn JAL/ANA miles and various points when renting a car from any shop location with an applicable card. They also hold area-exclusive campaigns, including Hokkaido. Moreover, the campaigns are intended for customers who make early reservations and come with a gift voucher for any Michi-no-Eki location (campaign information available on the Japanese website).

Reserve with ORIX Rent-A-Car on Klook

5. Nissan Rent a Car

Nissan Motor Corporation is one of the leading automotive manufacturers in the world. Nissan Rent a Car is a rental car service operated by Nissan. They have counters at New Chitose Airport's domestic and international terminals that operate from 8:00 to 20:00.

Nissan Rent a Car mainly carries Nissan models. You can also rent electric cars and sports cars through their service.

There are a plethora of benefits, including member discounts and warranty coverage. Car seats can be rented for free after becoming a member of the 23 Bonus Club: a membership with no enrollment or annual fees. We recommend becoming a member if you plan on using this rental car service while traveling with children (information only available in Japanese).

6. Budget Rent a Car

Budget Rent a Car is a major American car rental company, having expanded overseas to 120 countries worldwide.

There are also branches in Japan with locations typically near major train stations and airports. This allows a smooth rental and return procedure for users. They have counters in the domestic and international terminals at New Chitose Airport open from 8:00 to 20:00.

Budget Rent a Car is highly praised by users for services such as the “No Refueling Necessary Plan” and the “ETC Card Rental Plan.” They also have plenty of special offers to use their service at a great value, including free optional services.

Each location may offer an early reservation discount. Please confirm with the shop if you know your travel schedule in advance.

Reserve with Budget Rent a Car at New Chitose Airport on Klook

Hokkaido Rental Car FAQ

Q1: Should I make my rental car reservations in advance?

A: Yes. In recent years, the popularity of traveling by rental car has increased in Japan. This includes Hokkaido, so you may be unable to rent a car if you do not make a reservation in advance.

Q2: Please tell me what I should know when driving in Hokkaido.

A: Please read this MATCHA article for a general list of things to note when utilizing a rental car in Japan.

Please note that roads freeze over, and it will snow in Hokkaido from October to May. You can drive through most main roads, but some areas may become closed to traffic due to icy conditions. Traveling on accessible roads may still result in reduced visibility due to snow storms or become slippery due to the snow. Please drive while exercising utmost caution.

Most rental cars in Hokkaido have snow tires as a standard feature, designed to handle snowy roads in the winter. Make sure to check beforehand if you are concerned.

Q3: Are there car rental shops available outside of New Chitose Airport?

A: Yes. The shops of the car rental companies introduced in this article are located across Hokkaido. Please check the respective company’s website for details.

Furthermore, the Nippon Rent-A-Car 10% discount coupon code, introduced above, can be used at any location—not just the shops near New Chitose Airport.

Hokkaido Transportation, Highlights, and Hotels

There are many wonderful and charming spots in Hokkaido. Please check out the MATCHA articles below for information on transportation, highlights, and hotels in Hokkaido.

Main image by Pixta