Rent a Car and Go! Complete Guide to a Hokkaido Road Trip with Stunning Views

Unlike major cities, Hokkaido does not have an extensive transportation network, and many attractions are in areas with limited access or places difficult to reach by train. This often leads to wasted downtime or travel plans restricted by timetables.
With a rental car, however, you can cover wide areas efficiently and spend more time actually enjoying the sights. You’re free to travel at your own pace, without the burden of carrying luggage, making your trip less stressful and far more enjoyable.

With a rental car, you can reach sightseeing spots that are otherwise difficult to access by public transportation. Not only does it make traveling to your destination smoother, but it also allows you to fully take in the breathtaking natural landscapes of Hokkaido along the way.
There’s also the excitement of possibly stumbling upon hidden gems during your journey. Many driving routes showcase stunning seasonal scenery, so simply being on the road becomes a memorable experience. Sharing these views and the time spent in the car helps create stronger bonds with your travel companions.

One of the advantages of renting a car is that it eliminates the hassle of carrying heavy luggage. Even on family trips or when buying lots of souvenirs, you won’t have to give up visiting sightseeing spots or return to the hotel just to drop things off. It’s also a big plus for those traveling with small children, as you can enjoy the journey itself in the comfort and privacy of your own space.

The rental car companies introduced below are all major industry players with extensive know-how and reliable services, making them easy to use even for first-time renters. If you’re unsure where to book your rental car, use this as a guide.

Unless you are already experienced with snow driving or have specific reasons otherwise, opt for a 4WD (four-wheel drive) vehicle. With power delivered to all four wheels, these cars are less likely to slip on icy or snow-covered roads, making them much safer.

4WD vehicles also perform well on rough or poor road conditions, reducing concerns if sudden bad weather occurs or if you find yourself on unpaved roads or mountain paths. Compared to other types of cars, they offer greater stability, making them well-suited for Hokkaido’s vast landscapes and long-distance drives.

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a device that prevents the wheels from locking during sudden braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. Normally, hard braking causes the tires to lock, leading to a skid and a loss of grip, which makes steering ineffective.
ABS helps maintain stable braking even in critical situations, such as on icy roads or when a person or object suddenly appears. It enhances safety, reduces risks, and gives drivers peace of mind.
Because Hokkaido often presents slippery roads and unpredictable conditions, renting a car equipped with ABS is highly recommended. Make sure you also understand how to use it properly in advance. Remember these three essential points:

When driving in Hokkaido during snowfall or icy conditions, three pieces of equipment are absolutely essential: studded winter tires, snow wipers, and a snow brush. Lacking these increases the risk of serious, potentially life-threatening accidents, so always confirm the equipment with your rental car company. If they’re not included, either request them as options or consider choosing another rental company.
Here’s a simple overview of each item’s role:

When planning a driving route in Hokkaido, aim to keep your daily distance within 150 km. On regular roads, this translates to about 3–4 hours of driving, which is the practical limit once you factor in meals and sightseeing.
Even confident drivers can accumulate unseen fatigue when driving unfamiliar roads continuously, so it’s important not to overdo it. Take regular breaks, and passengers should also be mindful to provide support, keeping safety the top priority for everyone.
Trying to squeeze in too much will turn your trip into a series of transfers instead of sightseeing. Build an itinerary with some flexibility, allowing for the occasional detour or spontaneous stop.
If possible, have at least two drivers in your group, and for longer stays, schedule a day without driving to rest and recharge.

Driving at night in Hokkaido can be extremely dangerous. Once you leave the city areas, streetlights become sparse, and in the mountains it can be pitch dark. Poor visibility makes road signs harder to see and delays spotting pedestrians or animals, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Night driving also requires heightened awareness, but fatigue and drowsiness accumulate more easily in the dark, reducing concentration and creating hazards beyond what you might expect.
To stay safe, avoid driving at night whenever possible and plan to reach your accommodation before sunset. Keep in mind that in winter, the sun sets as early as around 4:00 p.m. in Hokkaido, so be especially cautious when scheduling your trip.

Because travel times and distances in Hokkaido are long, you may sometimes find yourself short on drinks, food, or restrooms during your drive. In such cases, roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) along national highways—of which there are over 100 across Hokkaido—are extremely useful.
Michi-no-Eki are facilities that share regional information and attractions, and they include spacious parking lots open 24 hours free of charge. They serve as safe rest areas for drivers, supporting traffic safety and comfortable travel. Many also feature restaurants, restrooms, local product shops, and in some cases even public computers and Wi-Fi, making them a reassuring resource for travelers.
When stopping, it’s also a good idea to check tourist information and the latest road conditions. Convenience stores, which are well stocked with almost everything, are also a reliable option. However, unlike in urban areas, convenience stores are fewer in number in Hokkaido, so whenever you find one, take the opportunity to use the restroom and stock up on food or drinks.

While gas stations are plentiful in city areas and along busy roads, their numbers drop sharply once you leave urban centers. Unlike in large cities, many stations in Hokkaido have shorter business hours, and some close on weekends and holidays. In certain regions, gas stations are scarce altogether, meaning you may not find one right away when you need to refuel.
To avoid the risk—or even just the worry—of running out of gas, always fill your tank before leaving a city and make a habit of refueling early whenever possible.
If you do run out of gas, move your car to a safe location and turn on the hazard lights. Then contact your rental car company for guidance on the next steps.

Hokkaido’s roads are often wide and straight, offering open views that make driving feel exhilarating. Because of this, it’s easy to unintentionally exceed the speed limit if you drive as you normally would.
Driving without a proper sense of speed not only risks getting ticketed but also creates serious dangers. In fact, Hokkaido has a high number of traffic fatalities, with many accidents involving vehicles running off the road or head-on collisions on less-traveled routes.
To protect both your life and that of your passengers—and to ensure a fun and safe trip—always be mindful of your speed and avoid driving too fast.

In Hokkaido, many accidents occur at non-signalized intersections in suburban areas. Even if other cars around you are driving fast, don’t feel pressured to follow—always keep in mind the importance of obeying the speed limit.
Make it a rule to check road signs and carefully confirm safety to the left and right before proceeding through any intersection.

From October to May, there is a high chance you’ll be driving on snowy or icy roads in Hokkaido. Snow-covered or frozen surfaces increase stopping distance after braking, and sudden whiteouts caused by blizzards or snow kicked up by other vehicles can reduce visibility instantly.
That’s why it’s vital not only to drive slowly but also to maintain plenty of distance between your car and the one in front.
Here are key points for driving on snowy roads in Hokkaido, especially important for beginners:

When driving on snowy roads, it’s best to follow the tire tracks left by other vehicles. Entering areas with deep, uncleared snow can cause your tires to sink, leaving you stuck and unable to move.
Freshly fallen snow is also slippery and can cause your steering wheel to pull, making the car harder to control. Always pay attention to the road surface and the movements of the vehicles ahead, and adjust accordingly.
Still, following tire tracks alone is not enough—remember to keep your speed low and maintain plenty of distance from the car in front.

If you’re parking outdoors for a long time in snowy conditions—or if your wipers are wet—always lift them before leaving the car.
In Hokkaido’s winter, temperatures can drop below –10°C. If the wipers are left down, they may freeze and stick to the windshield, or even break under the weight of accumulated snow. To avoid damaging the rental car (and paying repair fees), make this a routine whenever you get out of the vehicle. It will also save time, as thawing frozen wipers takes a while.
If the windshield does freeze over, use the car’s defroster function to melt the ice safely.

If a blizzard or other severe weather is occurring—or even expected—it’s best to cancel your outing or driving plans and adjust your schedule. In some areas, cell phone reception may be limited, and if you were to get stranded, you could be forced to endure freezing conditions for hours. Rescue may also take several hours to arrive, and in the worst case, it could become life-threatening.
Since Hokkaido’s weather can change rapidly, it’s essential to check weather forecasts regularly. While it’s natural to want to make the most of your trip, never push yourself to go out in dangerous conditions.

Hokkaido’s rich natural environment is home to many wild animals, including deer, bears, and foxes, so you’ll often see “Caution: Animals Crossing” signs. This is a unique aspect of driving in Hokkaido, but travelers unfamiliar with the area should be especially careful.
Wild animals can suddenly dart across the road, and collisions happen every year. In fact, accidents involving Ezo deer occur more than 2,000 times annually. The risk is especially high from autumn to early winter—particularly during early mornings and evenings when deer are most active.
At night, if you see glowing eyes in your headlights, it’s likely a deer. Ezo deer sometimes freeze in response to headlights or engine noise, so reduce your speed as much as possible, especially in mountainous areas.
Collisions can cause severe damage to yourself, your passengers, the animal, and the rental car, completely disrupting your trip. Always exercise extra caution near warning signs.
If you encounter a bear cub, remember that the mother is likely nearby—never exit your vehicle. Leave the area immediately for your safety.

This rule applies everywhere, not just in Hokkaido: never drive after drinking alcohol.
That includes driving the next day if you still have alcohol in your system, or even after consuming what seems like a small amount such as a tasting sample.
Drunk driving carries severe legal penalties—and far more importantly, it puts lives at risk. Never take the chance.

The first day of the model course begins at Memanbetsu Airport, with a plan to explore the wonders of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site, through driving, walking, and a cruise—allowing you to experience it from multiple perspectives. Packed with experiences unique to Hokkaido, the day will pass by in no time.

On the second day of the model course, you’ll continue to enjoy the wonders of Shiretoko before heading toward Kushiro to experience its landscapes and culture. Since there will be long stretches of driving along the way, be sure to take breaks as needed or switch drivers to stay safe and comfortable.

On the final day, the plan is to visit Kushiro’s must-see attractions that couldn’t be covered on Day 2. The focus is on observing natural monuments that will deepen your appreciation and knowledge of nature.
Take this opportunity to experience new discoveries and moving encounters with the natural world. And until you return your rental car, keep practicing safe driving to finish your journey on the best possible note.

The Ororon Line is a 380 km road connecting Otaru City to Wakkanai City, mainly following National Route 232 and Prefectural Route 106 along the Sea of Japan.
This scenic drive captivates travelers with its stunning ocean views and sunsets. Along the way, you’ll find numerous attractions, such as Ai Road Atsuta, known as a “lover’s sanctuary”; Golden Cape, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Sunset Spots; and Cape Noshappu, offering panoramic views of Mount Rishiri.
It’s the perfect route for a car trip that combines both driving and sightseeing.

In Furano, Hokkaido, there is a roughly 4 km stretch of road in an unmarked area with almost no houses, where gentle slopes suddenly plunge into steep descents and rise sharply again—just like a roller coaster.
With the Tokachi Mountain Range visible in the distance and vast farmland spreading out on all sides, the scenery is quintessential Hokkaido.
It has become a popular sightseeing spot, with many visitors saying this was the highlight of their trip to Hokkaido.

This straight road stretches between Shizunai Tahara and Shizunai Misono in Shinhidaka Town, Hidaka District, with a width of about 36 meters—true to its name “Nijukken” (twenty ken).
It is one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots, selected for the “100 Best Roads in Japan,” “100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots,” and the Hokkaido Heritage list.
From late April to early May each year, more than 2,000 cherry trees bloom in vivid splendor along roughly 7 km of roadway. The sight of the entire area dyed pink is breathtaking. Driving through this avenue of blossoms is an experience that perfectly captures the joy of a Hokkaido road trip.