How to find a cheap car hire deal in Hakodate
Searching for a cheap rental car in Hakodate? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging 112 € a day, we compare all the best offers so you can search less, save more, and drive away happy.
22 € is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Hakodate.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? 151 € is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your clue on when to book. Around three weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Hakodate car hire.
Get behind the wheel with Nissan Rent a Car, Rakuten or Orix. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Nissan Rent a Car or another supplier offers for your Hakodate car hire can vary, so remember to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Hakodate.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Travel without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of 82 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 53 €, this provider is next in line.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly 87 € a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Intermediate rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Hakodate.
Flying to Hakodate? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Hakodate, get going faster by booking a car hire at Hakodate Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 14 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Hakodate
Small: These cheap rental cars in Hakodate may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for small families and couples.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this Hakodate car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Hakodate big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group trips, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Hakodate car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Hakodate.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals often vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some providers in Japan may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Add a car seat to your Hakodate car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Rules can change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest way to travel.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) and a second photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in Japan.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) for all your purchases and expenses on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards so you're covered for every situation.
Best hotels in Hakodate for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at La Vista Hakodate Bay Annex. Offering parking as well as Wi-Fi and luggage storage, this hotel is about 0.64 kilometres from central Hakodate.
Or make use of the parking at Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort. The city centre is roughly 5 kilometres from this stay, which also features air conditioning and internet access.
Browse the selection of hotels in Hakodate for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Hakodate and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to head to first. Begin your sightseeing at top attractions such as Ono River Cherry Blossom Avenue, Mt. Hakodate Observatory and Mount Hakodate.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Hakodate
Goshogawara should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Zyunihon Yasu - Japan's largest giant tree of Hiba and Kanoko Lake. This city is about 97 kilometres south of central Hakodate.
Add Date to your journey too. Grab your cheap car hire in Hakodate and drive about 97 kilometres north to take in major highlights such as Mount Horohoro and Sangai taki.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Chitose, about 129 kilometres northeast of Hakodate. Make your first stop Shikotsu Lake Sky Road, then follow it up with Steiff Discovery Walk.
