Hakuba is a car-centric town, and renting a car is the perfect way to get around, both in the summer and winter. The town is spread out over a large area, and there are many things to see and do that are not easily accessible by public transportation.
Renting a car in Hakuba
We recommend renting a 4WD vehicle with studless tires from the following four rental companies at the major airports. With a car, you can come and go as you please, and in most cases traveling with a rental vehicle will be close to half the price of public transport, depending on the size of your group and the car you rent.
The second best place to rent a vehicle is in Nagano to get a newer car with a proper English navigation system and avoid taking the bus or taxi from Nagano to Hakuba.
Toyota Rent-A-Car, Nissan Rent-A-Car, and Times Car Rental are located near the bullet train station, making it easy to transfer. Using a nationwide rental company is also helpful if you want to return the vehicle to a different location, such as the airport.
If you are considering staying with us, please remember that some of our accommodations include a rental car with your direct booking through this website on select dates during the winter. Powderhouse, The Moo, Echo Rocks, Powdersuites, and Eminence are accommodations that include a vehicle during the winter season.
If you want to rent a vehicle after you arrive in Hakuba, there are three rental car companies to choose from. All vehicles from these local shops will have 4WD and ski racks included.
Windy Car Rental - is open year-round and has the largest fleet of vehicles for rent. They will drop off and pick up vehicles at your accommodation.
Freedom Car Rental - Will not deliver vehicles to your accommodation.
Kibeje Car Rental - high-quality Nissan and Toyota cars. They will drop off the pickup vehicles at your accommodation.
Hakuba Car Sales and Rentals - various vehicles for rent or sale.
To drive in Japan, you MUST have an international driving license based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. This permit must be obtained from the National Automobile Association, which issued your original driver's license before arriving in Japan. It must be a physical booklet type, not a digital translation, photograph, or copy of your license. Please check with the Toyota Rent-A-Car's website or this website to ensure you have the proper permit.