Car Rental Hakuba
As Hakuba can be a bit car-centric, renting a car is the perfect way to get around Hakuba in both the summer and winter.
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 travelling 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 having to take 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 our guest, please let us arrange for the perfect vehicle for your holiday, or you can stay at one of our accommodations that includes 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. Will drop off and pick up vehicles at your accommodation.
Freedom Car Rental - is back open for the 2022/23 winter season. Will not deliver vehicles to your accommodation.
Kibeje Car Rental - high-quality Nissan and Toyota cars. Has pickup and delivery within Hakuba.
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 that 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.
