How to find a cheap car hire deal in Hakodate (HKD)
Whether you need a small car for scooting around town or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap Hakodate rental car. Choose from options averaging $140 a day and travel your way for less.
$45 is the cheapest daily price for a rental at Hakodate.
Staying a little longer in Hakodate? Grab a weekly rental from $313 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap HKD car hire. Book around three weeks before your departure date to land the best price.
Rakuten, Nissan Rent a Car and Times are some of the top providers at Hakodate.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Hakodate car hire policy, whether you go with Rakuten or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in HKD. Providers often have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can score some excellent one-way prices.
Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Hakodate with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your vehicle with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Roam without limits by picking 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 $108 a day.
Next in line is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $89.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $110 a day with this provider.
If you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need, choose something from the Large rental category. It's the most widely booked type of car at HKD.
Compare car hire types from Hakodate (HKD)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Hakodate rental car is all about getting you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this HKD car hire option includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Hakodate is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your HKD car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Hakodate.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check what applies with each supplier before booking your rental in Japan.
Add a car seat to your HKD car rental booking if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest choice.
You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
For first-time drivers in Japan, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03% applies in Japan. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) here. As well as your debit and credit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've grabbed the keys to your HKD car hire, it's time to create your own itinerary. Central Hakodate is about 14 kilometres west and a drive of around 20 minutes if that's your first stop.
Allow roughly 25 minutes to drive from Hakodate to the city centre during peak travel times.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 8am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
Don't need a set of wheels right away? Consider picking up a car hire in Hakodate instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Hakodate (HKD)
Visit some of the leading attractions in Hakodate before you do anything else. Ono River Cherry Blossom Avenue and Mt. Hakodate Observatory are a great way to kick things off.
Buckle up and make tracks to Goshogawara. Around 97 kilometres south of HKD, you'll find favourite sights like Zyunihon Yasu - Japan's largest giant tree of Hiba and Kanoko Lake.
Or pick up your Hakodate car hire and head for Date. Roughly 97 kilometres north of the airport, Mount Horohoro and Sangai taki are big attractions that are well worth the trip.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Cruise on over to Chitose, about 129 kilometres northeast of HKD. From Shikotsu Lake Sky Road to Steiff Discovery Walk, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
