Travelling to Furano in the winter is a magical experience, but navigating the snowy roads of Hokkaido requires some preparation.
Whether you are picking up a car as soon as you land or renting one once you arrive in town, having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore hidden onsens, local restaurants, and nearby ski resorts like Tomamu, Asahidake, Kamui or Sahoro.
Having a rental car provides the ultimate flexibility for your stay: if you are based in the charming Furano Town area, you can enjoy a quick commute to the ski lifts each morning, while those staying in the Kitanomine resort village can easily venture into Furano Town in the evenings to explore its diverse range of local restaurants and shops.
Below is a guide to the most common rental locations and what you need to know for each.
Renting a Car from Furano Town
For those who prefer to take the train to Furano or a resort bus and only want a car for local day trips, Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car and Eki Rent-a-Car all have local branches.
- Local Options: There are a few rental offices in Furano (primarily near Furano Station).
- Why Rent Here: If you only want a car for one or two days to visit the Blue Pond in Biei or local wineries, renting locally saves you from driving long distances on the highway.
Plan Early
Availability of vehicles at Furano is much more limited than at the airports, so booking in advance is essential.
Renting a Car from Chitose Airport
The most popular starting point for international visitors.
If you are comfortable driving from Chitose Airport to Furano, Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Orix Rent-a-Car, Times Car Rental all have outlets at Asahikawa Airport.
- The Drive: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to Furano via the Doto Expressway.
- Why Rent Here: Convenience. You can load your ski gear immediately and start your road trip.
- Winter Tip: This route involves mountain passes that can be prone to heavy snow and wind. If a blizzard is forecast, the expressway may close, requiring you to take lower-level local roads which take significantly longer.
Renting a Car from Asahikawa Airport
The closest airport to Furano and the easiest "fly-and-drive" option.
Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Orix Rent-a-Car & Times Car Rental all have outlets at Asahikawa Airport.
- The Drive: A straightforward 1-hour drive.
- Why Rent Here: It’s a much shorter and less intimidating drive than coming from Chitose. Most of the route is along Route 237 (the "Flower Road"), which is well-maintained and scenic even in winter.
- Convenience: Rental counters are located directly in the arrivals hall with shuttles to the car lots just minutes away.
Renting a Car from Sapporo city
Perfect if you are spending a few days in the city before heading to the mountains.
If you are staying in Sapporo city as part of a travel itinerary to Central Hokkaido, Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Orix Rent-a-Car & Times Car Rental all have outlets in Sapporo city.
- The Drive: About 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Why Rent Here: Most major agencies have branches near Sapporo Station or in the Susukino area.
- Winter Tip: City driving in Sapporo can be hectic with high snow walls narrowing the streets. We recommend picking up your car on the day you depart for Furano to avoid expensive city parking and navigating narrow, icy urban lanes.
Renting a Car from Asahikawa city
A great choice if you are arriving by JR Train from Sapporo or Tokyo.
Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Orix Rent-a-Car & Times Car Rental all have outlets at Asahikawa Airport.
- The Drive: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Why Rent Here: Asahikawa is a hub for the "Powder Belt." Many visitors rent here to visit the Asahiyama Zoo or Kamui Ski Links before heading south to Furano. The rental shops are clustered around the JR Asahikawa Station.
Pro Tip: Comparison Portals
If you want to compare prices across all these brands at once, these aggregators are highly reliable for Hokkaido travel:
- ToCoo! Travel - Often includes unique snow-specific insurance
- Tabirai Japan - Guarantees English-language GPS and 4WD options
Important Information
International Driving License
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 the International Driver's License Portal website to ensure you have the proper permit.
Vehicle Suitability
To drive safely in the snowy winter conditions in Japan, it is essential to hire a vehicle with 4WD and winter tyres.
If you hire from local car hire outlets in the ski resort, all vehicles will fit these criteria.
If you hire from a Major Airport or Train Station, please make sure that you specify that you require a vehicle with 4WD and winter tyres to allow you to drive safely. Not all vehicles in their inventory will have these features.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.