10 days self drive in Hokkaido

[teomingern]

On 2/8/2024 at 3:01 PM, Volvobrick said:

You really 老当益壮! 

Just leave them behind and go! 

It's ok really... holidaying as a family is really fulfilling...

[Jamesc]

After spending 2 weeks in Japan winter with air so dry my skin cracked

I now really appreciate our stifling humidity.

No need to use moisteriser.

 

[teomingern]

On 2/9/2024 at 12:33 PM, Jamesc said:

After spending 2 weeks in Japan winter with air so dry my skin cracked

I now really appreciate our stifling humidity.

No need to use moisteriser.

 

I kind of have to use almost every day... otherwise the skin will really be painful and itchy after just a week...

[Jamesc]

On 2/9/2024 at 2:56 PM, teomingern said:

I kind of have to use almost every day... otherwise the skin will really be painful and itchy after just a week...

That's very true. I was using the hotel free moisturisers than the found Nivea is really cheap in Japan so bought some to use and bring back.

[Tohto]

Any recommendation for car rental from Sapporo Station?

I check Toyota Rental and price seems more expensive. I am looking at a SUV like RAV 4 or Harrier but the price from Toyota Rental is ex. Almost S$150 per before all the add on.

My last trip to Hokkaido in Dec 2018 I rent from Nippon Car rental, but now their choice of car like very limited. Last time they have a lot of Subaru option and Forester or Outback. This 2 are my prefer choice but this time round can't find.

[Wt_know]

lai lai lai

all cheong Japan … 

i book Mar Sakura trip liao

[Lala81]

On 2/15/2024 at 9:15 AM, Wt_know said:

lai lai lai

all cheong Japan … 

i book Mar Sakura trip liao

sakura is nice. 

[Jman888]

On 2/14/2024 at 2:16 PM, Tohto said:

Any recommendation for car rental from Sapporo Station?

I check Toyota Rental and price seems more expensive. I am looking at a SUV like RAV 4 or Harrier but the price from Toyota Rental is ex. Almost S$150 per before all the add on.

My last trip to Hokkaido in Dec 2018 I rent from Nippon Car rental, but now their choice of car like very limited. Last time they have a lot of Subaru option and Forester or Outback. This 2 are my prefer choice but this time round can't find.

try OTS rent-a-car, I find their service quite good and more model to choose from.

[Volvobrick]

On 2/14/2024 at 3:16 PM, Tohto said:

Any recommendation for car rental from Sapporo Station?

I check Toyota Rental and price seems more expensive. I am looking at a SUV like RAV 4 or Harrier but the price from Toyota Rental is ex. Almost S$150 per before all the add on.

My last trip to Hokkaido in Dec 2018 I rent from Nippon Car rental, but now their choice of car like very limited. Last time they have a lot of Subaru option and Forester or Outback. This 2 are my prefer choice but this time round can't find.

I used Nippon twice this trip. Prius and Outback. Outback is more spacious and premium, heated seats, heated steering etc but navigation in Jipunese only! 

I think Nippon is slightly cheaper too. They have a few outlets near the station, choose one nearest to your hotel. Or from the airport (can return elsewhere for a fee). I picked up in Sapporo but returned in eastern Hokkaido (quite a bit of fee to pay) to save time. 

If you have a lot of highway usage, there is 2 days (or more) fixed toll rate. If not just rent the ETC card for around 300 Yen for entire rental period and pay as you use (20% discount). Highways mostly in southern part and up to Asahikawa. 

Edited February 15, 2024 by Volvobrick

[Knighthunter]

@Jamesc the best in Zao is to ride their snow tractor at night go up to see these snow covered trees, the area near ski slopes are light up with colorful lights.

[Tohto]

On 2/15/2024 at 12:28 PM, Volvobrick said:

I used Nippon twice this trip. Prius and Outback. Outback is more spacious and premium, heated seats, heated steering etc but navigation in Jipunese only! 

I think Nippon is slightly cheaper too. They have a few outlets near the station, choose one nearest to your hotel. Or from the airport (can return elsewhere for a fee). I picked up in Sapporo but returned in eastern Hokkaido (quite a bit of fee to pay) to save time. 

If you have a lot of highway usage, there is 2 days (or more) fixed toll rate. If not just rent the ETC card for around 300 Yen for entire rental period and pay as you use (20% discount). Highways mostly in southern part and up to Asahikawa. 

1st for me to check is Nippon rental, but don't see Outback available leh...

[Volvobrick]

On 2/15/2024 at 2:26 PM, Tohto said:

1st for me to check is Nippon rental, but don't see Outback available leh...

The Outback is still in eastern Hokkaido after I returned it.... 😆

Prius is only big enough for 3 pax with 3 large bags BTW (had to lower down the back seats partially. 

[Jamesc]

Yeah that's right. I was hoping the tractor would run over MIL but the drivers were very careful.

On 2/15/2024 at 12:07 PM, Knighthunter said:

@Jamesc the best in Zao is to ride their snow tractor at night go up to see these snow covered trees, the area near ski slopes are light up with colorful lights.

 

Edited February 15, 2024 by Jamesc

[Tohto]

On 2/15/2024 at 2:07 PM, Volvobrick said:

The Outback is still in eastern Hokkaido after I returned it.... 😆

Prius is only big enough for 3 pax with 3 large bags BTW (had to lower down the back seats partially. 

Currently I only saw this inside Nippon Rental, this is a much smaller car compare to Outback.

Will prefer Outback or Forester since it it is bigger and will be more comfortable when travel longer distance.

[Volvobrick]

On 2/15/2024 at 5:05 PM, Tohto said:

Currently I only saw this inside Nippon Rental, this is a much smaller car compare to Outback.

Will prefer Outback or Forester since it it is bigger and will be more comfortable when travel longer distance.

Maybe try a different pick up location. The biggest one at Sapporo is Sapporo Station Branch. 

[Tohto]

On 2/15/2024 at 4:34 PM, Volvobrick said:

Maybe try a different pick up location. The biggest one at Sapporo is Sapporo Station Branch. 

Already try. Very limited option which surprised me.

My start and end trip hotel are all walking distance from Sapporo station, so looking at near by area.

So far only Toyota Rental has more car option, but also more ex.

Edited February 15, 2024 by Tohto

[teomingern]

On 2/14/2024 at 2:16 PM, Tohto said:

Any recommendation for car rental from Sapporo Station?

I check Toyota Rental and price seems more expensive. I am looking at a SUV like RAV 4 or Harrier but the price from Toyota Rental is ex. Almost S$150 per before all the add on.

My last trip to Hokkaido in Dec 2018 I rent from Nippon Car rental, but now their choice of car like very limited. Last time they have a lot of Subaru option and Forester or Outback. This 2 are my prefer choice but this time round can't find.

I also use Nippon Car rental in the past in Hokkaido... but I took an Impreza...

[Tohto]

On 2/15/2024 at 5:23 PM, teomingern said:

I also use Nippon Car rental in the past in Hokkaido... but I took an Impreza...

Prefer a SUV. XV is too small for my like. Boot might be too small for my luggage. 

If no choice then I will get the RAV 4 or Corolla Cross (hope this is not too small).