Auto Europe
Car hire in Chitose - Exploring Northern Japan
A picture-postcard setting of towering peaks, fertile meadows and verdant flower fields as far as the eye can see, not to mention a long stretch of glorious Pacific coastline, the northern island of Hokkaido offers visitors a taste of the real Japan. It boasts all the prime attributes of a modern travel destination (world-renowned ski resorts, first-class fine-dining establishments, historic towns and cities, etc.) in addition to the kind of centuries-old tradition and lively festivities people expect from the place they call the Land of the Rising Sun.
The northernmost of Japan's four main islands, Hokkaido is bursting with wonderful things to see and places to visit, starting with Chitose, the nearest city to the island's main airport and in many ways the perfect introduction to this lesser-known part of Japan. Its main attractions include an excellent aquarium, irresistible chocolate factory and the nearby Shikotsu-Toya National Park where all sorts of thrilling outdoor activities can be enjoyed. Sapporo, the island's capital and largest city, is just an hour's drive north-west of New Chitose Airport and a great base from which to explore Hokkaido by car.
The whole of Hokkaido is accessible with a car hire in Chitose, including the island's two long stretches of coastline and the many natural parks occupying northern Japan's spectacular interior. Relaxing road-trips are always a highlight for visitors to Hokkaido at any time of the year, but preferably in spring and summer when the days are longer and the flowers are in full bloom. The national parks of Akan-Mashu and Daisetsuzan are a haven for hikers and nature lovers, plus you simply cannot miss the chance to see the island's famous brown bears on the Shiretoko Peninsular. Winter sports fans should head for Niseko, whose powder snow is world-famous and draws skiers from all four corners of the globe.
Established over seventy years ago in 1954, Auto Europe is one of the world’s longest-established car rental companies thanks to its close partnerships with all the industry's top international and local vehicle suppliers in over 190 popular destinations. You can book your car online now in more than 26,000 convenient pick-up locations (including Chitose) in just a few clicks through Auto Europe's state-of-the-art booking engine. Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak with one of our award-winning rental specialists, please feel free to give them a contact them for assistance and they will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and find you the best deal for your visit to northern Japan.
For more information about renting a vehicle in Chitose, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Where to Pick up a Car Hire in Chitose
Auto Europe offers the best deals for your car rental in Chitose at many popular locations all over the city, including downtown and New Chitose Airport. When you arrive to collect your vehicle, please make sure that you have all the necessary documents to hand, such as your passport, driving licence, International Driving Permit (IDP), your pre-paid Auto Europe car hire voucher and any coverage you might have previously purchased. Please note that both the minimum and maximum age limits need to be taken into account when renting a car in Japan, with information about young driver fees etc. to be found by following this link.
Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport serves as Hokkaido’s main international airport and acts as the gateway to the region, thanks to its excellent transit connections to nearby Chitose and central Sapporo just 40 minutes away by direct train. Offering regular domestic flights to several key Japanese city's (including Tokyo), it is located about 50 kilometres from the central hub of Sapporo and its unique features make it one of the country’s most enjoyable airports for passengers to travel through.
Chitose Airport (CTS)
Website: hokkaido-airports.com
Telephone: +81 123 23 0111
Address: Bibi, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0012, Japan
Book with the Best Car Hire Suppliers in Chitose
When you book an affordable car hire in Chitose with Auto Europe, you'll be able to compare the prices of all the world's most reliable and prestigious vehicle suppliers. In short, you won't only find the cheapest deals in Chitose and the rest of Japan but also the providers offering the highest quality and best-possible service. We also have the widest range of cars, from small, economical vehicles ideal for city sightseeing to large, more spacious cars that are perfect for extended road-trips around Hokkaido island with friends and family.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Renting a Car in Chitose
When you rent a car in Chitose, you'll have a much different kind of experience than driving one’s own vehicle back home, which is the main reason why we have compiled this easy-to-follow FAQ section, so that our customers can find relevant information about the various types of car insurance, local pick-up procedures and facts about driving and visiting not just the city of Chitose but but Hokkaido Island and Japan as a whole.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Chitose?
Yes. You will need a major credit card (ie Mastercard, Visa, etc.) in order to collect your car rental in Chitose or anywhere else in Japan for that matter. The reason for this is the fact that the local vehicle provider, be it Europcar or NicoNico, will need to place a hold on credit card for the value of the insurance deductible, the amount of which will be duly refunded once the car has been returned undamaged at the end of the rental period. Please note that the credit card must be in the name of the main driver and have a sufficient amount of credit to cover the deposit block (cash and pre-paid/debit cards will not be accepted). It's easy to check exactly which cards are accepted and how much the deposit will be simply by making a quick search through the Auto Europe booking engine at the top of this page and clicking on the blue and white info icon (i) in the results, after which you'll find all the relevant details in the Mandatory Deposit Information section of the Terms and Conditions relating to your chosen vehicle and supplier. Please check out our dedicated page for more advice and suggestions regarding credit cards and deposit.
What insurance do I need for my car hire in Chitose?
There are many advantages when you rent a car in Chitose with Auto Europe, most notably the fact that all the rates offered on our website already comprise the minimum amount of legally-required car hire coverage, including Theft Protection (TP) and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), both either with or without excess. The extent of the coverage included in the daily rate depends largely on the terms of the local vehicle rental company that you selected at the time of making your reservation. Nevertheless, for additional peace of mind, many of our customers choose to spend a little more and purchase our very popular Full Damage & Theft Protection coverage which can easily be added with a single click of the mouse during the booking process. To find out what precisely is included in the price, all you need to do is click on the blue and white info icon (i) in the car details to see the terms and conditions where you'll find all the relevant details in the Additional Information section. Please be alert to the fact that some car hire employees might try to sell you extra products when you arrive to collect your vehicle, such as PAI (Personal Accident Insurance), PEC (Personal Effects Coverage), Super CDW, Seguro Relax Insurance, Road Assistance etc. Auto Europe does not refund any locally purchased insurance charges/fees even if deemed unnecessary after return of the rental car.
How is the traffic in Chitose
Like driving in any other country, the experience of exploring the island of Hokkaido with your Auto Europe car hire in Chitose will differ greatly from the United Kingdom, except for the fact that Japan is one of the few places in the world where they drive on the left-hand side of the road! The good news is that there are lots of similarities between the road signs found in Japan and those in Great Britain and the rest of Europe, plus the road signs that indicate the directions and distance are written both in Japanese and English, while some bilingual electronic road signs also display information about the local weather conditions and road closures in order to make it driving for tourists. You can expect an increase in traffic in Chitose and other popular destinations in Hokkaido during the skiing season when winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world arrive in the area to take advantage of the abundance of powder snow offering excellent conditions for skiers and snow-boarders. The local weather in the Chitose area can also be a hindrance due to the frequency of snowstorms that often reduce road visibility to zero at a moment's notice, thus causing accidents and other traffic problems. It’s not uncommon to see snow unexpectedly any time from late September to early May, and from December through to March you might experience strong winds and blizzards. Other potential obstacles that can affect the traffic are the number of foxes and deer you often see along the side of the road, with the possibility of them running out into the middle of the road, so please be watchful when exploring Chitose and the rest of Hokkaido by car.
Where can I park my car hire in Chitose?
You can expect to pay for parking even in smallish cities like Chitose because car travel is very popular in Japan and, thus, parking spaces are at a premium. Hourly rates vary depending on which part of the city you're in, but the large car park located near Chitose City Hall is a reasonably priced and a good option for travellers looking to visit the top tourist sights. Another good-sized car park is situated near the Chitose Civic Center which is centrally located and hosts various cultural events and other activities throughout the year. You can also find parking at various locations near the Chitose Outlet Mall Rera (one of the cities main shopping centres) and New Chitose Airport which offers a selection of short- and long-term parking possibilities.
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Chitose?
Yes. Drivers visiting Japan will find that an IDP (International Driving Permit) is always mandatory and must be presented along with their regular licence at the time of picking up their car rental in Chitose. You can easily obtain an International Driving Permit in the UK from PayPoint retailers. Please note that Japan only recognises countries that adhere to the 1949 Geneva Convention, which means that your IDP must be issued based under the Geneva Convention of Road Traffic in 1949, if not then it won't be valid for drive in Japan and the supplier will most probably refuse to give you a car.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Chitose?
Yes. The vast majority of motorways (known locally as expressways) in Japan are subject to tolls, which are paid either at the manned toll booth (by cash or credit card) or through automatic electronic toll collection (ETC) gates which save drivers a lot of time waiting in queues. Nevertheless, to use the ETC fast-track payment system you will need to acquire an ETC card, so please make sure that you discuss this with the local car hire provider if you are planning to use the expressways and therefore pay a lot of tolls. Often available to short-term visitors, ETC cards also offer good discounts at certain times of the day and week, which is another reason why you should talk to the car rental staff prior to leaving the departure point.
Do I need extra winter equipment for my car hire in Chitose during winter?
Yes. In northern Japan where you'll be visiting with your car hire in Chitose, the chances are that you will need additional equipment in order to make the vehicle safe for the duration of your rental period. Many parts of Hokkaido get blanketed in snow during the cold season which can make the roads potentially dangerous, hence the need for winter tyres and other types of winter equipment to ensure a safe trip. Please note that some roads may be forced to close due to freezing conditions and large amounts of snowfall on the roads, so it's always best to take advice before setting off. Very often the local supplier will equip your vehicle with winter tyres by default when renting a car in the more mountainous parts of Hokkaido, especially if you are planning to visit one of the many excellent ski resorts in the local area. Auto Europe offers free winter tyres in many destinations around the world, so make sure you check this possibility when making your reservation. Snow chains can also be purchased directly from the supplier for an extra fee, although our suggestion is to request them at the time of booking your car rental.
Chitose Travel Guide
With its long history, deep-rooted indigenous culture and fine seafood-based gastronomy, Chitose and the rest of Hokkaido Island in northern Japan is the ultimate destination for travellers looking for a unique road-trip opportunity. Follow our suggestions for a memorable journey through some of the most scenic landscapes imaginable in a place where a taste of the real Japan is possible around every corner. With Auto Europe it's also possible to pick up your vehicle in one place such as New Chitose Airport and drop it off somewhere else (ie Sapporo) with one of our convenient One-way Car Hire offers running throughout the year.
Best day trips with my car rental in Chitose
Thanks to its modern international airport, Chitose is the perfect base for an exciting road-trip adventure due to the excellent road network and expressway connections covering most parts of Hokkaido Island. This slightly more remote part of Japan is a particular delight on account of its national parks and spectacular coast-roads enhanced by a succession of traditional Japanese seaside towns and fishing villages to explore along the way.
Sapporo
Besides being a delightful place to visit within easy reach of Chitose at any time of the year, Hokkaido's lively principal city is one of the best places in northern Japan for dining, shopping and enjoying some vibrant night-life, including plenty of karaoke. Its long rectangular park is a green oasis right in the heart of the city and an idyllic venue for many of Sapporo's festivities, especially on warm summer evenings.
Matsumae
Located a five-hour drive south-west Chitose, Matsumae is another of Hokkaido's tourism treasures with a host of interesting attractions, most notably its traditional castle, the only one on the island. Surrounding Matsumae Castle is the city's wonderful park which features over 10,000 cherry trees of over 250 varieties, which means it is ranked highly among the top cherry blossom viewing spots in the entire country.
Akan-Mashu National Park
Covering over 900 square-kilometres, this vast, strikingly scenic landscape is considered one of the finest national parks in the whole of the Far East. Divided into two sections, Kawayu and Akan, the park is a popular place to head for because of its three crystal-clear mountain lakes, namely Lake Akan to the west, Lake Mashū to the east and Lake Kussharo located between the two, which offer visitors some great opportunities for kayaking, hiking, swimming, nature photography and the chance to relax and restore one's batteries in the hot springs.
Shiretoko Peninsula
Located on the other side of Hokkaido (and easily accessible from Chitose) is the enchanting Shiretoko Peninsula, one of the most pristine and naturally beautiful parts of the country. This wild, largely untouched stretch of verdant landscape is the place where travellers from all over the world gather to see brown bears roam free in their natural habitat. The surrounding Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's virtually untouched by any modern man-made infrastructure.
Daisetsuzan National Park
Another of Hokkaido's natural treasures is the beautiful Daisetsuzan National Park, an expansive wilderness situated in the very heart of the island. Its centre-piece is Mount Asahi, Hokkaido's highest mountain which peaks at 2,290 metres (7,516 ft). Daisetsuzan National Park is famous for its wildlife, and the park is home to several rare species, including a large number of brown bears. Visitors looking to pamper themselves can relax the hot spring resorts of Asahidake Onsen, Fukiage Onsen, Sōunkyō Onsen and Tenninkyo Onsen where a good range of spa and wellness packages are available.
Hakodate
Once an island, the historic port city of Hakodate offers travellers collecting their car hire in Chitose the perfect four-hour excursion to one of the most vibrant coastal cities on Hokkaido. Famous for its seafood, it lies in the shadow of Mount Hakodate which at 334 metres (1,096 feet) in height offers unparalleled views of Hakodate and the surrounding seascape. The city is also well-known for its high-quality seafood and sushi dishes, as well as ramen, a traditional Japanese meal made with noodles that is a well-known speciality of Hakodate.
Niseko
With its adventure parks, outdoor barbecue restaurants, golf courses, upmarket shopping centres and gourmet restaurants, the local tourism authorities have good reason to promote Niseko as one of Japan's leading year-round tourism destinations. A growing number of winter sports fans are also frequenting Niseko because of its ski and snow-boarding resorts where the quality of the snow is said to be world-class. Niseko lies about a two-hour drive due west of Chitose, a journey that offers road-trippers a great road-trip experience in relatively close proximity to New Chitose Airport.
What to do in Chitose
One of the most traditional and interesting towns in northern Japan, Chitose is a delightful place to explore at any time of the year. Besides the many attractions in and around the inner city, it is Lake Shikotsu that many people come to see, particularly the opportunities around its shores for swimming and many other types of water sport.
- Lake Shikotsu: Arguably the city's star attraction, Lake Shikotsu is the second-deepest lake in Japan (after Lake Tazawa) and a popular place for boating, fishing, canoeing and a plethora of other water-based activities. The excellent Lake Shikotsu Visitor Centre is a facility where visitors can learn all about the history of the lake and the surrounding nature in a fun way. Surrounded by five volcanoes - Mount Eniwa, Mount Izari, Mount Fuppushi, Mount Tarumae and Kitayama - the lake is a wonderful place to relax for a few hours and is the natural centre-piece of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
- Kiusu Shutei Tombs: Situated on the eastern side of Chitose, these ancient tombs form a group in a local graveyard where a circle was dug in the ground and the inside was used as a grave. Currently under consideraton as possible UNESCO World Heritage Site, historians believe it to be the largest group of grave from the Jomon period between 14,000 and 300 BC.
- Chitose Aquarium: Specialised in freshwater fish, the excellent Chitose Aquarium opened in 1994 to great acclaim and today today ranks as one of the best attractions of its kind in Japan. Its popular Underwater Observation Zone is the first facility in Japan to allows visitors to directly see the waters of the Chitose River whilst being able to closely observe the activities of the river's creatures throughout the seasons. A particular hit with the kids is the Waterside Creatures Zone where a variety of unusual creatures (such as the American mink) can be seen and appreciated, along with frogs and salamanders, etc.
- Aoba Park: Aoba Park is located south-west of the centre of Chitose, and with a total area of 102.3 hectares it is one of the most naturally rich comprehensive parks in Hokkaido. There are several key facilities in the park, including a library, picnic area, friendship area, tennis courts, athletic field, baseball field and multipurpose area. Many people visit for walks and jogs thanks to the refreshing fountains and walking paths surrounded by lush greenery. In spring, the park is also a popular spot for viewing the famous cherry blossoms.
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