When renting a car for the first time, many people feel a little anxious because they don't know the procedure. This time, for first-time renters, we will clearly explain the steps from preparing to rent a car, actually renting it, and returning it. We will also include information particularly useful for renting in Hokkaido

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How to Rent a Car (Until Return)

We will explain the process of researching before renting a car and how to rent one.

① ResearchTo decide where to rent a car, research

is essential.

Which car rental company offers the best deal varies depending on conditions such as rental duration and dates. Research to find a car rental company with the best conditions for your specific use. If you wish for one-way rental (drop-off), you need to confirm its availability. This is especially recommended for those who want to efficiently tour Hokkaido.

② Reservation	Once you find a car rental company that seems good, proceed to the reservation steps. There are mainly three reservation methods:	Reservation Type
How to Reserve	Benefits	Online Reservation
Available 24/7 online. Select vehicle type, options, and compare prices via website or app.	Book anytime, compare thoroughly. Ideal for planned travelers.	Phone Reservation
Book directly with an operator. Sapporo Rent-a-Car offers "High-Speed Booking" for reservations up to 48 hours before departure.	Directly convey questions or special requests. Convenient for first-timers or those with specific needs.	In-Store Reservation

Visit the store to book directly.

See and confirm the vehicle in person, also available for same-day use. Suitable for those who want to decide after seeing the actual car. Information required for reservation is as follows: ・Rental Date and Time ・Desired Vehicle Type・Desired Options

・Insurance System

*Options include non-smoking/smoking choice, child seats, ETC, etc. In winter, it's advisable to check if the car has studless tires, chains, or a shovel. At Sapporo Rent-a-Car, all vehicles are equipped with studless tires as standard in winter, ensuring safe driving on snowy roads! *Click here for details on the insurance system. Notes for Beginners, Seniors, and ForeignersBeginners (less than 1 year since license acquisition): You must display a "Wakaba mark" (beginner driver's mark) on the car. Some rental companies may require an accompanying passenger with a certain level of driving experience. For details, please refer to "Can beginners rent a car? Essential knowledge for safe car rental."Seniors (70 years or older): You must display a "Momiji mark" (senior driver's mark) on the car. Also, those aged 75 or older may have restrictions based on the results of cognitive function tests, so please confirm when booking. Sapporo Rent-a-Car offers vehicles with good visibility that are easy for seniors to drive. Foreign Tourists:

An International Driving Permit (based on the 1949 Convention) and a passport are required. Please prepare these documents when making a reservation. If you need English-speaking GPS navigation, inquire when booking.

③ Reception at the Car Rental Company (Driver's License Required) Here are the steps to ensure a smooth reception when renting a car. 1. Visit the car rental company and complete reception.Note: Please bring something that shows your reservation number (e.g., reservation confirmation email or memo). Procedures may be delayed without a reservation number. 2. Fill out the application form with required information. Fill in necessary information such as your name and contact details on the application form provided at reception. Please ensure the information is accurate. 3. Present your driver's license. Important: You must bring your driver's license. Without it, you cannot rent a car. Present it at reception for identity verification. 4. Wait for the car to be prepared. Once reception is complete, staff will prepare the vehicle. Please wait inside the store until it's ready. For a smooth reception, please confirm your reservation details in advance and do not forget your driver's license.

Recommended Vehicle Types

: For first-time renters or those anxious about driving, compact cars (e.g., Toyota Yaris) or Kei cars (e.g., N-BOX) are recommended. These vehicle types are easy to handle and drive, even on narrow roads. Especially on snowy roads in Hokkaido, a car with a small turning radius will be easier to drive. ④ Vehicle Inspection with Staff Once the car is ready, a staff member will call you. This is when you finally meet your rental car! At this time, you will inspect the vehicle with the staff for any scratches or damage. Once confirmed, you can get into the car. This concludes your interaction with the staff, so make sure to clarify any questions you have at this point.

Note

: Operations vary by car. When you start driving, you will be asked, "Do you have any questions?" regarding the car's operation or navigation system. Ask any questions until you are satisfied, ensuring you have no uncertainties. Pre-Departure Checklist: Please confirm the following before departure. ・Driver's License (Required) ・ETC Card (if planning to use expressways) ・Smartphone (for map apps and navigation backup)・Valuables (wallet, credit cards, etc.)・Seasonal Equipment (e.g., winter clothing in winter, sun protection in summer)For information on how to use an ETC card, please refer to

"How to Use an ETC Card in a Rental Car: Usage and Important Notes."

⑤ Return with a full tank by the specified time.Please return the rental car by the scheduled time. On the day, move according to a schedule with plenty of time. Rushing can be dangerous. Always drive safely. Fill up the gas tank when returning the car!

Staff often provide information in advance about the nearest gas station to the rental car return location. If no information is provided, check it yourself or ask before departure.

For more details on gasoline return rules, please refer to "About Gasoline When Returning a Rental Car! Explaining the System to Avoid Losses!".Safe Driving Equipment for Snowy RoadsWhen visiting Hokkaido in winter, ensuring safety on snowy roads is especially important. Studless tires offer shorter braking distances and less slippage on snowy roads compared to regular tires, ensuring safe driving for beginners and seniors. Also, winter equipment such as snow shovels and de-icing sprays are often provided inside the car, so it is a good idea to **confirm when booking**. At Sapporo Rent-a-Car, **all vehicles are equipped with studless tires as standard during winter (from late October to around Golden Week)**, and we offer vehicles suitable for driving on snowy roads.

At Sapporo Rent-a-Car

At Sapporo Rent-a-Car, if the required date and time is less than 48 hours away, we accept "Speedy Reservations" by phone. If you have time, you can easily apply online. The reservation form is here. We also have a wide selection of easy-to-drive compact cars and Kei cars, so that even beginners and elderly drivers can use them with peace of mind. All vehicles are equipped with studless tires as standard in winter, so **driving on snowy roads is safe**.

Summary

For first-time rental car users, it's understandable to feel anxious about renting a car for the first time. However, please refer to this article. ① Preparation before renting, ② Precautions when renting, ③ Precautions when returning. If you keep these three points in mind, using a rental car won't be difficult. Beginners and elderly drivers should not forget the necessary markings (beginner driver mark or elderly driver mark), and foreign visitors should properly prepare the required documents (international driving permit and passport). Even those who are anxious about driving on snowy roads in Hokkaido can feel secure with Sapporo Rent-a-Car's standard winter equipment. Keep the precautions in mind and enjoy your first rental car experience.