The Hakuba Valley is spread over a large area. It is made up of several separate villages and ski areas that are not connected on the mountain but are within a few minutes driving distance of each other. Most of the ski lifts at village level are serviced by public car parks.
Some villages themselves, such as the Echoland, Wadano and Goryu are relatively spread out, which gives them a spacious, relaxed, peaceful vibe but can require a bit of walking to get where you want to go.
Hiring a car is a great way to get around during your Hakuba stay.
Whether it is dropping the kids off at ski lessons, checking out the ski hill you haven’t been to yet, visiting an out of the way onsen, going to buy groceries, or dining out in the evenings, having a car opens up more possibility and can make your holiday experience smoother.
Renting a Car from Narita Airport & Haneda Airport
If you are comfortable driving from Narita Airport, Haneda Airport or another airport to Hakuba, several national car rental companies offer rentals from the major airports:
- Toyota Rent-a-Car
- Nissan Rent-a-Car
- Nippon Rent-a-Car
- Orix Rent-a-Car
- Times Car Rental
- Samurai Rental Car (no relation to Samurai Snow)
In the winter season, the driving time from Narita Airport to Hakuba is around 5 hours and from Haneda Airport to Hakuba is around 4.5 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.
If you want to rent a car but driving for 5 hours after your flight to Japan seems like too much, you can take the bullet train to Nagano and hire a car at the Train Station.
Renting a Car from Nagano Station
Nagano is the gateway city to the Japan alps. The city is easily reachable via bullet train or express train from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka or Kyoto.
In the winter season, the driving time from Nagano Station to Hakuba is around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car & Times Car Rental have outlets at Nagano Train Station or within easy walking distance.
Renting a Car in Hakuba
If you prefer to rent a vehicle after you arrive in Hakuba just for getting around, there are several local rental car companies to choose from.
All vehicles from these local vehicle rental outlets have ski racks and are suitable for the wintery conditions in Hakuba and will have 4WD.
Some outlets will deliver the vehicle to your accommodation. Please check this with them.
- Hakuba Car Rental
- Windy Rental
- Freedom Car Rental
- Kibeje Car Rental
- Jade Rental Car
- Hakuba Car Sales & Rentals
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.