We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Otaru. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Otaru in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Otaru and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Otaru and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Otaru so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Otaru?

Renting a car in Otaru offers unparalleled flexibility to explore this charming port city and its picturesque surroundings at your own pace. With a personal vehicle, you can easily access local attractions, hidden gems, and scenic spots that may be less accessible by public transportation.

Additionally, having a car allows for convenient day trips to nearby destinations, such as the vibrant city of Sapporo or the renowned ski resorts in Niseko, enhancing your overall travel experience in Hokkaido.

Car rental tips for Otaru

  • Ensure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid driver's licence, as it's required for renting and driving a car in Japan.
  • Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure availability and better rates.
  • Familiarise yourself with Japanese road signs and driving etiquette, such as driving on the left side of the road and understanding local traffic rules.
  • If travelling during winter, confirm that your rental vehicle is equipped with appropriate winter tyres and consider additional insurance coverage for snowy conditions.

FAQs about renting a car in Otaru

What is the recommended car type/category?

For navigating Otaru and its surrounding areas, a compact or mid-sized car is suitable for city driving and parking. If you plan to visit mountainous regions or travel during winter months, consider renting a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive and winter tyres to handle snowy and icy conditions.

What are the parking options?

Otaru offers various parking options, including public parking lots and street parking. Be mindful of parking regulations and fees, as some areas may have time restrictions or require payment. It's advisable to use designated parking facilities to avoid fines.

What's the speed limit?

In Japan, speed limits are typically 60 km/h (37 mph) on general roads and 100 km/h (62 mph) on expressways. However, always adhere to posted signs, as limits can vary depending on the area and road conditions.

Popular attractions

  • Otaru Canal: A historic waterway lined with old warehouses and gas lamps, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into Otaru's past.
  • Sakaimachi Street: A charming shopping street featuring preserved merchant buildings, local crafts, and delightful cafes.
  • Otaru Music Box Museum: Showcases an extensive collection of music boxes and offers visitors the chance to create their own.
  • Tenguyama Ropeway: Provides panoramic views of Otaru and the surrounding sea from the summit of Mount Tengu.
  • Nikka Whisky Distillery: Offers guided tours and tastings at one of Japan's most famous whisky producers.

More places to visit

  • Sapporo: Hokkaido's capital city, known for its vibrant urban scene, shopping districts, and the annual Snow Festival.
  • Niseko: A renowned ski resort area offering world-class powder snow and outdoor activities year-round.
  • Shakotan Peninsula: Famous for its dramatic coastal scenery and crystal-clear blue waters, ideal for sightseeing and seafood.
  • Yoichi: Home to the Nikka Whisky Distillery and beautiful coastal landscapes.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Otaru

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

National Car Hire

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Alamo Car Hire

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Enterprise Car Hire

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Budget Car Hire

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Hertz Car Hire

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Europcar Car Hire

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Thrifty Car Hire

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Keddy Car Hire

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AVIS Car Hire

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Firefly Car Hire

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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Otaru: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.