HAKUBA CAR RENTAL

Renting a car in Nagano gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace, without relying on crowded public transport or costly taxis. With your own wheels, you can easily visit all 10 ski resorts in the Hakuba Valley – plus discover lesser-known local spots that are often missed by tour buses. Enjoy the freedom to chase fresh snowfall, find cozy local eateries tucked away in the mountains, and shop for groceries without the hassle of carrying heavy bags.

On non-ski days, having a car lets you venture further – unwind in natural hot springs around Omachi or Nozawa, stroll through historic temples in Nagano, take in the beauty of Matsumoto Castle, or see the famous snow monkeys in Jigokudani on your own schedule.iption

To rent a car in Hakuba, foreign drivers need:

• A valid driver's license from their home country

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention

• A passport for identification

All our rental cars come with snow tyres, roof pods/racks and AWD standard. We also include Apple Carplay or Android Auto capability, so you can use maps and listen to your favourite music. We offer this as standard.

Yes. All of our Hakucar rental cars in Hakuba come with complete insurance for you. We also recommend you have travel insurance that includes any excess on car rental insurance in the unlikely event of a claim.

• For a fee, we can deliver your car to your hotel in the Hakuba Valley, meet you to hand over the keys at the train station, and even meet you in Nagano or Matsumoto.

• This service is subject to availability and pricing is on application.

Yes, our cars include Apple Carplay or Android Auto functionality. Rather than using Japanese GPS that can be tricky to understand, we recommend using Google Maps and similar to navigate. We’re happy to offer tips to help you navigate across Nagano and Japan.

Our rental cars are subject to availability, so specific models may sell out. Let us know what you are after and we will try and accomodate you at the time of booking.

Yes, most foreign visitors require an IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention to legally drive in Japan. It must be used together with your original license. Check out this guide from Toyota.

During winter, roads in Hakuba can be icy and snowy, but with the right equipment it is perfectly safe and stress-free. All our rental cars are 4WD and equipped with snow tires in winter months.

Yes, we offer one-way car rentals between Hakuba and major cities like Nagano, Tokyo, or airports. Additional fees may apply—please contact us for details.

Hakucar.com supports convenient luggage delivery in partnership with Takkyubin (Black Cat). You can have your luggage sent ahead to your hotel, airport, or other locations across Japan, allowing you to travel light and stress-free. This saves you a lot of hassle on your arrival and departure.

Simply drop off your bags at the counter at Haneda or Narita airports on arrival. Delivery typically takes 1–2 days depending on the destination.

So if you have a day or so to relax or sightsee at the start of your trip, this is a great option.

Hakucar offers delivery to all hotels across the Hakuba Valley. Simply request this service at the time of booking, or at a later date, to take advantage of the ultimate in convenience.

Main requirements (what you’ll be asked for at pick‑up):

• A valid driving credential accepted in Japan: typically an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, OR a Japanese translation of your licence (or a converted Japanese licence). The JAF and Japanese police list these as the lawful ways to drive without a Japanese licence. (english.jaf.or.jp)

• Your passport (or other proof of entry) to confirm the date you landed in Japan — we require this when you show an IDP because driving with an IDP is limited by date of entry. We may refuse service if entry cannot be verified.

• The IDP’s validity limit: an IDP is generally valid for one year from its issue and typically allows driving in Japan for up to one year from your date of entry.