Winter Sapporo & Hokkaido 2026: Car Rental vs. Bus Tour Guide

Winter Sapporo & Hokkaido

Preparing Your Flights + Car Rental

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© Ssoejini

Hey there!

I'm Ssoejini, your guide through 15 cities across Japan, and I'm thrilled to share my latest winter adventure planning with you.

I recently booked my flight to winter Sapporo and started mapping out my itinerary for Biei and Otaru. As I considered how to explore these beautiful areas, I realized that renting a car with my friends would be a much better option than relying on a bus tour.

It turned out to be far more cost-effective than I initially thought, so I decided to book through TOCOO!

However, driving in winter Hokkaido means navigating snowy roads, so I made sure to gather all the crucial information, especially about snow tires.

For those of you planning a winter Sapporo independent trip, just like me, I've got you covered with essential safety tips for car rentals and winter snow tires!

1. Winter Sapporo Flight Prices & Booking on Trip.com

As soon as autumn arrives, you know it’s time to start planning for winter Sapporo, right?

That’s because if you wait until winter to book your trip to Sapporo, you’ll be faced with shockingly expensive prices...

Just like me.

In 2025, I paid approximately ~$423 for two people… LOL. If you book in advance, you can find incredible deals!

So, I highly recommend that you secure your Sapporo flights faster than anyone else!

Cheap Flights from Seoul to Sapporo | kr.trip.com3ha.in

2. Why I Chose a Rental Car Over a Bus Tour

For popular attractions near Sapporo, train and bus services can be infrequent, which is why many travelers opt for guided bus tours.

However, bus tours operate on a strict schedule, meaning you often have to rush through beautiful photo spots even if you want to linger a bit longer. It can be quite a hassle.

On the other hand, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom! You can conveniently store your luggage in the trunk, blast the heater to a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and visit only the spots you want, at your own pace. That’s the ultimate advantage!

Especially for groups of two or more, or family trips, when you compare the costs, a rental car is often a much more budget-friendly option than booking individual bus tour tickets.

3. Essential Winter Driving in Sapporo, Hokkaido: Snow Tire Check

Winter in Hokkaido is famous for its rapidly changing weather conditions. Mountain roads and higher elevations can turn into slick ice in an instant.

Therefore, for your safety, it is absolutely essential to have snow tires (either chains or studless tires) installed.

💡 Hokkaido Rental Tip!

If you’re planning a drive to other regions (like Tokyo, Osaka’s outskirts, or hot spring towns), even if there’s no snow at your starting point, I highly recommend requesting snow tires in advance to prepare for potential icy conditions in higher altitudes.

※ Please note that in some regions like Hokkaido and Tohoku, snow tires are often installed by default during the winter season.

👉 Check Snow Tire Regions on TOCOO!

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4. TOCOO! Exclusive 1,000 JPY Discount Coupon & Booking Guide

Booking through the TOCOO! platform is a smart move, not just for Sapporo and Hokkaido, but for many other regions across Japan!

You can rent vehicles from major brands at reasonable prices, and even snag additional discounts with coupons.

🎁 TOCOO! Exclusive

1,000 JPY Discount Coupon

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Coupon Code: 11F5B9

Get an instant 1,000 JPY discount on rental fees of 10,000 JPY or more.

Applicable to all rental car companies, no expiration date! (Excludes optional fees)

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⚠️ Early Booking is Essential!

Vehicles equipped with winter snow tires and popular car models are limited in quantity, and during peak season, they get booked up quickly.

If your travel dates are set, it’s always safer to book your rental car in advance.

★Snow Tire Plan ⛄🚗www2.tocoo.jp

Make sure to confirm your snow tire arrangements and finalize your flights, then get ready for a dazzling winter road trip through Hokkaido!