6 Key Safety Points for Self-Drive Car Rental in Hokkaido

Travel is a way to explore the world, letting us feel the charm of different cultures and scenery. However, when you plan to rent a car and drive yourself in Hokkaido, there are several key points to keep in mind.

These tips will help you ensure a smooth trip, avoid unnecessary trouble, and fully enjoy this beautiful destination.

1. Choose a Reputable Rental Company

If your itinerary covers the whole of Japan, we recommend the following two well-known rental platforms:

• Tabirai; Recommendation: ★★★★.
• RentalCars Chinese official website; Recommendation: ★★★★★.

2. The Difference Between Left-Hand and Right-Hand Driving

In Taiwan, we have developed the habit of left-hand driving, but in Japan they drive on the right. This means the positions of the turn signals and windshield wipers are different, which may be a challenge for drivers.

Before getting on the road, be sure to be careful and cautious, especially when you have just turned or changed lanes. If you feel uneasy or nervous, you can stop at any time to let yourself adapt to the new driving environment.

Mizuc offers a little tip here: during the drive, keep silently repeating “right” in your mind. For example, when turning, as long as you are conscious of the right side, you will naturally drive on the right and not end up driving in the opposite direction.

In addition, don’t pack your itinerary too full, and it’s best to have a travel companion assist you to ensure your attention is not divided.

3. Understand Traffic Rules and Signs

Japan’s traffic rules and signs may differ from the regulations of the Republic of China, so you should study them clearly before getting on the road.

In fact, Mizuc has found that the most common mistake people make abroad is ignoring the STOP sign. In Japan and other developed countries, seeing this sign means you must come to a complete stop, observe traffic from left and right, and then continue driving.

This may be a bit unfamiliar to Taiwanese drivers who are used to freedom, but please remember that obeying local traffic regulations is crucial to avoid fines and endangering the safety of others.

Also, pay attention to your speed! Especially when driving in snow, even if you are already equipped with snow tires, you should slow down as much as possible.

Also, don’t casually leave the asphalt road just to look at the scenery, because the conditions of snow-covered roadsides are hard to predict and accidents are prone to occur.

4. Buy Appropriate Insurance

Before going abroad, be sure to buy sufficient travel insurance and car accident insurance. It is recommended that you do not skimp on insurance costs, including compulsory insurance and additional self-paid insurance.

Insurance can provide protection against unpredictable situations, such as car accidents or damage. When an unfortunate event occurs, this will help reduce your burden.

5. Be Familiar with the Post-Accident Handling Process

If an accident occurs, you should know the steps to take.

First, you should report to the police and immediately notify the rental company.

Rental companies usually need an accident report to process insurance claims.

Please note that even for a minor accident, you should call the police and wait for them to arrive.

Handling an accident may take a lot of time. If your itinerary is tight, or you cannot handle unexpected situations at any time, then reconsidering whether to rent a car may be a wise choice.

6. Carefully Handle Winter Snow Driving

Especially when traveling in Hokkaido, be extra careful about the dangers of driving in snow.

Hokkaido’s winter weather is extremely challenging, and accumulated snow may adversely affect the road surface.

Make sure your rental car is equipped with appropriate snow tires and obey local snow-driving regulations.

If you are not familiar with driving in snow, it is recommended that you consider seeking a local professional driver or using other means of transportation.

Finally, no matter what the purpose of your trip is, always remember that safety comes first. Obey local regulations, drive carefully, and seek assistance whenever needed. This way, you can enjoy a safe and pleasant trip amid Hokkaido’s beautiful scenery.