Tag Archives: driving

General

Quick guide on driving in Hokkaido

Leave a comment

Welcome! If you are planning a self drive trip to Hokkaido, this article is for you!

In an earlier post, I had mentioned that the road system in Japan is right hand drive – driver’s seat is on the right and vehicles keep to the left. And for most countries, you would need to have an IDP (International Driving Permit) to rent a car. You will need to complete this locally in your own country before departing for your free and easy trip.

I had also covered renting a car with Toyota Rent a Car in that post. Today we are going to focus on driving to your destination.

Here are some very useful Hokkaido maps that you can use to start planning your itinerary. I also love the one provided by Toyota Rent a Car. However, I have been unable to locate a PDF copy.

  1. Hokkaido Tourism Organization: Drive Hokkaido (front, back)
  2. Hokkaido Tourism Organization: Travel Around Hokkaido
  3. Ministry of Land,Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau: Must-have Handbook for Driving in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is large territory that you would not be able to cover all of Hokkaido within in single trip. Now if you planning to be there for a month, it would be a different story. For your typical one week itinerary, I think you would be need at least 4 self drive trips, roughly covering Southern Hokkaido, Central Hokkaido, Northern Hokkaido and Eastern Hokkaido. If this is your first driving trip, I would suggest that you start with either Central Hokkaido or Southern Hokkaido.

Some of the maps mentioned above do provide a grid of estimated travel times between cities. This would be very useful for your trip planning purposes. Most of the distances are quite far away, do not under estimate the travel time required. Outside the city areas, there are no street lights on the highways nor expressways. So do plan to arrive at your destination before sunset. Do also plan for rest stops and meal breaks. When you are finally on the ground, your trusty on-board GPS will compute an estimated arrival time at the destination.

Picture of GPS showing estimated arrival time and distance left
GPS showing estimated arrival time and distance left

Fortunately, the expressways do cover a large part of Hokkaido. The expressway operator for Hokkaido is the East Nippon Expressway Company Limited, or sometimes abbreviated to East NEXCO. You can find more info on the expressway network here.

 

Picture of Hokkaido Expressway network (from NEXCO)
Hokkaido Expressway network (from NEXCO)

As you can see from the map provided by East NEXCO above, the expressways do cover a big part of Hokkaido especially on the central and southern areas. You will be able to use the expressways most of the time if you are in both these areas. However, you will need to depend on the normal highways for Eastern Hokkaido and also the northern end of Hokkaido.

The GPS system is also smart enough to know when you are on the expressway and it switches to expressway mode navigation. In this mode, the GPS will display the next few exits and the distances to these exits. If the exit includes a rest stop, it will also give you an indication of the facilities there, for example if there is a station at that rest stop.

So driving on the expressway is a breeze. However, you will need to pay for using the expressways though. You can choose to pay manually or use the ETC card. Credit cards are generally accepted. However, there are some stretches where it’s just a fixed amount of toll collected at entry.

For foreigners, there is the option of the Hokkaido Expressway Pass which gives you unlimited expressway travel for a fixed fee. You can find out more about using the ETC card and the Hokkaido Expressway Pass here.

If you are planning on covering a large part of Hokkaido with frequently use of the expressways, the Hokkaido Expressway Pass would probably be a good option to consider.

Here are 5 other things to take note of when using the expressways.

1. Number of lanes

The word expressway would probably conjure an image of a wide road with multiple lanes and fast free flowing traffic. That assumption is not correct. On some stretches, the expressway could be just one lane wide. For example, the Doto expressway, which brings you towards the east side of Hokkaido is a single lane expressway. Fortunately, there are over-taking lanes spaced out along the expressway.

2. Merging traffic

In different parts of the world, different traffic rules and etiquette prevail and it is important to follow the local norms. If you have merging traffic coming in from the left, typically entering into the expressway, you should slow down and give way to the incoming traffic.

3. Variable speed limit

The speed limit on the expressway is variable. It depends on road and weather conditions. LED signposts indicate the speed limit along that stretch of road. If there signposts are off or if there are no signboards, the maximum speed limit along the expressway is 100 km/h.

4. Cross winds

If you slow down to appreciate the construction of the expressways, you will find it an engineering marvel. It cuts through the mountainous valleys providing an elevated pathway for motor vehicles. It is also likely along these elevated sections that you would encounter strong cross winds. Do keep an eye out for signs indicating that you are in a windy area and keep both hands on the steering wheel.

5. Driving fatigue

Driving distance can be long and monotonous on some stretches. You do want to be alert driving at high speed along the expressway. So do make a rest stop every couple of hours, stretch yourself and get a cup of coffee. What you probably want to look for are SAs (Service Area), which usually have snack corners, food court dining area, gift shop, petrol station, parking spaces and toilets. You can check out E-NEXCO’s Drive Plaza site for info on these SAs.

These SAs are also known as Michi-no-Eki (道の駅). You can locate more info at the All Nippon Michi-no-Eki Network. Some of these SAs can be very popular or elaborate. Popular as it may offer something unique like local produce. Elaborate as some could contain a shopping center, restaurants, lodging or even a pet run area. Touring some of these SAs can be a discovery adventure in itself.

That’s all for today, are you ready for some driving in Hokkaido?

Ja
KL

General

5 reasons to use Chitose as Hokkaido trip base

Leave a comment

Are you planning for a Free and Easy trip to Hokkaido? Here are 5 reasons why you should make Chitose as your base.

(1) Main Hokkaido airport is in Chitose
Most of us would think of Sapporo when travelling to Hokkaido. However, like most cities, the airport is usually located some distance off. The main airport is in Chitose, located south of Sapporo. As the main airport and an international airport, it offers the most connections into Hokkaido.

Although Chitose is an international airport, there are limited international flights that would fly direct into Chitose. In most cases, you would probably be transiting through Tokyo/Narita (NRT), Tokyo/Haneda (HND) or Osaka/Kansai (KIX).

My personal preference is Kansai since none of my preferred airlines fly direct to Chitose. Why Kansai you might ask? There are limited flights from Narita to Chitose. And while Haneda now does support international flights, there are limited international flights into Haneda. Kansai is an international airport and there are regular flights to Chitose. Which means I can land in Kansai, walk over to the domestic terminal to get my connecting flight to Chitose. You could of course take the train or other transport to get from Narita to Haneda, but with kids in tow, it wasn’t a good option for me.

 

(2) Collect rental car, local brochures and maps leisurely
After clearing immigration and customs, you would want to pick up your rental car. Make your way to the car rental counters at the airport and bring your bags with you as the car rental centres are located off the main airport terminal. Each of the car rental companies will have their own shuttle buses to bring you to their rental centres. (More info from Toyota Rent a Car here.)

Picture of Toyota Rent a Car counter at Chitose airport
Toyota Rent a Car counter at Chitose airport

 

For info on renting from Toyota Rent a Car, please see my earlier post on Helpful tips for self drive and car rental in Japan.

The Toyota Rent a Car rental centre is full of brochures. Take your time to browse around and collect maps and travel brochures from the shelves. Toyota Rent a Car provides an excellent booklet which has a big map of Hokkaido, and smaller maps of key cities in Hokkaido. You should also be able to pick up hardcopy versions of the maps that I have mentioned in my next post on Quick guide on driving in Hokkaido (Part 1).

 

(3) Visit the supermart to stock up on supplies
No need to pack your bursting bags with too much supplies from home. You can get snacks, fruits, biscuits, sweets, drinks, water, instant noodles, soap and detergent for the trip locally.

Your first stop would be to the supermarket (like Aeon) to get supplies. The Chitose Aeon store is near to the JR Chitose Station.

Picture of Aeon stores in Hokkaido
Aeon stores in Hokkaido, Chitose store, 千歳店, phone: 0123-24-3100 (Image from Aeon website)

 

It would be cheaper than getting some of these at the convenience stores later. Do ask for some cardboard boxes to pack these so you can load them up easier into the car.

For those with young kids, you can get diapers here too. And if they need porridge, there are ready to eat porridge packs which you can warm up with hot water.

 

(4) Short stress free drives to get familiar with the GPS
After the supermarket trip, it’s time to head for dinner. The trip to the supermart was your first short drive within Chitose. No stress as this is a small town and the traffic is light; so you can drive around rather leisurely. You need to get a better feel of the GPS voice guidance system to figure out exactly what distance it means when you get a prompt like turn right in 300m and turn left in 30m.

So take another short drive to a dining spot. My favourite is this small cozy Japanese restaurant, 海鮮市場 (Kaisen-Ichiba, 0123-23-7373, 4.30pm~11pm).

Picture of Restaurant Kaisen Ichiban in Chitose, Hokkaido
Restaurant Kaisen Ichiban in Chitose, Hokkaido

 

Or, you could try out this Soba restaurant, 駒そば亭 (0123-40-8816, 11am~8pm), which is near to the Rera Outlet Mall.

Picture of Soba restaurant in Chitose, Hokkaido
Soba restaurant in Chitose, Hokkaido

 

(5) Cheap lodging for the night
Following dinner, you would want to get to your hotel room and wind down. Unless you were on a red eye international flight, it would be quite late by the time you got into Chitose. There are quite a few business hotels within Chitose. These offer low cost accommodation and free parking for the night.

Picture of Chitose Airport Hotel

Chitose Airport Hotel (Image from Chitose Airport Hotel website)

 

I have stayed at Chitose Airport Hotel, Wing Hotel and Hotel Kameya. Chitose Airport Hotel is walking distance to the JR Chitose Station. Wing Hotel has newer furnishings but is further away from the JR Chitose Station.

Now would be a good time to look at the maps and brochures that you had collect at the rental car centre and confirm what you want to do for the next day or next few days. Some of these brochures also come with tourist discount coupons for the attractions.

Usually I do not have a complete itinerary for the trip. I would just have a rough driving route in mind and some key places to visit. There’s fun in discovering new things along the way and not having too rigid an itinerary.

Now, it does not mean that I am not prepared at all. I would reserve the rental car and book the first night or first two night’s accommodation and take care of the rest along the way. I will also look at some possible accommodation options for other nights. So as I confirm the itinerary for the next day or next 2 days as I progress, I can decide which accommodation option would be better. And along the way, if the accommodation options are along the route, I will check them out.

Once your itinerary for the next day is done, time to get some rest. Hokkaido is big enough that you will be driving long distances. So get well rested for the drive the next day.

Sleep tight!

Ja
KL

 

General

Helpful tips on self drive and renting a car in Japan

Leave a comment

Are you thinking or planning for a Free and Easy trip in Japan? “To drive or not to drive?”, this must be one of the questions on your mind. Other questions like “How do I navigate the roads without understanding Japanese?” and “Is it easy to drive around in Japan?” would also surface.

Being a driver, I opted for self drive. Having spent much time driving in the US, Australia and New Zealand, plus some time in Taiwan; I felt I was ready to tackle Japan. To get around in the US, Australia and New Zealand, you appreciate both the freedom and flexibility offered with a rental car.

As a member of Hertz No.1 Club Gold, a benefit from corporate travel negotiations, I looked for Hertz in Japan. However, Hertz is not present directly in Japan, they have partnered with Toyota Rent a Car here. If you are a Hertz member, you will be recognized and will be entitled to rental discounts (see card discounts).

Picture of Toyota Rent a Car, Chitose Airport Branch
Toyota Rent a Car, Chitose Airport Branch

At this point, you must be wondering if you need to understand or speak Japanese to book the rental car. Toyota Rent a Car does have English service available. There is an English version of the website plus booking hotline with an English speaking agent.

You can opt to rent cars that are equipped with GPS units that support English voice navigation. Do note that the GPS system is in Japanese, only the voice guidance system (left turn in 300m) has an English option. You are probably thinking, “Yikes! How is this going to work? I can’t even speak the language, how do I enter that Japanese address into the GPS?”

Not to worry. Typically, you would be expecting to enter your destination address into the GPS. This is how most vehicular GPS systems work. However, in Japan, you would not need to enter any addresses here. Instead, you would be keying in the destination telephone numbers. Simple enough right? After this experience, I was like why can’t this be done in other countries?

Picture of GPS equipment
GPS equipment

 

Furthermore, for popular destinations, there would be mapcodes available. This is generally a 10 digit number that you can key into the GPS under mapcode. Look for this logo:

If you are keen to know more about the structure of the mapcode, you can check out this Denso site. Here are some examples of some destinations and mapcodes:

Name of Place Mapcode
Salmon Park Chitose 113 889 556
Biei 389 011 664
Shiretoko Pass parking 757 492 298

At the rental car station, do get the staff to help set the basics. The first is to check that English voice navigation is enabled. The second is to set the GPS routing methodology. There are typically 3 options available – use “non-toll roads”, “shortest distance”, “most use of expressways”. I would generally suggest that you choose “most use of expressways”.

During my very first self drive trip in Hokkaido many years back, the option was set to “non-toll roads”. I was scratching my head, wondering why I seemed to be driving through narrow winding roads instead of wide straight open expressways.

Travelling distances can be long. Fortunately, the expressway network does cover a large part of Japan and you will be able to use the expressways most of the time. For more detailed info on the expressway network, you can check out these websites:

The GPS models are also smart enough to switch to expressway mode navigation, showing you the next few exits and the distances. So driving on the expressway is a breeze. However, you will need to pay for using the expressways though. You can choose to pay manually or use the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card. There are separate lanes at the toll booth.

Picture of expressway toll booth in Hokkaido
Expressway toll booth in Hokkaido

The ETC transponder is generally attached to the front windscreen behind the rear view mirror. However, the card unit is usually tucked away in the glove compartment. For manual payment, you will pick up an entry ticket just before going into the expressway and then submitting this ticket for payment at exit. There is a more detailed description at the E-NEXCO Drive Plaza site.

The next thing to pay attention to is the type of car that you will be renting. Other than considering seating capacity, you need to be consider storage capacity too. Rather than rent the typical sedan car, I would strongly suggest that you rent a station wagon instead. If you are like me, travelling with kids, you would have quite a few big luggage bags with you, maybe a pram as well. There’s where the rear cargo space of station wagon shines and from what I have seen so far, for the same price as the equivalent sedan model.

Picture of Corolla Fielder
Corolla Fielder – Station Wagon (image from Toyota Rent a Car site)

Do note that child seats are mandatory in Japan. You will be able to rent them as well. There are 3 different types available, based on your child’s age/size. You can find this in the options section.

Now getting to traffic rules and regulations. With the exception of a few countries, where your driver’s licence will suffice, you need to produce an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car. This document needs to be issued in your home country and is required for every driver that will be driving the rental car.

The road system is based on the right hand drive system. The driver’s seat is on the right side of the vehicle. Vehicles drive on the road keeping to the left side of the road. Majority of Japanese cars have the light and turn signal levers on the right side of the steering wheel, and the wiper lever on the left.

Maximum speed limits for vehicles are shown on traffic signs and road markings. They are indicated in km/h. If there are no speed limit signs present, speed limits of 60 km/h on ordinary roads, and 100 km/h on expressways apply for ordinary cars.

Most of the road signs are graphical. You can see a sample of these at the Toyota Rent a Car website. You can also visit the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) site for more info.

You might want to take note of these 2 regulatory signs with Japanese words on them:

Stop sign (Picture from Toyota Rent a Car website)

 

 

Drive slow/Slow down sign (Picture from Toyota Rent a Car website)
Drive slow/Slow down sign (Picture from Toyota Rent a Car website)

Generally, unless you are in the main city areas, driving is quite a breeze. Japanese drivers are quite patient so it should be quite a relaxing drive.

Are you ready to book your rental car for that free and easy trip?

Ja
KL