Welcome Weare Now Open for Bookings

Please note that we are currently accepting reservations for a minimum of 4 or more days.

Thank you for your interest — we look forward to welcoming you this season

Freedom car hire is by reservation only, same-day bookings are not possible. Please contact us via our booking form to make a booking.

Welcome to Freedom Car Rental, a top choice for international drivers in Hakuba. We operate out of a Garage on Route 148, centrally located on the main road through town. Our small fleet of well-maintained vehicles gives you the freedom to explore all that Hakuba and Nagano have to offer—ski resorts, restaurants, hot springs, and more. Without a car, you’ll only see a fraction of the best spots.

Car Rental

All our hire cars have 4WD/AWD and come with snow tyres, snow wipers, and ski racks. They are fully registered and insured for car rental purposes with わ (wa) number plates. Beware unregistered operators without proper insurance! Our garage is open year-round with qualified mechanics who service the cars. Our vehicles have dash cams/drive recorders, which provide admissible evidence for the Japanese police. This avoids communication problems after accidents.

We have been renting to Japanese drivers for many years, and valet the cars before every rental. All Freedom Hakuba cars are non-smoking, and you’ll find them spotless inside.

Licence Requirements

To hire a car from us, you MUST have an eligible driving license for Japan. This can be any of the following :

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) from a country in the 1949 Geneva Convention. Obtain this before coming to Japan. When renting from us, also bring the driving license used to issue the permit. Here is a list of countries where you can get an IDP. NB: The IDP is used TOGETHER with your national license. Digital license’s are not accepted.

Please bring your license card to Japan.

Official Translation

An official Japanese translation of a driving license from Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Monaco, Slovenia, Switzerland, or Taiwan, plus the license itself. Plan in advance about getting a translation. JAF can do this on the same day at their office in Tokyo. Or you can apply online, Here’s a link.

The contact information is here

https://english.jaf.or.jp/driving-in-japan/drive-in-japan/about-dltas

A regular Japanese driving license.

You can check on what you need to drive in Japan with this excellent page by Maricar, the well-known go-cart rental operation in Tokyo. Many thanks to Maricar for inviting car rental operators like us to use this resource.

Every member of your group with an eligible license may drive. There is no fee for additional drivers. There are no restrictions on mileage. We like our customers to get out and see more of Japan!

If you do not have a valid license or permit, you will not be allowed to rent a car and will not be entitled to a full refund. Ensure Your International Driving Permit (IDP) Comes from an Official Authority

When preparing to drive in Japan, it’s essential to obtain your International Driving Permit (IDP) from an authorized and legitimate source.

Be cautious of online scams that offer permits for a fee without proper accreditation. Only acquire your IDP through your country’s official motoring association or government body to ensure it is valid and recognized by Japanese authorities. Using a fraudulent or invalid permit can result in serious legal issues, fines, or complications during your travels. Verify the credentials of any agency you use to avoid scams and ensure a smooth driving experience.

Again, please check this excellent page by Maricar, the well-known go-cart rental operation in Tokyo, for reassurance.

Click here to see our current cars and prices!