Complete Guide to Renting a Campervan at New Chitose Airport | Booking, Company Comparison, Prices & Recommended Routes [2026]
You can set off in a campervan the same day you land at New Chitose Airport. One phone call from the arrivals hall and someone will come to pick you up — after a quick orientation, you’re on the road. That starting point is right here, at the rental bases near New Chitose Airport.
This page covers everything you need to rent a campervan at New Chitose Airport: prices, rental companies, what happens on the day, answers to first-timer questions, and recommended routes. If you’re planning your first campervan trip, you’ll find everything you need to make a decision right here.
Price Guide: How Much Does One Night Cost?
Let’s start with the numbers. Campervan rentals in Hokkaido vary by vehicle type and season. Here’s a rough overview.
| Vehicle Type | Off-peak (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct) | Peak season (Jul–Aug) |
|---|---|---|
| Kei camper (1–2 people) | ¥10,000–¥15,000/night | ¥15,000–¥22,000/night |
| Van conversion (2–3 people) | ¥15,000–¥22,000/night | ¥22,000–¥35,000/night |
| Cab-over (4–6 people) | ¥25,000–¥35,000/night | ¥35,000–¥55,000/night |
The above figures are for the vehicle only. Additional costs include: insurance/damage waiver options (¥1,000–¥2,000/day), one-way drop-off fees (if returning to a different location), and optional equipment rental (bedding, cooking utensils, etc.). Always check the full itemised quote before confirming your booking.
Late July through August is peak season. Popular vehicles book up six months in advance. If your trip includes Obon (mid-August), make your reservation between March and April. Early June and late September offer lower prices and fewer crowds — great times to travel.
Rental Companies That Offer Airport Transfer from New Chitose
Several rental companies near New Chitose Airport offer a pickup service. Call them from the arrivals hall and they’ll come to meet you — no taxi or train required.
Moving Inn | ~10 Min from the Airport · Free Transfer · Multilingual Support
A rental company based about 10 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport. Free airport transfer included — one call from the arrivals hall and they’ll come to you. No taxi fare, no hassle.
English and Traditional Chinese support available. Moving Inn has a strong track record with international guests, particularly from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. If you’re not confident in Japanese, you can communicate in a language much closer to your own.
During your trip, SMS-based support is also available. When a phone call is difficult — or you’re on a solo long-distance trip — being able to reach someone by text makes a real difference when something goes wrong.
From June 2026, Moving Inn has added three Cleson Journey cab-over campervans to their fleet. These are fully equipped vehicles — sleeping up to 6, with toilet, fridge, and microwave — ideal for families and groups. As a recent addition, availability is relatively good right now. They’re filling up as summer peak season approaches, so check availability soon if you’re interested.
Moving Inn is known for thorough vehicle walkthroughs for first-time renters, going through water supply, drainage, electrics, and cooking equipment one step at a time before you leave. Check availability and details on the Moving Inn information page.
How Does Moving Inn Compare to Other Companies?
When using New Chitose Airport, “distance from the airport” and “transfer availability” are the key factors in choosing a rental company. Here’s a summary of what’s out there.
| Company Type | Distance from Airport | Free Transfer | Multilingual Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Inn | ~10 min | Yes | English, Traditional Chinese | SMS support · Cleson Journey added · thorough first-timer walkthrough |
| Sapporo city companies | 30–40 min | No (self-transfer) | Mainly Japanese | Wider vehicle selection; good if combining with city sightseeing |
| South Hokkaido / Hakodate based | ~1 hr 40 min | No | Mainly Japanese | Best for Hakodate-start trips; inconvenient for airport arrivals |
| National chain companies | Varies by branch | Some branches | Varies by branch | Well-known brands; Hokkaido-specific support depends on the branch |
The more you need airport-to-campervan convenience, English or Chinese communication, and reassurance as a first-timer, the more Moving Inn stands out as the obvious choice.
For a more detailed side-by-side comparison of multiple companies, see our Hokkaido Campervan Rental Company Comparison Guide.
From Booking to Pickup: Step by Step
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for anyone who’s not sure what to expect.
Step 1: Book Online
Apply through the company’s official website or booking form. Choose your vehicle, dates, and any add-ons, submit a provisional booking, and wait for a confirmation email. During peak season, vehicles can sell out at the provisional booking stage, so act quickly once you’ve decided on your dates.
Cancellation fees: Most companies start charging from 3–7 days before departure (30–100%). Check the policy carefully and consider travel insurance to cover any changes.
Step 2: Read Your Confirmation Email the Day Before
Your booking confirmation will include the contact number to call on arrival, the meeting point (e.g. which exit of the arrivals hall), and what to bring. In particular, memorise the meeting point before you leave home. Getting confused in the arrivals hall wastes time.
Step 3: Call When You Land
After collecting your luggage, call the number provided. A member of staff will come to the agreed meeting point. Wait times vary by company and timing, but are generally within 15–30 minutes.
Step 4: Paperwork and Vehicle Walkthrough (about 1 hour)
At the base, you’ll show your driving licence, receive the insurance briefing, and sign the contract. Then comes the vehicle walkthrough: how to fill and drain water tanks, how to use the hob and microwave, how to start the generator, and so on. Ask every question you have here. Once you’re on the road, there’s a limit to what can be explained over the phone.
Deposit: Most companies place a temporary hold (deposit) on your credit card. This is released on return if there are no issues. Most companies cannot accept cash only — always bring a credit card.
Step 5: You’re Off
Once the walkthrough is done, you’re on your way. Think of the first hour or two as getting-used-to-it time. Campervans are wider and taller than regular cars, so avoid multi-storey car parks, low bridges, and narrow lanes. By day two you’ll be driving it like second nature.
First-Timer Worries, Answered
Driving Licence: Can I Drive on a Regular Licence?
Most van conversions and cab-overs can be driven on a standard Japanese driving licence (including automatic-only). However, large cab-overs with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 5 tonnes may require a semi-medium or medium licence. When booking, confirm whether the vehicle you’re renting matches your licence category. International visitors need an International Driving Permit (not required if you hold a Japanese licence).
Is Driving a Large Vehicle Scary?
Campervans are wider and taller than regular cars. Multi-storey car parks (height limit often 2m or below) are off-limits, so parking requires some planning. Reversing takes getting used to, but Hokkaido’s roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) and campsites generally have wide, forgiving spaces. After your first day, you’ll barely think about it.
Insurance and Accidents: What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
All companies include basic third-party liability insurance. For damage to the vehicle itself, an excess (your out-of-pocket amount) typically applies. Adding the excess waiver option (around ¥1,000–¥2,000/day) brings your personal liability to zero. It’s strongly recommended. In the event of an accident or breakdown, your first call should be to the company’s emergency number.
Same-Day Booking: Can I Rent at Short Notice?
Same-day bookings during peak season (July–August) are virtually impossible. Even in the off-season, options are limited if your preferred vehicle isn’t available. Contact the company at least 3 days in advance — ideally a week or more.
Can I Return the Vehicle Somewhere Other Than the Airport?
This varies by company. Some offer one-way drop-off at other Hokkaido bases such as Hakodate, Asahikawa, or Obihiro, with an additional fee (roughly ¥5,000–¥30,000). If you’re planning a one-way itinerary, check whether one-way drop-off is available when you book.
What’s Inside? Toilet, Shower, Fridge?
It depends on the vehicle. Cab-overs typically include a cassette toilet, fridge, and microwave. Many van conversions have no toilet or microwave — but they’re more compact and easier to drive. Showers are only available in some larger vehicles. Deciding whether you need an onboard toilet, and whether you’re comfortable cooking outside, helps you balance cost against comfort.
Petrol or Diesel?
It varies by vehicle. Confirm which fuel your rental takes at pickup — misfuelling causes serious engine damage. Full-to-full is the standard return policy. Ask at pickup whether there’s a petrol station near the return point, so you’re not scrambling on the last day. Fuel economy is roughly 5–8 km/L for van conversions and 4–6 km/L for cab-overs.
Rubbish and Waste Water: Where Do I Dispose of Them?
Rubbish is generally your own responsibility to take away. Some RV parks and campsites accept waste. Waste water tanks are emptied at campsite dump stations (sometimes at a small charge). Fresh water can be topped up at roadside station water points or campsite taps. Don’t leave rubbish at Michi-no-Eki or overstay your welcome — respect the facilities.
Do I Need to Book Campsites in Advance?
Popular campsites in July and August require advance booking. Michi-no-Eki overnight parking generally doesn’t (though a few locations prohibit it). For maximum flexibility, pre-book the campsites you really want and use Michi-no-Eki as your backup option.
Can I Bring a Pet?
Some companies have pet-friendly vehicles. An extra cleaning fee (around ¥5,000–¥10,000) is usually charged. Tell the company you want to bring a pet when booking, and confirm the rules and any conditions.
3 Recommended Itineraries Starting from New Chitose Airport
[3 Nights / 4 Days] Central Hokkaido, Furano & Biei — Best for First-Timers
Perfect for anyone tackling a Hokkaido campervan trip for the first time. Around 600 km in total — manageable distances throughout. Pick up from a company near New Chitose Airport (e.g. Moving Inn) and reach your first overnight spot the same day.
Day 1 — Collect campervan at New Chitose Airport (e.g. Moving Inn) → Lake Shikotsu (~40 min). Sleep on the shores of this caldera lake. Hot springs nearby.
Day 2 — Head to Furano / Biei (~2.5 hrs). Blue Pond, Patchwork Road. Stay near Michi-no-Eki Biei Shirogane Birke.
Day 3 — Asahikawa city / Asahiyama Zoo (2–3 hrs). Overnight at a campsite near Asahikawa.
Day 4 — Expressway back to New Chitose Airport (~1.5 hrs). Return vehicle.
[5 Nights / 6 Days] Eastern Hokkaido & Shiretoko — For Nature Lovers
For those who want to experience Hokkaido’s wilderness at full intensity. Total distance: 1,000–1,200 km.
Day 1 — Collect campervan at New Chitose → Expressway toward Obihiro (~2 hrs).
Day 2 — Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, then toward Abashiri.
Day 3 — Shiretoko Utoro. Shiretoko Five Lakes, Kamuiwakka Falls. Stay at Utoro campsite.
Day 4 — Shiretoko to Kushiro (~2.5 hrs). Kushiro Marsh Hosooka Observatory. Overnight near Kushiro.
Day 5 — Expressway back toward New Chitose (~3.5 hrs). Obihiro buta-don (pork rice bowl) for lunch.
Day 6 — Return vehicle.
[2 Nights / 3 Days] Southern Hokkaido & Hakodate — For Short Trips
Even on a short trip, Hakodate is within reach. New Chitose to Hakodate is about 3 hours on the expressway.
Day 1 — Collect campervan at New Chitose → Muroran, Cape Chikyu (~1 hr). Watch the sunset and stay overnight.
Day 2 — Via Onuma Quasi-National Park into Hakodate city. Morning market, Goryokaku Fort, Hakodate night view. Overnight near Michi-no-Eki Nanairononae.
Day 3 — Expressway from Hakodate back to New Chitose Airport (~3 hrs). Return vehicle.
Recommended Overnight Spots near the Airport
Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko (Tomakomai)
About 20 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport. Adjacent to Lake Utonai, a Ramsar Convention-listed wetland. Large car park with 24-hour toilets. An easy first overnight stop for those who don’t want to drive far on arrival day. Wake up to birdsong from the lake in the morning.
Shikotsu-ko Morap Campsite (Chitose)
About 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport. An auto-site on the shore of this caldera lake, suitable for campervans. Hot springs nearby (Lake Shikotsu Onsen). Weekday arrivals recommended in July and August to avoid crowds.
Michi-no-Eki Mukawa Shiki-no-Yakata (Mukawa Town)
About 1 hour east of New Chitose Airport. A hot spring facility is attached, so you can bathe and then sleep in your van. Ideal for those heading toward the Hidaka or Tokachi regions.
FAQ
Can I Rent a Child Seat?
Some rental companies offer child seat hire as an optional extra; others require you to bring your own. Always confirm in advance when booking with children. The spacious interior and sleeping area of a campervan is actually a great fit for family travel.
Can I Combine the Trip with a Ferry?
A popular option is to rent at New Chitose Airport and drive the campervan onto a ferry at Tomakomai Port for the crossing to Honshu. Routes include Tomakomai–Sendai and Tomakomai–Oarai. You’ll need to book with a company that offers one-way drop-off.
Is Warm Clothing Necessary in September and Later?
Late September in Hokkaido can feel like November in central Japan. At higher elevations, early morning temperatures can drop below 5°C. Most campervans have an FFheater (usable while parked), but check fuel consumption in advance. Bring a three-season sleeping bag, or ask whether the company provides blankets.
Do I Need to Worry About Bears?
Brown bears are a real consideration in Shiretoko, the Daisetsuzan mountains, and the Hidaka area. Keep food smells out of the campervan and store food in sealed containers before sleeping. Avoid overnight parking on forest tracks or in the mountains; use established campsites and Michi-no-Eki for safety.
Summary: Start Your Hokkaido Campervan Adventure from New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport is the ideal launchpad for a Hokkaido campervan trip. With rental companies offering airport transfers just minutes away, you can be on the road within hours of landing.
Prices start from around ¥15,000–¥35,000 per night for a van conversion. Early booking is essential for July and August peak season — aim to reserve between March and April to secure your preferred vehicle and dates.
If you need airport transfer, multilingual support, and a patient first-timer walkthrough, Moving Inn ticks all the boxes. Start by checking their availability.
