Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 13 October 2025 (JST)


Welcome to Drive Furano – Hokkaido - Car Rental (“we/us/our”). These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern vehicle rentals and related options. By booking, picking up, or driving one of our vehicles, you agree to these Terms.
Important: Japan has specific licensing requirements for foreigners (IDP/translation rules), Non-Operation Charges (NOC) after accidents, winter driving practices, and child-seat laws. We summarise them below and incorporate them into our rental policy.


1) Eligibility & Driver Requirements

• Minimum driver age is 21.

• Foreign licenses: You must carry both your original driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or a qualifying foreign licence plus an official Japanese translation (for Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan).

• IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention are not valid in Japan.

• Additional drivers must meet the same requirements and be listed on the contract before driving.

2) Booking, Payment & Deposits

• A major credit card in the main driver’s name is required at pickup.

• A refundable deposit may apply to cover fuel, tolls, extras, and damage/excess.

• Quoted rates include base rental, statutory compulsory insurance, and consumption tax unless stated otherwise.

3) Vehicle Use & Restrictions

• Use the vehicle for lawful personal travel only. No off-road driving, towing, or sub-leasing.

• Standard use is within Hokkaido. Ferry use or mainland travel requires prior approval.

• Driving under the influence, reckless operation, or unauthorised drivers void coverage and may incur full liability including non refundable cancellation of booking.

• All vehicles are non-smoking. Pets require approval and must be crated; cleaning fees may apply.

4) Pickup, Return & Late Fees

• Bring your passport, licence, IDP/translation, and payment card at pickup.

• Return the vehicle, keys, and accessories in the same condition and with the same fuel level.

• Late returns will incur hourly/daily fees. Returns over 24 hours late may be treated as unauthorised extensions.

5) Insurance, Damage, Excess & NOC

• All rentals include statutory insurance with deductibles of ¥50,000–¥100,000 per incident.

• Non-Operation Charge (NOC) applies when repairs are required: ¥20,000yen (driveable) or ¥50,000yen (non-driveable).

• Tyres, wheels, keys, and accessories are the renter’s responsibility unless explicitly covered.

6) Accidents, Damage & Roadside Assistance

• Stop safely, call 110 (police), and contact us immediately.

• Do not arrange private settlements. Repairs must be by authorised partners.

• Roadside assistance is available; charges may apply unless covered by your plan.

7) Winter Driving (Hokkaido)

• From November–April, vehicles are supplied with studless winter tyres.

• Drivers must adjust speed and behaviour for winter conditions; unsafe driving may void coverage.

8) Fuel, Mileage & Tolls

• Return the vehicle with the same fuel level unless you pre-purchased fuel.

• Standard rentals include unlimited kilometres within Hokkaido.

• Tolls are the renters/drivers responsibility and must be paid at the pay station. Do Not drive through the ETC exit on tollways or a fine will be incurred.

9) Child Seats & Safety

• Children under 6 years old must use an approved child seat.

• Failure to comply may result in penalties or refusal of rental.

10) Cleaning, Smoking, and Special Fees

• Excessive dirt, odours, or smoking will incur cleaning fees.

• You are responsible for any traffic or parking fines incurred during the rental period.

10A) Traffic and Speeding Infringements

1. Responsibility. The renter (and any authorised driver) is fully responsible for all traffic, parking, toll, or speeding offences incurred during the rental period. This includes fines, penalties, demerit points, administrative fees, and any associated costs.

2. Notification. Japanese authorities may issue traffic violation notices after the rental has ended. Upon receiving such notification, we will identify the driver to the relevant authority and may forward the fine directly to the renter’s provided contact details.

3. Administrative fee. Each violation processed by us will incur an administration fee of ¥5,000yen (or equivalent in local currency) to cover handling, document translation, and communication costs.

4. Unpaid fines. Failure to settle any fine promptly may result in additional collection fees, suspension of future rentals, or legal recovery action under Japanese law.

5. Police reports and points. If requested by the police, we may disclose the renter’s licence details to comply with Japanese traffic regulations. Any demerit points or penalties will apply directly to the driver’s licence, not the rental company.

11) Changes, Cancellations & No-Shows

• Changes are subject to availability and may affect rates.

• Cancellations may incur fees based on notice period.

• If you fail to collect your vehicle without notice a ¥25,000yen fee will apply.

12) Data & Privacy

• We collect personal data to manage rentals, verify identity, and comply with legal obligations.

• Data may be shared with insurers, payment processors, and authorities as required.

13) Liability & Indemnity

• Our liability is limited to direct losses up to the rental amount paid.

• You agree to indemnify us for third-party claims arising from breach or misuse.

14) Force Majeure

• We are not liable for delays or failures due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters or government actions.

15) Governing Law & Language

• These Terms are governed by Japanese law. The English version is for convenience; a Japanese version may prevail.

16) Contact

• For any questions, contact Drive Furano – Hokkaido - Car Rental at info@drive-furano.com.