Bears Transport
Come and enjoy the “Resort Life Experience” in Hakuba!
From sightseeing and activities to moments of pure relaxation, we’ll fully support your stay to match your style.
With our playful rental cars, explore Hakuba’s great outdoors with more freedom and more fun to create unforgettable memories.
Our Vehicles
All vehicles at Bears Transport are 4WD/AT to match Hakuba’s outdoor scenes & wear snow tires in winter. Also all our vehicles except Toyota Hiace with a large space inside the car will come with a ski carrier.
Benefits of Renting a Car
Forget about the shuttle bus schedule!
No schedules. No limits. Just you and the mountains. You have access to all 10 ski resorts of the Hakuba Valley!
Crowded taxis? No worries!
Taxis can be packed and slow to arrive in winter. You will be able to even catch the first tracks on the morning powder!
A World of Sightseeing Awaits!
There are plenty of great places to explore around Hakuba. You’ll also find lots of delicious local restaurants in nearby Omachi City!
Additional Information
Rental Car Basics
[Advance reservation is required]
- Click on “Book Now“, check the availability of each vehicle and send us a booking request.
- Reservations are available until 6:00 PM the day before your desired use, subject to vehicle availability.
- Please select a child seat option when booking.
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
※Inquiries outside business hours will be responded to on the next business day.
Your reservation will be confirmed once the invoice is issued and payment is completed. If payment is not confirmed within 3 days of invoicing, please note that the reservation will be automatically cancelled.
Rental may not be possible depending on the vehicle’s condition at return of the previous guest (accident, breakdown, etc.).
[Car Rental Rules]
All our vehicles are strictly non-smoking (including vapes and electronic cigarettes). Please inquire if you want to ride with your pet.
[For guests staying at our property or lodge]
Pickup available at your accommodation.
※If you wish to pick up the vehicle before check-in, please use our store for pickup.
※Car handover: 8 am – 8 pm
[For other guests]
Pickup at the store during business hours.
(Business hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Please make sure to bring a valid driver’s license recognized in Japan. (Required for all drivers)
Up to 2 drivers can be registered without cost (To register 3 or more drivers, there is an additional cost of 2,000 JPY/24H/driver）
At pick up of your car, a complimentary pick up service from the bus terminal or train station in Hakuba to the store is available.
【About your driver’s license】
Either an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a valid domestic driver’s license is mandatory.
Please note that official Japanese translations may be required.
For driver’s licenses issued in Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Monaco, Slovenia, Switzerland, or Taiwan, you will need both the original license and an official Japanese translation. Please plan ahead to obtain the translation.
The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) Tokyo office offers same-day translation services. Alternatively, you can apply online here.
※If you do not have a valid driver’s license or permit, you will not be able to rent a car, and no refund will be provided. Please ensure that your International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by an official government authority.
Check here to see if your driving license eligible for renting and driving a car in Japan
[For guests staying at our property or lodge]
Car return is available at your accommodation.
※Vehicle returns after check-out must be made at our store.
[For other guests]
Car return at the store during business hours
※Please contact us if you wish to arrange return outside business hours.
Vehicle returns must be done in person (with staff present).
Please return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel.
If you need to change your return time or if you are going to be late, please contact us in advance.
After returning your car, a complimentary drop off service to the bus terminal or train station in Hakuba from the store is available.
※If you change your return time (extend your rental hours), an extension fee will be charged based on your originally scheduled return time.
※Please note that extensions may not be possible depending on the reservation status of the vehicle.
If you fail to return your vehicle on time, there will be a charge of ¥7,000 for each additional hour.
[Change of Reservation]
To change your reservation, please contact us by email or through our inquiry form.
If you need to make any changes, please contact us as early as possible.
Please note that changes may not be accepted depending on availability and circumstances.
※Inquiries made outside of business hours will be responded to the following day.
[Reservation Cancellation]
Up to 7 days in advance: full payment (100%)
Up to 14 days in advance: 50% payment
If you do not contact us within one hour after your scheduled reservation time, it will be treated as a “same-day cancellation.”
Rental may not be possible depending on the vehicle’s condition at return of the previous guest (accident, breakdown, etc.). In such case, the full amount will be refunded.
Child Seat: ¥2,000/24H
- For children under 6 years old, the use of a child seat is mandatory for the driver.
- Please reserve a child seat (available for an additional fee) or bring your own.
- Since the number of child seats is limited, we recommend you to book in advance.
[Choose from two types]
- Baby seat
- For children aged 0 to around 4 years old
- Rear-facing installation is mandatory for those under 15 months old.
- (If the child is under 76 cm in height, rear-facing installation is required even if they are 15 months or older.)
- Child seat
- For children approximately 4 to 6 years old
- We also provide junior seats, so please choose according to your child’s age.
※At reservation, we will ask you for your child’s age.
※Please make sure to check that the child seat is properly installed before departure at guest’s responsibility.
※We cannot be held liable for any accidents caused by improper installation.
In Case of Emergency
[What to Do Immediately After an Accident]
- Aid for the injured: If there is anyone injured, first ensure your own safety and prioritize providing first aid, such as calling an ambulance.
- Contact the police: Regardless of whether there are injuries, you must notify the police (dial 110). It is important to explain if there is anyone injured to have the accident treated as a personal injury case.
- Move the accident vehicles: If the vehicles are obstructing traffic, move them to a safe location.
- Record the accident situation: Take notes on the scene, the extent of property damage or injuries, and if there are witnesses, collect their names and contact information. Video records from the drive recorder can also be valuable evidence.
- Contact us: No matter how big or small the accident is, promptly inform us and we will inform our insurance company about the situation.
Seek medical attention: Even if you think your injuries are minor at the scene, symptoms can appear later. Make sure to see a doctor promptly.
[In case of a breakdown]
If you notice any abnormalities or experience any issues while using the vehicle, please stop in a safe place and contact us immediately.
The following services are available free of charge:
- Keys inside the locked vehicle
- Flat tires
- Dead battery
- Stuck in the snow
Basic Coverage (Available to All Customers)
- Personal Injury Protection: coverage up to 50 million JPY per person.
- Vehicle Coverage: coverage up to the actual cash value of the vehicle per accident. Charge to guest: 50,000 JPY.
- Bodily Injury Liability: Unlimited coverage per person.
(Includes mandatory liability insurance coverage of 30 million JPY). - Property Damage Liability: Unlimited coverage per accident. Charge to guest: 50,000 JPY.
By adding the CDW, the above charges to guests will be waived.
Damages caused by mechanical failures not attributable to our company, stains on seats, or damage to interior equipment are not covered by the insurance and will be charged to the guest at cost.
The insurance coverage does not apply in the following cases:
- When the vehicle is driven by a person other than the contracted renter or authorized driver listed in the contract.
- If the vehicle is overdue past the return time.
- If you fail to report an accident.
- If you settle a claim directly with the other party without notifying us.
- Damage to vehicles or buildings owned or managed by the customer.
- Damage caused by driving off-road, such as on beaches or forest roads.
- Damage caused by fueling with the wrong type of fuel.
Non-Operation Charge
The Non-Operation Charge (NOC) is a fee that you are responsible for when the vehicle requires repair or cleaning due to an accident, theft, or damage.
- If the vehicle can be driven back: 20,000 JPY
- If the vehicle cannot be driven back: 50,000 JPY + Towing fee
*Please note that the charges to guests and non-operation charges are waived only in case of a breakdown.
[In case your car gets stuck]
No matter how much you prepare, there are times when your vehicle may suddenly get stuck. When stuck, the tires may spin in the air without gaining traction, causing the vehicle to neither move forward nor backward even if you press the accelerator. Trying to force the vehicle out by pressing the accelerator too hard can make the situation worse.
If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow and becomes undrivable, please contact us immediately.
[Tips for Driving on Snowy Roads Without Getting Stuck]
- Avoid sudden acceleration when starting to move
- A common cause of getting stuck is pressing the accelerator suddenly, which causes the tires to lose traction by spinning on the snow surface. When starting off, make sure to press the accelerator slowly and gently
- Drive at a reduced speed
- Since other vehicles have compacted the snow, the ruts likely to have packed snow and can be very icy. Always keep your foot ready to brake, and apply the brakes gently and gradually, pressing them multiple times if needed.
- Snow poles are road markers
- In snowy regions, tall poles are placed along the roadside at regular intervals. These indicate the width of the road. Please drive carefully to avoid falling into the roadside drainage ditches.
Useful Tools
When driving in Japan, follow the rules and enjoy your drive!
Please make sure to check the following rules.
If you commit a traffic violation, please report it to us upon returning the vehicle and present the “Traffic Violation Notice” along with the “Payment Slip/Receipt” stamped with the payment confirmation.
If payment of the fine cannot be confirmed or if the penalty fee is not paid, a charge of 50,000 yen will be applied.
Others
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and your original driver’s license are required.
Yes. all our Hakuba rental cars are 4WD cars, which are available and recommended for winter driving.
Yes. All Hakuba winter car rentals include winter tires during the snow season.
Pick-up and drop-off are at our rental office.
If you require transportation assistance, please feel free to contact us in advance.
Yes. Renting a car in Hakuba is much more flexible and cost-effective than taxis.
Yes. A Hakuba rental car allows easy access to resorts like Happo-One, Goryu, and Iwatake.
• Drivers must be 21+ with at least 1 year of driving experience
• Toyota Alphard rentals require drivers to be 25+
• No maximum rental period
• Long-term car rentals in Hakuba are available on request
• Based on vehicle type and rental duration
• Prices include car, insurance, and tax
• Rentals over 4 hours are charged as 1 day
• No. Car rental pick-up from Nagano Station is not available.
