If your trip to Sapporo is all sorted out but your travel itinerary is looking a bit empty, we can give you a few hints and tips.If there’s one thing that encapsulates Sapporo, it’s Sapporo JR Tower. Be sure to capture plenty of fantastic photos in front of this famous attraction to show your family when you return home.Soak up the best that this place has to offer by adding Sapporo Clock Tower and Former Hokkaido Government Office Building to your itinerary. If you’ve got an extra day handy, have a look at Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park as well.Stop by Tanukikoji Shopping Street. It’s one attraction you’ll find on most travelers’ must-do lists. Nakajima Park and Nijo Market are also nearby and worth checking out.

See what’s going on in nearby Yoichi. What’s 31 miles when you’ve got your own set of wheels? The road trip there is half the fun! Nikka Whiskey Distillery Yoichi should be high up on your list here. Fruits Park Niki and Yoichi Space Dome are must-see attractions too. Don’t skip Tomakomai either! Just 31 miles away, Sunflower Ferry, Utonai-ko Sanctuary and Sea Station Plat Seaport Market are essential stops here.

Pack the trunk with a hamper of scrumptious snacks and drinks and head to one of the lovely beaches near Sapporo. Some of the best places to stop for a seaside picnic are:

• Otaru Dream Beach (9 miles away).
• Zenibako Beach (11 miles away).

Located 2 miles from Sapporo, Sapporo Convention Center is a great place to go for a conference. After a tiring day of mingling and getting to know new people, you’ll be able to hop into your rental car and drive out to a nearby café or go for a relaxing cruise around the area.

Here are our suggestions on how to get behind the wheel of a rental car with some savings in your pocket:

• Use our amazing filter feature to steer you toward the cheapest car rental rates in town — then compare the prices
• Make sure you check your inbox for our Price Drop Alert. We’ll give you inside info on all the amazing bargains cruising around your location
• Research is the key to getting your hands on the cheapest rentals deals in town, so be sure to check out both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off outlets before you splash cash on your ride
• If you’re not fussed about which day of the week you get the keys to your car and your plans are flexible, experiment with days and dates to find the best rates
• Nobody likes getting stung with a late fee. Avoid having to pay for another full day by making sure your pickup and drop-off times are around the same time
• Some companies reward you for prepaying — keep your eyes open for these money-saving deals
• The early bird catches the juiciest worm, along with the hottest deals! Book as soon as possible to grab some impressive savings.

Visiting Sapporo to wonder at Sapporo JR Tower and Sapporo Beer Museum? That’s what we call an unforgettable road trip! But you may want to give a bit of thought to exactly how you’ll get around. Driving in this bustling metropolis can be daunting, so select smaller wheels, like a compact or an economy car. You’ll be zipping through traffic and scoring car spaces like a local. If you’d prefer to leave the driving for outside the city, that’s fine by us too. Lock in something a little more spacious and comfortable, like a four-wheel drive, and discover the bays of Ishikari.

There’s more than enough choice when it comes to renting a car in Sapporo. From luxury models to economy rides that are a snap to park, you’ll find it all here. Choosing your ride depends on how much you want to spend and what activities you plan on doing. Some road trips are just begging you to splurge on your dream ride, whereas others don’t need anything more than a bargain, no-frills type model.

Driving in a foreign location doesn’t have to leave you gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles. If you’re headed for Sapporo, get comfortable in the driver’s seat with these helpful tips:

In Sapporo, you’ll need to drive on the left side of the road. This means the steering wheel is on the right-hand side. If you’ve rented a vehicle with a manual transmission, you’ll need to get used to changing gears with your left hand.

It can be tough to get a car space in Sapporo. Once you nab one, make sure you pay attention to the signage. Overstaying the time limit or parking where you shouldn’t can put a big hole in your vacation budget.

With a population of 1,883,000, you should expect it. If you’d rather not be stuck firm in bumper-to-bumper traffic, take to the wheel outside the peak hours. They run between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, and again from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

In the city of Sapporo, speed limits range from 30km/h to 100km/h. Residential zones have a maximum speed limit of 40km/h unless otherwise indicated.

One of two things will happen. Your car rental company may charge the amount of the fine to your credit card. This is the usual practice. On the other hand, it may forward your contact information to the relevant local agency so the fine is issued straight to you.

As long as you have Bluetooth or similar functions enabled, you are able to use your cell phone while driving around Sapporo. But be sure to keep concentrating on the road.

In Sapporo, it is a punishable offence to drive with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of more than 0.03%. If you plan to have a few drinks with lunch or dinner, leave the car behind.

Turning on a red light is a big no-no in Sapporo. Always be on the lookout for traffic lights and signs so you don’t breach any traffic laws.

Seat belts should always be worn in Ishikari. However, the rules may differ for certain vehicles, like those operated by public transportation systems.