Using Times Car in Niseko｜An Honest Review of This Car-Sharing App

Times Car in Niseko｜Honest Review from a Local Resident

Times Car is a good option for Niseko travel if you do not need a rental car for a full day, but want to drive for a short time to the station, town center, hot springs, shops, or nearby sightseeing spots.

In Niseko, getting around only by walking or bus can be limiting. A car-sharing service that you can use in 15-minute units makes family travel and short local trips much easier.

I live in Niseko and used Times Car in March and April 2026. I also used the same app during a trip to Kanazawa, where I could choose a car near the station and unlock it through the app.

In this review, I share what I learned from actually using Times Car in Niseko, including the price, gas policy, station availability, distance fee, 72-hour limit, and family travel tips.

5 Things I Learned After Using Times Car in Niseko

① No need to refill the gas before returning

One of the biggest advantages of Times Car is that gas is included in the usage fee. Unlike a regular rental car, you do not need to find a gas station and return the car with a full tank.

This was especially convenient in Niseko, where visitors may not know where the nearest gas station is.

② From ¥220 per 15 minutes

The Basic Class starts from ¥220 per 15 minutes. Maximum time rates include ¥4,290 for up to 6 hours, ¥5,500 for up to 12 hours, ¥6,600 for up to 24 hours, and ¥14,300 for up to 72 hours.

For time-based use, a distance fee of ¥20 per km applies to the distance driven over 20 km. Short trips within Niseko are easy to manage, but check the distance fee if you plan to drive to Kutchan, Otaru, or Lake Toya.

③ The cars felt new and easy to drive

I used cars such as the Yaris, Yaris Cross, Nissan e-POWER, Hustler, and Aqua.

Compared with an older daily-use car, they felt quieter and smoother to drive.

The backup monitor and safety alerts also made driving in an unfamiliar area easier. My child enjoyed looking at the app and choosing which car to use.

④ The same app worked during another trip

After using Times Car in Niseko, I also used the same account during a trip to Kanazawa. I could search for a car near the station, reserve it, and unlock it with the app.

This is one of the best parts of Times Car. It can be useful not only in Niseko, but also in places like Sapporo, Asahikawa, New Chitose Airport, and Kanazawa.

⑤ Be careful with trips longer than 72 hours

In general, the maximum reservation period for time-based use is 72 hours. If you need a car for more than 3 days, you may have to return it once and make a new reservation.

When I used it for a 3-night trip, I could not simply extend the reservation and had to return and reserve again. For longer stays, plan your return timing in advance.

Basic Information and Times Car Stations in Niseko

Basic service information

• Service name: Times Car
• Operator: Times Mobility Co., Ltd.
• Monthly fee: ¥880
• Individual and family plans include ¥880 worth of free usage each month
• Reservation, unlocking, and return can be done through the app

Times Car stations in Niseko

At the time of checking, there were two convenient Times Car stations in Niseko.

• Niseko Station: Yaris Cross Hybrid
• Niseko Town Community Center: Yaris Hybrid

Each station has only one car, so checking availability in the app is important. Vehicle models and availability may change.

Price guide

• 15 minutes: from ¥220
• Up to 6 hours: ¥4,290
• Up to 12 hours: ¥5,500
• Up to 24 hours: ¥6,600
• Up to 72 hours: ¥14,300
• Night Pack: ¥2,640
• Distance fee: ¥20/km

For time-based use, the distance fee applies to the distance driven over 20 km. For the Night Pack, distance fees apply from the start of use.

Places to Visit Around Niseko with Times Car

Niseko town and nearby areas

Times Car is useful for short trips to places like Takahashi Farm, Niseko View Plaza, nearby hot springs, supermarkets, and local shops. These places may be too far to walk, but not far enough to need a full-day rental car.

Kutchan area

Kutchan is convenient for shopping, restaurants, supermarkets, and drugstores. It is a useful area for longer stays in Niseko.

However, the driving distance can be longer, so remember the distance fee if you go beyond 20 km.

♨️Hot springsand short evening trips

Times Car can also be useful for visiting nearby hot springs in the evening. In winter, it gets dark early and road conditions can change quickly, so short local trips are the safest and easiest way to use it.

Who Times Car Is Good For｜And Who It May Not Suit

Good for people who:

• Want to drive for a short time during a Niseko trip
• Do not want to refill gas before returning the car
• Are traveling with kids and want easier transportation
• Want to visit the station, shops, hot springs, or nearby spots
• Want to use the same app in other travel destinations

May not suit people who:

• Need a car every day during their Niseko stay
• Want to keep the same car for more than 3 days
• Plan to drive long distances around Hokkaido
• Are very nervous about driving on snowy roads
• Want a car that is always professionally cleaned before use

Conclusion｜Times Car Is Useful for Short Trips in Niseko

Times Car is useful for Niseko travel if you want to drive for a short time, avoid gas refilling, and use the same app in other travel destinations.

There are only a few cars in Niseko, so availability is limited. But when a car is available, it can be much easier and more flexible than renting a car for a full day.

Check these 3 things before using it

• Car availability at Niseko Station or Niseko Town Community Center
• Whether your trip will exceed 20 km
• Whether your reservation is within 72 hours

Before your Niseko trip, check the Times Car app for availability. If a car is available, it can make getting around Niseko much easier.