With some terrific day trip options in the surrounding area, renting a car makes good sense. Without one, it’d be much more difficult to soak up everything that Hakodate, 20 miles away, has to offer. Yunokawa Hot Spring, Mount Hakodate and Fort Goryokaku alone make the drive out worthwhile. Aomori is another great option. It’s 45 miles away and boasts a variety of awesome things to see and do. Aomori Museum of Art, Nebuta Museum WARASSE and Gappo Park are just the start.