Thanks for the detailed info AlwaysAisle, very helpful indeed.

Unless we walk, it would be another 200Y /per person / per trip from our hotel station's closest subway to Sapporo station. That's another 1600 Y. But of course, renting a car is never economical. It's all about the freedom and flexibility. Been to Japan quite a few times...but this will be our first time in Sapporo, away from the urban cities like Tokyo, etc....so we thought we might consider driving around this time around.

1) Beside the cost of parking in Otaru, is parking something that's easily accessible / find? Or is limited / far away from attractions? Spent some time just browsing around on Google Map Street View....couldn't find that many official parking lots...but in fact, a lot of places have (free?) parking infront of the buildings.

- Base on my brief research...some of the attractions within Sapporo itself (ie. Shiroi Koibito Park, Historical Village, etc will all offer free parking)

2) Thanks again for the very helpful info on the ETC toll fees. I was actually looking around for that...but couldn't really find a decent English website with relevant info. I know there are X days unlimited passes....but where could I find how much each route / segment would cost, like the ones you listed out?

3) I assume you can pull up to most of the lavender farms in Furano, and they would all offer free parking right? Appx. how many of these 'farms' would you recommend one visit? Is there anyone of them that's particular famous / 'main attraction'?

Thanks again for all your help.