Having your own set of wheels while travelling in Japan gives you the freedom to explore this stunning country on your own terms, but when the weather starts to turn chilly it can get a little trickier to navigate the roads as ice begins to form and snow starts to fall. This is especially true in Japan’s northern reaches like the island of Hokkaido, which many people visit for its ski resorts, natural hot springs (onsen) and stunning national parks. That doesn’t mean you should rule out winter travels altogether though - far from it. There are just a few things you’ll need to keep in mind before setting out on a winter adventure in Japan.

1. Snow tyres/chains

Further south snow might not be much of an issue, even in winter, but if you’re driving in the northern regions of Japan then you’re going to need to take some precautions. The most important of these precautions is making sure that your car rental is equipped with snow tyres or snow chains. Most Japanese roads aren’t treated with salt when it snows, so it becomes crucial for you to have good traction when driving on ice and snow. It’s worth noting that using snow chains will exclude you from using some roads (you can ask your rental supplier for further details) but most of the time this won’t be an issue. Snow tyres or chains are likely to be optional extras with your rental - make sure you select one of these as they’re key to driving safely in icy/snowy conditions.

2. Check weather conditions before you travel

Sometimes it’s just not a great day to be out and about. Even if you do decide to brave the elements, it’s worth knowing what you’re in for. Keep your eye on local travel warnings and weather reports so you know if you’re going to be in for some rough conditions. Ultimately whether or not you choose to push on in spite of inclement weather will come down to how familiar you are with driving in snowy conditions, although if things get really heavy we’d suggest postponing your travels to another day. There’s not only your own safety to consider, but also the likelihood that you’ll end up in a situation where your car rental is damaged.

3. Make sure you have plenty of fuel

Don’t head out in cold conditions without your fuel tank being at least a third of the way full. For a start, this will mean you probably won’t have to worry about stopping for fuel along the way, but more importantly if you happen to break down or run into car troubles you’ll be able to keep the engine and heater running so you can stay toasty while you’re waiting for assistance. Depending on whereabouts in Japan you are when you break down and how bad the weather is outside, this could mean the difference between sitting around waiting in comfort and finding yourself in a legitimately dangerous situation. Fueling up isn’t a big hassle, so get it out of the way before you’re on your way.

4. Bring some basic supplies

You don’t have to bring the kitchen sink with you every time you hit the road in a Japanese winter, but there are a handful of items which can really come in handy during the colder months. First among these is sunglasses. In wintery conditions in the north of Japan, sunnies can be a real lifesaver, cutting the glare which can blaze back from snow on a clear day. It can also be a good idea to bring along a bag with warm clothes or blankets in it, just in case of emergencies. Ask your car rental supplier if you can get a windshield ice scraper included with your hire as well, as these can be very handy when you come back to your vehicle after a day of adventures.

5. Caution is key

Alt text: With a little bit of care your winter holiday in Japan can be an incredible, safe experience.At the end of the day, just taking it easy is the best thing you can do when attempting winter driving in Japan. Even with snow tyres or snow chains, traction can be an issue especially when driving downhill. Cutting your speed and shifting down a gear or two on downward inclines can preempt accidents before they even have a chance to get started. This is especially relevant when coming back down the mountain from a day skiing. Of course, all this shouldn’t discourage you from driving in Japan, even during the colder months. Hokkaido is particularly beautiful in winter, and world famous events like the Sapporo Snow Festival are reason enough to visit despite the cold.

Travelling through northern Japan in winter has its challenges, but with a little care it can be a delightful experience that you’ll remember for years to come. With a Japan car rental, this quaint winter wonderland is yours to discover.