Hokkaido is a winter wonderland, drawing hordes of snow sports enthusiasts thanks to its exquisite, dry powder snow. However, that lovely winter scene can be a bit tricky for drivers who aren't used to it. So, before you hit the road, we've got some handy tips for you, especially if you're from a place where cold, snowy winters are more of a rarity.
Driving in Snow and Ice
Hokkaido is this breathtaking, mountainous island, and it's famous for its heavy snowfall (we're talking around 10 meters per season at the mountain's base). It's a paradise for skiers, no doubt, but driving here comes with its own quirks.
Sometimes the snow can descend as sudden snowstorms that can turn road visibility into a big fat zero. You'll be cruising over packed powder snow (not too shabby), ice (pretty slippery), or a delightful mix of both. So, keep these tips in mind to make your Hokkaido adventure safe and enjoyable.
Here are a few tips to ensure you're well-prepared:
1. Stay Updated on Weather Conditions
Always stay informed about the weather forecast both before and during your trip. You can easily access this information through various phone apps, your accommodations' television, or even at local convenience stores in Japan. Additionally, in the Kutchan/Niseko region, bilingual warning signs are posted to alert you when there are storm warnings in effect. It's advisable to steer clear of driving in adverse weather conditions, particularly during blizzards and nighttime travel.
2. Nighttime Driving Caution
Navigating through Hokkaido in adverse weather conditions, especially when it's snowing, can be quite challenging during night hours. As a rule of thumb, it's wise to avoid extended drives after 4:30 pm, around sunset, when the weather is unfavorable. The rural mountain roads in Hokkaido tend to be particularly dark at night and lack supplementary lighting. Nighttime blizzards are especially perilous, rendering your surroundings a blinding white expanse, which can be treacherous on winding mountain routes. For your safety, it's best to stay close to your accommodations during adverse weather conditions. Do note that the winter sun sets relatively early, between 4 to 5 pm, so being well-prepared is crucial.
3. Plan Your Route with Care
Prior planning is paramount. Chart your route well in advance and anticipate that you might need extra time to reach your destination in inclement weather. If you have any questions about your route or plans, don't hesitate to ask us for guidance. It's always better to be safe than sorry! Keep in mind that a seemingly quick thirty-minute drive according to Google Maps may extend to two hours or more in challenging road and weather conditions.
Even individuals who have resided here for years and are well-acquainted with winter driving, including ourselves, often avoid taking the drives in unfavorable weather for the very reasons mentioned. Roads encompasses winding roads, traversing mountain passes and valleys, which can be prone to sudden and intense blizzards. It's fine on a clear day with good visibility, but can rapidly deteriorate into challenging conditions within minutes.
This link is an example of some of the worst conditions:
4. Brake Awareness and Gentle Driving
While on dry, warm roads, brakes allow for quick stops, the same doesn't hold true in winter weather, especially on snowy and icy surfaces.
Hokkaido's weather can be rather unpredictable, with occasional warm spells, especially in valleys and during the transition periods between winter (November/December) and spring (March/April). Roads that appear wet during the day may transform into treacherous stretches covered in nearly invisible black ice at night. Black ice, as the name implies, blends in with dark road surfaces, often seeming only wet. In reality, it's a hazardous icy coating.
Attempting to make sudden stops on ice can easily result in your car skidding out of control. When driving on icy terrain, it's crucial to slow down gradually and tap the brakes instead of continuously applying pressure. An error commonly made by inexperienced drivers in icy conditions is pushing the brakes harder, causing them to lock up and the vehicle to skid even with ABS Brakes (Anti-lock Braking System).
To ensure your safety, it's advisable to increase your following distance from the typical three to five seconds on dry roads to eight to ten seconds in wintry conditions. This extended safety margin will provide the additional stopping distance you might require in case of a sudden need to halt.
The Vehicle Ready for the Winter
We offer four-wheel-drive vehicles with automatic transmission, complete with specialized winter tires, and there's a good reason behind it – your safety and that of your family is our absolute top priority! Hokkaido may hold unexpected challenges for those less experienced with its winter conditions. It's crucial to be well-prepared, fully aware of what you're venturing into, and open to taking a break from driving when needed to ensure everyone's safety.