Self-Drive Guide: Winter Driving in Hokkaido

Experience the freedom of exploring Japan’s winter wonderland — safely and confidently.

Driving in Hokkaido during winter is one of the most rewarding travel experiences you can have.
From snow-covered birch forests and steaming onsens to frozen lakes and world-class ski fields, self-driving gives you the flexibility to see it all at your own pace.

This guide from Drive Furano-Hokkaido-Car Rental explains everything you need to know about safe and enjoyable winter driving in Hokkaido, from licensing to snow tyres, road conditions, parking and local tips.

Before You Go

1. International Driving Permit (IDP)

If you’re visiting Japan, you’ll need:

  • A valid driver’s licence from your home country, and

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
    (Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada and most EU countries qualify.)

Bring both documents, without these you cannot drive or pick up your rental vehicle.

Tip: IDPs are valid for one year only. Make sure it covers your full stay.

2. Vehicle Type & Equipment

All Drive Furano vehicles are:

  • 4WD or AWD, suitable for winter conditions

  • Fitted with dedicated winter (studdless) tyres

  • Fully insured

  • Equipped with heater, defroster, and winter washer fluid

Optional extras available:

  • Roof boxes or ski racks (if available)

  • GPS or multilingual navigation or apple car play if available

  • Child seats

3. Navigation and Fuel

  • Use Google Maps, Apple car play for accurate English directions.

  • Many fuel stations are full-service — the attendant fills the tank.

  • Toll roads are common between Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Furano please use the cash booths when using toll roads and carry cash.

Driving Conditions in Winter

1. Snow and Ice

Hokkaido roads are well maintained, but snow and ice are constant from December – March.
Expect:

  • Black ice on shaded sections

  • Snow drifts on rural roads

  • Reduced braking and steering response

Drive smoothly — avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
Leave extra distance between vehicles and reduce your speed.

2. Visibility

Heavy snowfall can reduce visibility to a few meters.
If this happens:

  • Use low-beam headlights (not high beam).

  • Follow the center line markers or roadside poles (painted red or orange).

  • If visibility becomes unsafe, pull into a parking area and wait for conditions to ease.

3. Winter Tyres vs Chains

Winter tyres (studless snow tyres) are standard on all vehicles in winter.
Chains are rarely needed or used in Japan caution must be exercised when travelling on high mountain roads or during blizzards.

Popular Winter Drive Routes

Furano → Biei → Asahikawa

A stunning scenic drive through rolling snow-covered hills and famous winter landscapes.
Don’t miss the frozen Blue Pond and Shikisai no Oka for winter photography.

Sapporo → Niseko → Lake Toya

Combine powder snow skiing with volcanic scenery and lakeside onsens.
Allow extra travel time in heavy snow conditions.

Asahikawa → Sounkyo Gorge

Enjoy an easy half-day drive into the Daisetsuzan mountains.
Be prepared for steep sections and occasional icy tunnels.

Parking & Road Rules

1. Parking

  • Always park only in designated areas — roadside parking can block snowploughs.

  • In towns like Furano and Biei, overnight street parking is prohibited in winter due to snow clearing.

  • Most hotels, ski lodges and onsens have cleared parking areas.

2. Speed Limits

  • Highways: 80 km/h (often reduced in winter)

  • Local roads: 50 km/h unless otherwise sign posted

  • Residential streets: 30–40 km/h unless otherwise signposted

Speed cameras are frequent — fines are expensive and enforced.

3. Alcohol Limit

Japan has a zero-tolerance policy:
Do not drink and drive. Even minimal blood alcohol can result in fines and licence cancellation.

What To Do in an Emergency

  • If you slide or become stuck, stay calm and avoid spinning tyres — it will only dig deeper.

  • Call #9910 (road information / snow closures).

  • For police: 110

  • For fire or ambulance: 119

  • For assistance, call the Drive Furano support (number provided in your rental agreement).

Toll Roads and Routes

Hokkaido’s expressways are efficient and well-maintained.
You will need to pay with cash or a credit card to use the toll road.

Snowploughs operate regularly, but after heavy snowfalls some sections may close temporarily.
Check live conditions at www.jartic.or.jp