IMPORTANT Notes About Winter Tires

Do you want to drive in Japan during winter?
You should check the weather of your destination in advance.
If it might be snowing, you need to have the proper winter equipment.

Be sure to choose the Snow Tire Plan when making a reservation.

• You can NOT receive snow tires if you do not reserve them in advance.
• You can not have it, even if you order upon arrival.

1) Order Snow Tires option

If you are planning to drive in the area where it may snow, please be sure to order Snow tires option.
Snow tires option is the TOP priority to drive on snowy/icy road.
Snow tires option can not be offered even if your destination is snowy area, unless you request it in advance.
Driving with normal tires is dangerous, even if you have 4WD car.

Please do not install snow chains on snow tires. Snow chains cause damage to the snow tires.
Reservation might be refused by the rental car company if it is too dangerous to drive with normal tires during snow/icy conditions.

*You can drive a car with snow tires even if there is no snow or ice on the road.

Winter Warnings

• Test your brake distance

  When there is no car in front or behind you, please try to test your brake distances in the snowy/icy condition.

• Wild Animal Crossing

  When driving in rural areas, drivers need to be aware of animals that might be crossing the road or highway at all times.

• Hokkaido Special Traffic Signs

  In heavy snowfall areas, there are special signs that mark the edge of the road or the center line, even when the road is covered in snow. There might also be arrows pointing down or snow poles at the side of the road.

• Black Ice

  Although the road may look the same, black ice can form suddenly and may not be visible. Black ice is commonly found on roads with shaded areas, bridges, overpasses, and intersections where car exhaust and packed snow freeze quickly.

  If you drive over black ice and start to skid, ease off the accelerator, and look and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. Don’t brake - this will make the situation worse. You may need to repeat this maneuver several times until you regain control.

• Window Wipers

  Pull the wipers up when you park. They can freeze on the windshield overnight.

• Static Electricity and Fire Risk

  In dry areas, the body can easily build up static electricity. Before you refill your car's gasoline tank, there is a black button on the gas stand for you to discharge static electricity in your body.