Master Winter Driving in Hokkaido, Japan : Understanding Snow Conditions for Safe Driving!

[@pliedtka]

Damn, you drive like real pro 👍. I like the fact that people can practice their skills on the frozen lake. I will test winter Dunlops this year on Canadian roads (not much different from Hokkaido, from what I see).

[@pouetpouet959]

Hello, as a French who wants to drive from Tokyo to Akita in December 2024 your videos are useful in preparing for my trip, thanks

[@JohnSnowroad011]

Akita is a region with heavy snowfall. If you plan to rent a car, an SUV is the most suitable choice. I will continue to create videos about driving on snowy roads in Japan. Have a safe and wonderful journey!

[@brianzp5744]

Good video - easy to understand. Yes some panic for myself (tropical driver) but points are well noted!

[@zff94]

Hi. I will be visitting Sapporo on 15th Feb and will rent a car. Do you think the road from Sapporo to Lake Shikotsu is okay to drive in mid February?

[@JohnSnowroad011]

If you have any driving experiences in Japan or specific information you seek about driving on snowy roads, please share them in the comments!

[@GhalibJennings]

Hi! Would equipment such as snow chains be required when driving in Dec?

[@JohnSnowroad011]

"In the case of Hokkaido, snow chains are not necessary. However, in areas outside Hokkaido, there might be situations where snow chains are needed. This depends on whether snow removal is frequent or infrequent. A car with AWD is recommended. If you have a front-wheel-drive (FF) vehicle, carrying snow chains can provide peace of mind, although they may not be necessary in many cases. It's also useful to have a towing rope, a foldable shovel, and a snow helper. You can purchase these items at automotive supply stores and carry them in your vehicle."

[@pliedtka]

This is similar to the rules in some parts of North America in mountain region, like Colorado, Utah, California, Wyoming. I know my sister always carries chains when driving in Lake Tahoe area - patrol basically blocks the road and everyone has to put chains on their wheels.

[@jwoods6585]

do winter tyres help much when driving ????

[@pliedtka]

Japs make some of the best studless winter tires in the world, equal to tires made in Europe and usually better than many US makers. Bridgestone Blizzak series is one of the most popular all over the world. Also Toyo, Dunlop, Yokohama make very good tires. The compound much, much softer and thread design for winter tire is very different from all-season and summer tires. There are also differences between typical snow tire and tires for icy surfaces. Let say that in snowy conditions like Hokkaido, Scandinavia, Canada, North Eastern USA you have no chance when the snow hits the ground. Living in Canada my first winter tires 30yrs ago were Nokia Hakkapelita from Finland and I will never drive on regular all seasons since then. Actually 20km from where I live, in province of Quebec, winter tires are mandatory from Dec 15 to mid March. Many countries have similar laws, including Japan.

[@pliedtka]

Yes, a lot. Possible that winter tires are mandatory in Hokkaido during winter. They're very different in design from all-season tires.