Driving in winter

[infinitesadness]

Can anyone here share their experiences on self-driving in Japan during winter?

My plan is to drive up from Nagoya to Shirakawago and then Matsumoto and Kawaguchiko.

Not sure if it will be easy to drive in a regular sedan or hatchback in winter, or do I need something larger or possibly even 4wd.

Just my wife and I.

 

[kifo]

1st question - do you have winter driving experience?

If no, I will suggest that a holiday is not the place or time to learn how to drive in winter.

If yes, a normal car with winter tyres is probably sufficient if you are sticking 100% with major roads. If going on smaller roads, a 4wd is recommended.

 

[infinitesadness]

1st question - do you have winter driving experience?

If no, I will suggest that a holiday is not the place or time to learn how to drive in winter.

If yes, a normal car with winter tyres is probably sufficient if you are sticking 100% with major roads. If going on smaller roads, a 4wd is recommended.

Yeah, plenty. But that was in U.S. where it's generally flat.
I guess my question is I'm not sure how a small car will cope with mountain roads. Will it have problems carrying us up with our luggage, given that there'll be heavy snow as well.

 

[kifo]

Yeah, plenty. But that was in U.S. where it's generally flat.
I guess my question is I'm not sure how a small car will cope with mountain roads. Will it have problems carrying us up with our luggage, given that there'll be heavy snow as well.

The Japanese will usually clear the main roads, so you should be able to go through even with a normal sedan. However if you need to go onto the smaller roads, which is likely if your accommodation or the points of interest are not on the main roads, then I would recommend a 4wd.