Not my first time driving in winter, did previously in finland, norway, germany, austria, but this time round was probably the most uneventful ( which was good )
There were a few things I could summarise from driving in winter in japan :
- Upon arrival at new Chitose Airport we headed to the rental department where all the various companies congregate their counters. No one at Nissan counter but a landlined phone was there to call for assistance. Nissan drove a mini bus to pick us up from the airport to their rental, which was <10 min bus ride. Upon returning the car, they will similarly have a minibus to ferry us back New Chitose airport. If car is ETC enabled, I believe have to pay the fees incured via ETC toll before leaving.
- Unfortunately my car was not ETC card equipped ( they told me they ran out of the ETC ?card ) Please do try to get ETC enabled vehicles - much more convenient than paying cash manually at non ETC gantry ( While most gantries have a non ETC gantry, saw one small entry into the expressway that only accepts ETC enabled cars..
- Snow/winter tyres are essential. Chains not compulsory, I have never tried driving with chains on although there was ever one european trip the company provided a set in the boot.
- Make sure car came with ice scraper / snow brush. Always give ample time, sometimes clearing snow over the car can take a good few minutes of workout before road worthy. Have ur vicom help clear internal misting / fogging . There was one morning the freezing was inside the car windscreen.
- Cities largely follow a grid layout, so driving is simple even if you miss a turn you can easily make a turn further. But the grid layout also means extreme numbers of traffic lights .. The grid layout in Sapporo with the green Odori belt was apparently planned by an American.
- Braking distance is increased, really no tailgating, even with what I thought was adequate spacing, nearly hit the vehicle in front on a gentle downslope if not because I veered into the turning lane beside.
- Roads can be slippery esp in mornings with black ice.
- In central / northern areas where snow piles higher than vehicles beside the roads, creating multiple blindspots. Do not do quick turns only to realise a pedestrian was crossing. Not an issue in Sapporo as they clear the snow more rigorously, but likely the norm in Asahikawa and other northern / central towns.
- Because roads are pratically snow covered, look for blue signages and pedestrian lights to have an idea of where to brake before red lights.
- Japanese traffic lights are on the whole pretty self explanatory, there are way more discretionary right turns than locally in Sg. Larger busier junctions usually are equipped with right turn traffic lights to help direct traffic, the smaller ones have to exercise judgement, especially when most of them have a pedestrain crossing as a first thing to encounter when you turn.
- Roads can be closed in winter but Google Map / Waze may be unaware.
- A higher clearance 4x4 is recommended, else can be especially bumpy on certain roads , or covered roads during heavy snowing.
- if concerned with slipping / losing traction / bumpy rides, try to follow the tyre tracks of cars on roads.
- On a two way road, the center divider has heap of snow which can be slippery when trying to change lanes for overtaking, apply more caution doing lane changing.
- Avoid the urge to swerve or make large corrective turns on the wheel when the car loses traction as it might spin the vehicle.
- Self explanatory, avoid entering a corner at excessive speed, especially if downhill. But was one night while driving back we got smoked bya small white hatchback drifting at hairpin loops down a mountain pass, and assuming it was a cheaper front wheel drive vehicle, it was serious skillz with marbles of titanium, probably a local.
- Street lights are almost non existent outside township, you will be lucky if there are reflector markers, need to turn on high beam but be corteous and dip lights with oncoming traffic
- Parking in private gantried carparks, no standardisation but some comes with individual; physical barriers that lifts with payment, some have cameras etc. Multistory carparks can be rather tight. Alot of money can be spent on parking fees, so best seek out Airbnbs with parking lots and save the pain hunting for carparks at the end of the day. In Sapporo, there were nights my carpark was just across the street, but there was a night my carpark had to be a 0.5km walk away.. Their parking fees make our MBS parking look reasonable . Some manned multistory carparks have complicated cheaper ticket fares that needs to be physically redeemed from the carpark attendants upon parking (* quite silly and inefficient ) , remember to read up google reviews of carpark u are parking.
