10 days self drive in Hokkaido

[teomingern]

On 12/23/2025 at 1:23 AM, Ghgan said:

My family returned on 12th December, but the trip got off to a rough start. On the very first day, my departure flight was delayed by three hours, and I nearly missed my connecting flight to Sapporo, throwing my entire schedule into chaos. As if that wasn’t enough, during our Hokkaido journey, almost the whole family was struck down by a flu outbreak on the sixth day (5 December) while we were traveling toward Asahikawa.

The drama continued the next day (6 December) in Asahikawa when my wife got into a car accident while driving, and we ended up spending about three frustrating hours dealing with the police. On the tenth day (9 December), we were shaken—literally—by Level 5 earthquake tremors.

The final day was the ultimate test. What should have been a simple one-hour drive from Sapporo to the airport turned into a two-hour-and-fifteen-minute ordeal after the highway was closed due to nearly two feet of snow. We were forced to detour onto small roads with heavy snow and near-zero visibility, racing against time and coming dangerously close to missing our 10 a.m. flight. Lucky we return on the 12th, as on the 13th there is blizzard which cancel all flight going out and coming into New Chitose Airport.

Those were the “highlights” of the trip—yet somehow, despite everything, it was still an unforgettable, fun, and exciting experience.

 

Woah! That's why I never drive in winter... very dangerous and nerve wracking... especially I have no experience... glad you're all ok and returned safely...

Edited December 22, 2025 by teomingern

[Ghgan]

On 12/23/2025 at 5:53 AM, Volvobrick said:

Wify drove? Mine never drives overseas.

Hokkaido once also kena snow storm could see beyond 10m. Just got to go slow. 

Miss driving in the snow. Haven't visit for almost 2 years. Last time I was there I booked the flight back to Tokyo from Mombetsu on the wrong date. Ended up paying more to have it changed, and to a different small airport too. 

When we reached there, it was just cold but no snow. Wife wanted to experience driving to Hakodate. Since over there are not much cars and it was a clear day, it is like driving in NS highway in up north, and the locals observe the speed limit so my wife drive some 50km between rest stop. Unfortunately I fallen sick due to the flu outbreak all over Hokkaido on the 6th day, so she took over the car for 2 days. It was a clear day as well but snow covered road, she got over confidence and never follow 5 cars gap safety distance for breaking and hit the back of the locals car. 🤦‍♂️

[Ghgan]

On 12/23/2025 at 6:21 AM, teomingern said:

Woah! That's why I never drive in winter... very dangerous and nerve wracking... especially I have no experience... glad you're all ok and returned safely...

That is why I planned the vacation during the start of winter, less chances of heavy snow. Just need to observe the safety rules and try not to speed in their highway when the road are covered with snow. Buy full insurance coverage and buy sim card that can do local voice call for emergency services cannot rely on data roaming alone or whatsapp or line app in Japan.  

Part of the reason of driving, it is better in term of getting to our place of interest instead of taking the train or the bus. When taking the train or bus, most of the time need to walk some distance to the place of interest, which is fine when not snowing or no wind, but when snowing plus wind or snowed walkway the path is slippery and you might take longer time to walk to the place of interest due to the snow covered walkway. Otherwise must relied on local tour group which pack a lot of itinerary and very rush, as each places of interest they only allow 30mins or less for you to explore and rush to the next destination.  

The downside of driving in winter is that need to clear the snow from the car. Both wiper also need to lift up for over night parking in case the wiper get stuck if the snow turn to ice. Another issues during snow covered road, totally cannot see the pedestrian cross road marking at the traffic lights, need to stop at least 1 or 2 cars distance or use the pedestrian traffic light to gauge the stop line.  

 

[Voodooman]

On 12/23/2025 at 9:24 AM, Ghgan said:

That is why I planned the vacation during the start of winter, less chances of heavy snow. Just need to observe the safety rules and try not to speed in their highway when the road are covered with snow. Buy full insurance coverage and buy sim card that can do local voice call for emergency services cannot rely on data roaming alone or whatsapp or line app in Japan.  

Part of the reason of driving, it is better in term of getting to our place of interest instead of taking the train or the bus. When taking the train or bus, most of the time need to walk some distance to the place of interest, which is fine when not snowing or no wind, but when snowing plus wind or snowed walkway the path is slippery and you might take longer time to walk to the place of interest due to the snow covered walkway. Otherwise must relied on local tour group which pack a lot of itinerary and very rush, as each places of interest they only allow 30mins or less for you to explore and rush to the next destination.  

The downside of driving in winter is that need to clear the snow from the car. Both wiper also need to lift up for over night parking in case the wiper get stuck if the snow turn to ice. Another issues during snow covered road, totally cannot see the pedestrian cross road marking at the traffic lights, need to stop at least 1 or 2 cars distance or use the pedestrian traffic light to gauge the stop line.  

 

Problem with driving in icy condition is during an emergency, our reflex, conditioned by years of driving in the tropics, will take over. Most of us will step hard on the brake and the car will skid uncontrollably.  Happened to me once while living overseas many years ago. Anyway, I refrain from driving in snowy and icy conditions generally.  Can be stressful during a snow storm.

The trick is to drive slow and to rent a 4x4. 

Presume you were using winter tires and didn't require chain at any time?

[denser]

On 12/22/2025 at 9:05 PM, teomingern said:

Toyota or Nissan lor... 

which online platform can recommend?

[teomingern]

On 12/23/2025 at 12:53 PM, denser said:

which online platform can recommend?

Use this lor... just google...

https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/

[teomingern]

On 12/23/2025 at 11:54 AM, Ghgan said:

That is why I planned the vacation during the start of winter, less chances of heavy snow. Just need to observe the safety rules and try not to speed in their highway when the road are covered with snow. Buy full insurance coverage and buy sim card that can do local voice call for emergency services cannot rely on data roaming alone or whatsapp or line app in Japan.  

Part of the reason of driving, it is better in term of getting to our place of interest instead of taking the train or the bus. When taking the train or bus, most of the time need to walk some distance to the place of interest, which is fine when not snowing or no wind, but when snowing plus wind or snowed walkway the path is slippery and you might take longer time to walk to the place of interest due to the snow covered walkway. Otherwise must relied on local tour group which pack a lot of itinerary and very rush, as each places of interest they only allow 30mins or less for you to explore and rush to the next destination.  

The downside of driving in winter is that need to clear the snow from the car. Both wiper also need to lift up for over night parking in case the wiper get stuck if the snow turn to ice. Another issues during snow covered road, totally cannot see the pedestrian cross road marking at the traffic lights, need to stop at least 1 or 2 cars distance or use the pedestrian traffic light to gauge the stop line.  

 

When all things go well, you're brave lar... when things go pear shape, then you're foolhardy lor... ha ha... you're very brave to take the chance lar... good that everything turned out well...

I know what you mean lar bro... I also prefer to drive... especially in Japan and particularly in Hokkaido where most places of interest are in remote area lor... so for winter I always use train... only drive in summer type conditions... heh!

Edited December 23, 2025 by teomingern

[teomingern]

On 12/23/2025 at 12:39 PM, Voodooman said:

Problem with driving in icy condition is during an emergency, our reflex, conditioned by years of driving in the tropics, will take over. Most of us will step hard on the brake and the car will skid uncontrollably.  Happened to me once while living overseas many years ago. Anyway, I refrain from driving in snowy and icy conditions generally.  Can be stressful during a snow storm.

The trick is to drive slow and to rent a 4x4. 

Presume you were using winter tires and didn't require chain at any time?

Agree bro... but sometimes even when you're most careful but conditions are super treacherous then accidents will just occur... especially with black ice on the road... very stressful to be on alert 110% of the drive especially when your visibility is like only 10 m... here in Oz, driving at 60 kmh all the way for over an hour is really tiring... ha ha...

[inlinesix]

On 12/23/2025 at 3:49 PM, teomingern said:

Agree bro... but sometimes even when you're most careful but conditions are super treacherous then accidents will just occur... especially with black ice on the road... very stressful to be on alert 110% of the drive especially when your visibility is like only 10 m... here in Oz, driving at 60 kmh all the way for over an hour is really tiring... ha ha...

That's must use Adaptive Cruise Control😂

[teomingern]

On 12/23/2025 at 6:28 PM, inlinesix said:

That's must use Adaptive Cruise Control😂

I do... been using it... only the Hyundai Cruise Control is very irritating... the engine will rev super high just to keep the speed selected... I either get a shock due to the roar of the engine or the car will jerk due to a quick downshift and then immediate upshift... very poor algorithm... like my old Sonata... my current Corolla Altis doesn't behave this way on cruise control...

Nevertheless it's still tiring by virtue of being so slow...

Edited December 23, 2025 by teomingern

[Ghgan]

On 12/23/2025 at 10:09 AM, Voodooman said:

Problem with driving in icy condition is during an emergency, our reflex, conditioned by years of driving in the tropics, will take over. Most of us will step hard on the brake and the car will skid uncontrollably.  Happened to me once while living overseas many years ago. Anyway, I refrain from driving in snowy and icy conditions generally.  Can be stressful during a snow storm.

The trick is to drive slow and to rent a 4x4. 

Presume you were using winter tires and didn't require chain at any time?

Yes, Alphard 4x4. Only winter tires as it is the beginning of winter. Probably Jan or Feb will require chain as the snow will be at least 2 ft deep or more. Saw quite a lot of FB post about getting car stuck in the snow in the mountainous road or small road in suburb areas as most highway will be closed due to heavy snow. These mountainous road might be worse as the snow accumulate very fast if there is a sudden blizzard even though the snow cover road had been clear in the morning.  

Even the car rental company advised me to check the news every morning for update on weather condition. If there is any chance of heavy snow, best not drive until the weather clear up. Even some outdoor event like the Otaru cruise will be cancelled due to bad weather condition, I had to drive back on the next day to take the cruise as the weather had cleared. 

[Ghgan]

On 12/23/2025 at 3:47 PM, teomingern said:

When all things go well, you're brave lar... when things go pear shape, then you're foolhardy lor... ha ha... you're very brave to take the chance lar... good that everything turned out well...

I know what you mean lar bro... I also prefer to drive... especially in Japan and particularly in Hokkaido where most places of interest are in remote area lor... so for winter I always use train... only drive in summer type conditions... heh!

Now then I understand why climate countries folks say SG driver drive too fast in city and suburb areas. In Sapporo and the rest of the Hokkaido the locals driving speed is around 20-40km/h, 1km distance feel like eternity to me. Highway 80km/hr,  once in a while will see car speed past 120km/hr, probably reach the destination faster by a few mins. 

Edited December 23, 2025 by Ghgan

[inlinesix]

On 12/23/2025 at 8:46 PM, Ghgan said:

Yes, Alphard 4x4. Only winter tires as it is the beginning of winter. Probably Jan or Feb will require chain as the snow will be at least 2 ft deep or more. Saw quite a lot of FB post about getting car stuck in the snow in the mountainous road or small road in suburb areas as most highway will be closed due to heavy snow. These mountainous road might be worse as the snow accumulate very fast if there is a sudden blizzard even though the snow cover road had been clear in the morning.  

Even the car rental company advised me to check the news every morning for update on weather condition. If there is any chance of heavy snow, best not drive until the weather clear up. Even some outdoor event like the Otaru cruise will be cancelled due to bad weather condition, I had to drive back on the next day to take the cruise as the weather had cleared. 

Alphard is a bad choice for snowy conditions (despite 4x4).

It is either Subaru or Toyota LC 250/300.

It is similar to muddy terrain off-road.

[Ghgan]

On 12/23/2025 at 9:16 PM, inlinesix said:

Alphard is a bad choice for snowy conditions (despite 4x4).

It is either Subaru or Toyota LC 250/300.

It is similar to muddy terrain off-road.

In fact saw quite a number MPV, big size, medium size or small size as well as SUV in the highway. The locals there I noticed prefer boxy car (Like Daihatsu wake) for more utilities based transport. Off road car not that many. 

 

[inlinesix]

On 12/23/2025 at 9:30 PM, Ghgan said:

In fact saw quite a number MPV, big size, medium size or small size as well as SUV in the highway. The locals there I noticed prefer boxy car (Like Daihatsu wake) for more utilities based transport. Off road car not that many. 

 

Not forgetting you are a tropical driver. Unlike Local.

Most of these 4x4 are part time.
The opposite driving wheel will be activated when slip happens.

For Subaru, it is permanently 50:50 split. It can react swiftly when slip happens.

For LC250/300, it is even better if know how to use 4x4 and diff lock. In addition, it is a huge SUV which either take 6 passengers or a lot of luggage.

[Volvobrick]

On 12/23/2025 at 12:46 PM, Ghgan said:

Yes, Alphard 4x4. Only winter tires as it is the beginning of winter. Probably Jan or Feb will require chain as the snow will be at least 2 ft deep or more. Saw quite a lot of FB post about getting car stuck in the snow in the mountainous road or small road in suburb areas as most highway will be closed due to heavy snow. These mountainous road might be worse as the snow accumulate very fast if there is a sudden blizzard even though the snow cover road had been clear in the morning.  

Even the car rental company advised me to check the news every morning for update on weather condition. If there is any chance of heavy snow, best not drive until the weather clear up. Even some outdoor event like the Otaru cruise will be cancelled due to bad weather condition, I had to drive back on the next day to take the cruise as the weather had cleared. 

Rental cars are not advised to be fitted with chains. They are thus not provided with chains. And if heavy snow, wait for the snow plough to clear the roads before driving on the. In fact some days/hours some of the mountain roads are closed. 

[Volvobrick]

On 12/23/2025 at 12:54 PM, Ghgan said:

Now then I understand why climate countries folks say SG driver drive too fast in city and suburb areas. In Sapporo and the rest of the Hokkaido the locals driving speed is around 20-40km/h, 1km distance feel like eternity to me. Highway 80km/hr,  once in a while will see car speed past 120km/hr, probably reach the destination faster by a few mins. 

My last experience there says the locals are all speed demons. Highway 80 with icy surface and snow, I tried to stay below that, and kena overtaken by even uncles/aunties in small hatchbacks and trucks and buses. In the end gave up and the tried to follow them at 90 to 100.

Edited December 23, 2025 by Volvobrick

[teomingern]

On 12/23/2025 at 11:24 PM, Ghgan said:

Now then I understand why climate countries folks say SG driver drive too fast in city and suburb areas. In Sapporo and the rest of the Hokkaido the locals driving speed is around 20-40km/h, 1km distance feel like eternity to me. Highway 80km/hr,  once in a while will see car speed past 120km/hr, probably reach the destination faster by a few mins. 

That's winter driving speed lar... 60 kmh is fine in city or suburbs... but not on main roads that stretch forever lor...