{"id":2320,"date":"2016-12-20T15:11:24","date_gmt":"2016-12-20T06:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/safe-driving-tips-for-wintertime-in-japan\/"},"modified":"2025-08-28T11:35:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T02:35:20","slug":"safe-driving-tips-for-wintertime-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/safe-driving-tips-for-wintertime-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Safe Driving Tips for Winter in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Snow<\/a>Driving in Japan presents its own set of challenges, especially for those used to roads and traffic \u201cback home.\u201d \u00a0The most obvious challenge for many is that the traffic moves on the left side of the road instead of the right, but in addition we must get used to sudden double-parking in Tokyo, very narrow streets, and very tight quarters in car parks throughout Japan.<\/p>\n

Winter driving in particular can be tough here. Even those accustomed to driving in wintery conditions will find a challenge or two when the snow starts to fly, or when driving through the mountains mid-winter.<\/p>\n

We have complied a list of useful tips to keep in mind if you\u2019re new to winter driving here in Japan.<\/p>\n

Snow Removal Kit <\/b><\/h2>\n

This can be as simple as keeping a small windshield ice scraper, brush, and foldable shovel in the trunk.\u00a0 Trying to scrape your windows with a credit card while you are already late is probably one of the worst ways to start a day; not recommended.<\/p>\n

Traction – Snow Tires and Chains <\/b><\/h2>\n

This writer is from St. Louis, Missouri, and we get a decent amount of snow every year, but there is one thing that we do that most of Japan doesn\u2019t do enough of; salt and plow the roads. This means if you are used to \u201call-weather\u201d being sufficient for winter tires in your home country \u2013 BEWARE!\u00a0\u00a0You may find your car unable to get up even the smallest incline on a cold, snowy day in Japan.<\/p>\n

Because of this, s<\/b>now tires or chains are imperative<\/b> for winter driving in Japan. \u00a0In metro Tokyo, Nagoya or Osaka, you may get away with not needing snow tires, but a set of chains to keep in the trunk is still highly recommended. Especially if you\u2019re prone to driving to ski resorts or freak snow storms hit your neck of the woods.<\/p>\n

If your vehicle is rear-wheel-drive, adding some weight in the trunk or cargo bed will help, since the rear drive wheels offer better traction when there is weight above them. \u00a0To note, cars leased through www.LeaseJapan.com<\/a> will often come with snow tires as a part of the lease package, in addition to providing English language service and even a 24 hour helpline for car related emergencies.<\/p>\n

Gasoline<\/h2>\n

Make sure to drive with no less than 1\/3 of a tank of gas when plying the roads in winter. If you become stuck in the snow you\u2019ll appreciate having enough reserve gas to keep the car\u2019s engine and heater going to keep you warm while you wait for help to arrive. \u00a0Buying gasoline in Japan.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Battery <\/b><\/h2>\n

Always carry battery jumper cables in your car.\u00a0 In cold climates, it\u2019s not unusual for your car\u2019s battery to go dead. If your battery dies you may be able to use jumper cables to jump start it using another vehicle.\u00a0How to avoid a dead battery?\u00a0 Make sure to run the car\u2019s engine at least a couple of times a week to prevent the battery from going dead in the cold. If you have not used your cars for a few days you should start the engine and leave it running for five minutes before driving. Using jumper cables.<\/a><\/p>\n

Windows and Wipers <\/b><\/h2>\n

You can\u2019t go anywhere if you can\u2019t see, and your car needs good wipers; if you want to err on the side of caution, grab a new set every fall before the snow hits.\u00a0Fold the wiper blades away from the glass if you know snow or freezing rain will hit. This prevents the blades from cracking and makes it easy to deice the windshield later, as the blades can freeze to your windshield or become buried under snow.\u00a0Also make sure to keep a full tank of windshield washer fluid with a winter-mix formulation, because winter windshields can get nasty in a hurry.<\/p>\n

Personal Items <\/b><\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t forget your sunglasses.\u00a0 You will need them to keep the glare from snow to a manageable level.\u00a0Make sure you\u2019ve got gloves handy in case you have to use that scraper.\u00a0 And enough warm clothes or blankets in the car to keep you safe if you break down and need to wait for help.\u00a0Don\u2019t wear enormous boots if you can help it, as you want your feet to be nimble on the pedals for to adapt to changing road conditions. Your margin for error is a lot slimmer than usual when the roads are slick, so this stuff matters more than you might think.<\/p>\n

Survival kit <\/b><\/h3>\n

Keep a space blanket tucked in the glove compartment or some other storage space within reach of the driver.\u00a0 A shiny space blanket’s ability to keep you warm could be a lifesaver, it takes up virtually no space, and it costs less than $10.<\/p>\n