Kutchan Winter Driving Guide | Hokkaido Car Rental

Before a winter drive

Confirm winter tyres, drivetrain and snow-clearing equipment for your vehicle. 4WD does not remove the risk of sliding.
Clear snow from the vehicle, windows, mirrors and lights. Watch for snow blocking the exhaust when stopped in heavy snow.
Carry warm clothing and a charger, refuel early, and check current weather and road closures.

Drive on the left. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking or steering and leave a generous following distance.
Watch for ice on bridges, intersections and shaded roads. A black-looking road can still be frozen.
Do not blindly follow the shortest map route; favour main roads. In a blizzard or poor visibility, stop at a safe place rather than pressing on.

An ETC unit and an ETC card are different. Confirm card availability, fees and toll settlement before booking.
Do not enter an ETC-only lane without a valid inserted ETC card. Some toll gates are ETC-only, so check your route in advance.

Check the fuel label and rental instructions. レギュラー (regular petrol), ハイオク (premium petrol) and 軽油 (diesel) are different fuels. Ask staff before filling if unsure.
Seating capacity is not luggage capacity. Tell us about skis, snowboards, strollers and large suitcases before booking.
Confirm parking and snow clearance at your accommodation. Do not park on public roads or obstruct snow-clearing operations.

IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG

Make the situation safe. Call 119 for injuries and 110 for a traffic accident; take care to avoid another collision.
Contact the rental emergency number provided at handover. Give your location, registration and situation. Do not arrange repairs or private settlements without instructions.

Japan Visitor Hotline · JNTO+81 50 3816 2787

24-hour visitor assistance in English, Chinese and Korean. This public service is not our rental roadside assistance.

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