Hi everyone,
I come from an area that doesn’t really get snow or anything like that and we are planning a few days away in Hakone/Fuji area around Christmas time. Does anyone know if they salt the roads etc and does it even snow around that time? Also are winter tires a good idea for our trip?
4 comments
Yes (to a point), yes (it’s the weather, not guaranteed), and definitely yes. In the mountains especially you may get to a point where you need chains as well.
Hakone’s touristy and onsen/hotel area is fine, maybe a light dusting now and again. Fuji, depends how high you get. Some main roads that are above a certain altitude get snow, but mostly clear.
Keep in mind that winter tires not only help in the snow but also in lower temperatures. Regular tires lose traction because they stiffen in colder weather.
Would renting a car be an option?
It wouldn’t make sense to buy winter tires if it’s just for a trip.
Winter tires recommended. I don’t know the exact situation in Yamanashi area but there are many areas in Japan where you are not allowed (and they check) to drive in winter if you don’t have either studless tires or those pesky chains.