Please do not drive a vehicle with normal tires (rental car) to Takayama during the winter season! Please be very careful when driving on snow-covered roads.

Page Number T4001651  Updated on  November 28, 2024  Print

Takayama is a mountainous area at an elevation of more than 500 meters above sea level. Temperatures drop below freezing during the winter months (December to March).

Even if there is no snow around the airport, there may be snow or icy road surfaces on the roads in Takayama, and there is a risk of accidents such as slipping and falling.

In particular, vehicles with normal tires have an extremely high risk of slipping, which can lead to fatal accidents. In addition, there are cases where driving becomes difficult, forcing a major change in the itinerary.

For your safety, please do not come to the site in winter with vehicles equipped with normal tires. Please be careful when driving on snow-covered roads.

Takayama city area in winter image
Takayama city area in winter
Okuhida Onsen-go in winter image
Okuhida Onsen-go in winter

Possible situations that may occur during winter in TAKAYAMA with normal tires:

  • Accidents caused by slipping
  • Inability to climb hills and reach destinations such as lodges (or return home even if you can reach them)
  • Inability to use highways due to winter tire restrictions, etc.

Accidents caused by slipping

It is against the law to drive on snowy or icy roads with normal tires.
Fines and penalties will be imposed.
(Road Traffic Law, Gifu Prefecture Road Traffic Law Enforcement Regulations)

Inability to climb hills and reach destinations such as lodges (or return home even if you can reach them). Inability to use highways due to winter tire restrictions, etc.

Before traveling to Japan

Please be sure to select snow tires when you make a rental car reservation for the winter season.
It is difficult to change to snow tires when renting a car from a rental company after arriving in Japan.

Driving

  • Before driving, please check the road conditions and weather information.
  • Be sure to remove all snow from the vehicle before driving. Driving with snow remaining on the roof of the vehicle is very dangerous, especially when snow slides down onto the windshield during driving, blocking your view.
  • (This applies even when snow tires are installed.)
    Please drive carefully and keep a sufficient distance between vehicles while driving.
    Sudden braking, sudden turning, sudden acceleration, and sudden braking are strictly prohibited.