Hakuba is famous for its incredible snowfall, beautiful mountain scenery and world-class ski resorts. But if you're visiting from overseas or are not used to driving in heavy snow, winter driving in Hakuba can be very different from what you're used to.
During winter, Hakuba can receive heavy snowfall, while temperatures can fluctuate between freezing and above freezing. This can create a mixture of fresh snow, packed snow, slush and icy roads. Conditions can change quickly, particularly overnight and early in the morning.
Do You Need 4WD and Snow Tyres in Hakuba?
Proper snow tyres are essential for driving in Hakuba during the winter months. Heavy snowfall, icy roads and fluctuating temperatures can create challenging driving conditions, particularly on steep roads and in the surrounding mountain areas.
4WD or AWD is strongly recommended for winter driving in Hakuba, especially during heavy snowfall or when travelling on steep or less frequently cleared roads. Certain roads in Hakuba are restricted during winter and require snow tyres and 4WD or AWD.
At Freedom Car Rental, all of our winter rental vehicles are fitted with appropriate snow tyres and equipped with either 4WD or AWD, giving you the right equipment for Hakuba's winter conditions.
Nervous About Driving in Hakuba in Winter? Here's What You Need to Know
If you're not used to driving in snow, winter driving in Hakuba can seem daunting at first. However, with the right vehicle and a little extra care, you can enjoy driving around the valley with confidence.
Snow and ice can make stopping distances longer, and road conditions can change quickly. Drive at a comfortable speed for the conditions, leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles, and allow extra time for your journey.
If heavy snow is falling, roads can become covered quickly, so take your time and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering.
Always follow local road signs and winter road restrictions, and remember that conditions can change throughout the day.
Things to Do in Hakuba Besides Skiing and Snowboarding
Hakuba is famous for skiing and snowboarding, but there's much more to experience beyond the slopes. The Hakuba Valley stretches across a large area, with 10 different ski resorts, as well as restaurants, cafés, onsens, shops, sightseeing spots and beautiful mountain scenery.
Having a car makes it much easier to discover everything Hakuba and the surrounding area have to offer. Visit a traditional onsen, explore the surrounding villages, enjoy local restaurants and cafés, go shopping, or take a scenic drive through the valley.
For a memorable day trip, you can also visit the famous snow monkeys in the Jigokudani area, or head south to Matsumoto Castle, which is especially beautiful surrounded by snow in winter. The nearby town of Omachi is also worth exploring, with a growing selection of restaurants and places to eat.
The Hakuba Valley shuttle bus provides convenient transport between many of the ski resorts, but services can become very busy during peak periods, particularly when snowfall is heavy. The shuttle is also primarily designed to connect the ski resorts, so it isn't always the most convenient option for shopping, visiting restaurants, exploring local attractions or travelling to areas away from the main ski resorts.
With your own car, you're free to explore Hakuba and the surrounding area at your own pace, making it easier to experience everything the region has to offer beyond skiing and snowboarding.
Local Support When You Need It
One of the advantages of renting from Freedom Car Rental is that we're a local Hakuba business with full-time mechanics on site.
Our mechanics maintain and prepare our rental vehicles throughout the season, and if you experience a mechanical problem or have an issue with your vehicle during your rental, our team is available to assist you.
Having a local team on hand gives you extra peace of mind when driving in Hakuba's winter conditions. If something goes wrong, you won't be dealing with a rental company hundreds of kilometres away — we're right here in Hakuba and ready to help.
How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Hakuba
Winter in Hakuba is one of the most beautiful times of the year, but getting around comfortably requires the right vehicle and the right preparation.
With a properly equipped winter rental car, you can explore more of Hakuba and the surrounding area while having the flexibility to travel when it suits you.
Whether you're heading to the ski slopes, meeting friends for dinner, visiting the local onsens, exploring the surrounding villages or taking a day trip further afield, having your own car makes getting around Hakuba easier and more convenient.
Freedom Car Rental Hakuba provides winter-ready rental vehicles equipped for Hakuba's snowy conditions, backed by a local team and full-time mechanics who are here to help when you need us.
