Driving in Japan in Winter: Snow Tyres, Chains and Road Info

Winter driving in Japan at a glance (winter 2026–27)

Japan's winter roads are well managed, but the rules are strict and change with the weather. This guide sums up what visitors renting a car at Haneda Airport need to know this season. Rules and sections can change, so always check the official sources linked below before you go.

Winter tyres vs. chains

Studless tyres (スタッドレスタイヤ) are the normal winter tyre in Japan. They grip on packed snow and ice without metal studs. NEXCO East asks drivers to fit winter tyres on all wheels, marked スタッドレス (Japanese marking) or with the snowflake symbol (international marking). Nagano Prefectural Police state that using only two studless tyres is both illegal and dangerous. Worn studless tyres lose their grip once the tread reaches the 50% wear indicator.

Tyre chains (タイヤチェーン) go on the drive wheels. Metal, rubber/urethane and fabric "snow socks" sold in car accessory shops are accepted; spray products are not. NEXCO recommends carrying chains when you use expressways in snowy weather, even if the car has winter tyres.

Normal tyres on a snowy or icy road break the prefectural rules and can be fined (JAF reports ¥6,000 for an ordinary car). More importantly, one stuck car can block an expressway for hours.

Two snow regulations on expressways

1. Winter tyre regulation (冬用タイヤ規制) — the usual one. When snow falls, NEXCO restricts a section to cars with winter tyres or chains and checks tyres at the entrance. Cars without them cannot continue on that section.
2. Chain regulation (チェーン規制) — used only in exceptional snowfall, for example when a heavy snow special warning or an emergency heavy-snow announcement is issued. In designated steep sections, every vehicle must fit chains, including cars with studless tyres and 4WD. Chains are checked before the section starts.

When the system started, MLIT designated 13 chain-regulation sections. Those closest to a Tokyo trip are the Chuo Expressway (E20) between Sudama IC and Nagasaka IC in Yamanashi, National Route 138 between Lake Yamanaka and Subashiri near Mt Fuji, and the Joshin-etsu Expressway (E18) between Shinanomachi IC and Arai PA on the Nagano–Niigata border. Check MLIT's current list before you travel.

Snowy regions within reach of Tokyo

Black ice, closures and safe driving

Black ice (ブラックアイスバーン) looks like a wet road but is frozen. It forms most often in the early morning and evening, on bridges and overpasses, in shaded mountain sections and at tunnel entrances and exits. Mountain roads can stay frozen all day.

• Brake earlier and leave a much bigger gap to the car in front.
• Steer, accelerate and brake gently; slow down before bends, not in them.
• Expect closures. Heavy snow can close expressways and the parallel national roads at the same time, so allow extra days and have a train option.
• If you are stuck in a snowstorm, wait somewhere sheltered if you can. If you wait in the car, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

For the general rules of the road, see our guide to Japanese road rules for visitors.

Check road information before and during the drive

Car navigation may not show current snow or closures, so check these sources on the morning you leave and again at service areas.

What to carry in winter

• A phone charger and a power bank, and the emergency and driving guide saved on your phone
• Warm clothes, gloves, a blanket, water and some food in case of long waits
• Chains if your route may have a chain regulation (ask us first)
• A snow brush or ice scraper, and windscreen washer fluid that does not freeze
• A full tank: fill up before mountain sections, as stations can be far apart

What Go on Rent-a-Car requires

• Ask us before booking if your trip includes snowy areas such as Hakone, the Mt Fuji area, Nagano, Gunma or Niigata. Driving on snow without our consent is prohibited by our rental terms.
• Snow driving needs winter tyres. Tell us your route and dates, and we confirm what is possible before you book online.
• If the car gets stuck or breaks down, contact us first. JAF Road Service (#8139) runs 24 hours with a free interpreter; roadside help is charged at cost.
• After an accident on snow or ice, call the police (110) and then call us. Our guide on what to do after a car accident in Japan explains each step, and the Safety Pack means ¥0 for covered accident damage.