Alcantara 0 Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 Is there somewhere on this site or elsewhere that gives updated road conditions? Mostly whether chains are necesary on any particular day/time etc. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 Virtually no one in Japan uses snow chains (only some buses and trucks). We all have snow tyres for winter. Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I noticed that in Niseko, that there were no chains (except on the heavy vehicles) and wondered ... now I know - thanks. Link to post Share on other sites
Fattwins 0 Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 Many people use chains it depends on where you live. Link to post Share on other sites
snowdude 44 Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 Actually I have seen a lot use chains, usually people coming from Tokyo, who haven't got studless tyres on. If you got a 4x4 with studless tyres then no need for chains at all. With the current weather conditions pretty much all the roads should be free of snow, unless you are going of the main routes. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 Maybe I should have specified Hokkaido instead of Japan... Link to post Share on other sites
soubriquet 0 Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I've never seen chains on a car in Yamagata, or Tohoku for that matter. Perhaps you should have specified northern Japan Link to post Share on other sites
Alcantara 0 Posted March 18, 2008 Author Share Posted March 18, 2008 Most of the taxis in Hakuba had chains on the last time I was up there. I'll be using studless this year but have to muck around with my (plastic/rubber chains) this season. Link to post Share on other sites
soubriquet 0 Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 That's the south for you. Hayseeds who still haven't made the connection that snow comes in winter. We're a bit smarter in the north. Link to post Share on other sites
snowdude 44 Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Best way get your self a 4x4 if you can with studless tyres, thats what I drive, never have to worry about snow on the roads then, I have driven through snow 30cm deep no worries at all. I remember when I first came to Japan many moons ago and rented a car from Tokyo with chains, what a joke, drove through just a few inches of snow and got stuck, had to get a 4x4 to pull us out, after that I decided to by a 4x4, so wouldn't have that problem anymore. Of course normal 4 wheel drive car will ground out much quicker than the off roaders, but still good. Link to post Share on other sites
big-will 7 Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 I hate the sound of chains. I'm sure the roads don't like them either. Link to post Share on other sites
Alcantara 0 Posted March 19, 2008 Author Share Posted March 19, 2008 those new type chains made of rubber with metal spikes aren't very noisy. Link to post Share on other sites
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