I am planning to drive around the Chubo area covering prefectures like Nagano, Gifu, Ishikawa and Toyoma in this December.
How are the road conditions in winter in the mountainous areas? Do you need snow chains in December? Any other advice on driving at that time?
Txs.
Winter Driving in Japan
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Often there isn't yet snow in December but if you really go up into the mountains you might encounter snow. The later it gets in the month the higher the likelihood of snow. Roads are not well cleared of snow so if there is snow, highways restrict entrance to vehicles with snow tires or chains. If you are inexperienced at snow driving, I would reccommend against it. Snow plus unfamiliar vehicle and road isn't a great combination.