The Nissan outlets are the only ones with English GPS so the rental outlet to rent from in Matsumoto would be the Nissan at Matsumoto Ekimai(in front or around the train station). Good luck and enjoy your trip or <b>do your best</b> as the Japanese would say, Gambatte kudasai!

Aloha!

As ht mentioned, it is spring and the weather may be good. I was impressed by the snow removal effore that I saw. But I also remember going to dinner with the family that runs a gassho zukuri. The wife did the driving and drove fairly fast over the snow covered road (despite the big snow removal effort the road was covered with snow). I assume the car had chains. But that was January. And the bus did make it from Takaoka to S-go.

I suggest that google for strategies, tips, tricks, for driving in ice and snow. Snow is one thing, ice is a whole different matter.

There is a phone number for visitors to Japan to use to get information. I have seen it in guide books like fodors, so it might be on this website. Maybe you can use it when in Matsumoto to get info on road conditions. Maybe use it at the car rental agency to translate info they may give.

Have a great trip! And when you get back, please let us know how it worked out.

Hi everyone! We had a wonderful trip full of fun,great food, temples, cherry blossom and one day of snow. thanks to all the advice I got on the thread. will post a trip report soon..

Good, I guess your car didn't slide on the ice and over a cliff then.

Glad to hear it! Welcome home.

looking forward to the report!