Snowy roads for hot spring trips | Checking winter tires, chains, road closures, and alternative transportation

Conclusion: Gather equipment, information, and cancellation criteria before departure.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism advises that anti-skid measures such as winter tires or chains are necessary on roads that may be slippery due to snow and ice. Furthermore, during heavy snowfall, even vehicles with winter tires or 4WD vehicles will not be allowed to pass through restricted areas unless they are fitted with chains.

How to enjoy a hot spring while watching the snowSnow-viewing hot springThe entire tripWinter hot spring tripWe will check it. If you are unsure about driving, start from the beginning.Hot spring trip without a carSelect.

Information will be updated 7 days prior, the day before, on the day of, and during the run.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issues early warnings for the possibility of heavy snowfall of warning-level intensity, and then gradually issues heavy snow warnings. The "Future Snow" section allows you to check snow accumulation, snowfall, and short-term forecasts. Since forecasts change, please do not simply check it once when making a reservation.

We use official road information from the national government, highway companies, and prefectural governments, and do not determine whether a road is passable based solely on photos from social media. Even if the highway is passable, the conditions of the prefectural roads, town roads, and mountain roads from the interchange to the accommodation are different. We ask the accommodation about "which road to use," "the final slope," "snow removal," and "parking."

During heavy snowfall, traffic congestion and preventative road closures can occur on expressways and national highways. Do not depart simply because you have a reservation or your accommodation is open; prioritize information from road authorities.

Differentiating the roles of winter tires, chains, and 4WD vehicles.

NEXCO East Japan advises carrying snow chains, as even vehicles equipped with winter tires may experience driving difficulties depending on weather and road conditions. Simply purchasing or borrowing chains is insufficient. Follow the instructions and check the installation procedure, drive wheels, and tightening in a flat, safe area.

Tire type, wear, air pressure, and chain compatibility should be confirmed with the vehicle's owner's manual, tire and vehicle manufacturer, maintenance provider, or rental car company. This article alone cannot determine the suitability of each vehicle.

Rental car useRental car hot spring tripTherefore, please confirm the availability of winter tires, chain rental, insurance, roadside assistance, late return policy, and driving area restrictions when making your reservation.

Vehicle and belongings check before departure

Fill up your tank well before entering the mountain road. Gas stations may be scarce or have short operating hours. Don't rely solely on your smartphone; prepare charging methods, contact information, route, and accommodation address. Items to bring:What to bring on a hot spring tripPlease add it to [the specified location].

Remove snow from the roof, hood, lights, and windows to ensure visibility and lighting. Avoid dangerous actions such as pouring boiling water on the windshield or running the engine for extended periods with the exhaust blocked by snow.

Infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses or regular medications should consider the possibility of being stuck on the train or at a station longer than planned due to traffic jams or service cancellations.Family-friendly hot spring inns,Hot spring inns for seniorsPlease also check this.

Don't judge the road surface by sight on bridges, in shaded areas, on slopes, on mountain passes, or in the early morning.

Avoid sudden maneuvers such as sudden starts, sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden steering. Maintain a moderate speed and increase your following distance. Even if pressured by a following vehicle, prioritize safety and pull over to a safe location. Do not operate your smartphone while driving.

The shortest route shown on a car navigation system is not necessarily the best route in winter. Use main roads recommended by road authorities and accommodations, and avoid roads that are closed in winter, local roads, unplowed roads, and narrow mountain passes.

When driving alone for long periods, take more breaks and stop driving if you feel drowsy or fatigued. Avoid long-distance driving immediately after bathing.Health and safety during hot spring tripsPlease Confirm.

Do not attempt to take shortcuts on your own when roads are closed or you are stranded.

If a road closure is imposed, we will follow the road authority's information regarding expected reopening dates and detours. We will avoid unnecessary detours onto public roads, entering restricted areas, and putting on snow chains on the shoulder of the road, and will move to a safe parking or waiting area. We will contact the accommodation to inform them whether we will be able to arrive and how it will affect dinner and transportation. Even if the shortest route is shown on a map app, we will not enter roads where snow removal conditions or winter closures cannot be confirmed through official road information.

If you become unable to move, inform the police, road emergency hotline, highway company, rental car company, or roadside assistance of your location and situation. Since it may be dangerous to get out of the vehicle, follow the instructions of road authorities and rescue personnel.

If you are waiting inside your vehicle during snowfall, there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from snow around the exhaust vent. Prioritize your safety and follow emergency information and rescue instructions. In life-threatening situations, requesting rescue should take precedence over travel plans or accommodation costs.

Decide in advance whether to give up or postpone getting a car.

We assess not only whether we can reach the destination, but also whether we can return safely. We will refrain from traveling by car if there is a forecast of heavy snowfall of warning level, preventative road closures, inability to install snow chains, lack of experience driving on winter roads, uncertain vehicle equipment, or poor health.

Hot spring trip by train,Hot spring trip by bus,Hotel shuttle serviceWe will compare them. Shuttle services may be reservation-only, have limited capacity, or be tied to specific routes, so they may not be available on short notice.

Cancellation/ChangeCancellation fee for hot spring innWe will check the road, traffic, and accommodation operating conditions, as well as booking conditions, and make a separate decision. Bad weather doesn't automatically mean it's free, but we won't take a risky departure to avoid costs.

9 things to confirm with the accommodation

1. Recommended winter routes
2. Road surface from highway exit to accommodation
3. Steep slopes, narrow roads, and winter closures are all factors to consider.
4. Snow removal status and last updated time
5. Information on winter tires and chains
6. Parking location, roof, and snow removal
7. Pick-up service from the nearest train station/bus stop
8. Dinner and check-in during arrival delays
9. Extended stay and luggage handling in case of worsening conditions on the return journey

The accommodation's response may be helpful as a reference for surrounding roads, but it does not constitute a permit or guarantee of safety. Ultimately, you should follow the latest information and local instructions from road authorities, police, weather agencies, transportation authorities, etc.

The arrival time isCheck-in at the innDinner isDinner at a hot spring innThe night entrance isInn curfewPlease check with.

Even after arriving, we continue to take precautions against snow on the return journey and on foot.

Upon arriving at the accommodation, check the parking location, snow removal schedule for the next morning, request vehicle relocation, snow falling from the roof, and any icy pathways. Do not leave wet gloves or shoes in the car; make sure they are ready to use the next morning.

When walking around the hot spring town, wear non-slip shoes, dress warmly, go during daylight hours, and check that the sidewalks have been cleared of snow. Do not walk on the roads, and do not approach snow on roofs, icicles, or snowplows. Walking at night is not recommended.A night stroll in the hot spring townPlease refer to.

The next morning, check the entire car for snow, including the windows, lights, license plate, and exhaust pipe, and update road conditions. Remove snow from the roof as well as the windshield in a safe place to prevent it from sliding onto cars in front of or behind you while driving. Do not pour hot water on frozen windows; use the defroster or de-icing products. Pre-departure checks are also necessary, such as not operating frozen wipers and checking that there is enough anti-freeze washer fluid.

I will not rush to check out and leave while the snow removal is inadequate. If the mountain passes or highways on the return journey are in poor condition, I will consult with the inn about changing my departure time, extending my stay, or getting a ride to the station. Regarding luggage and extended stays...Luggage storagewithCheck outI'll consult with them.

FAQ about traveling to hot springs on snowy roads