Renting a Car for Your Japan Ski Holiday: Everything You Need to Know.
- OnpointMadarao
- May 12
- 6 min read
From winter safety to scenic freedom—here’s the ultimate guide to renting a car for your Japan ski holiday and snow trip to Madarao, Myoko, Nozawa, and beyond.
Why Renting a Car in Japan’s Snow Country Can Make or Break Your Trip:
Japan is one of the most well-connected countries in the world when it comes to public transportation. But once winter arrives and the snow starts dumping, especially in ski towns and mountainous regions, relying solely on trains and buses can quickly limit your experience.
If you’re staying more than a few nights in a mountain resort—or planning to resort-hop, explore onsens, or visit hard-to-reach restaurants—renting a car might be your smartest decision.
But mountain driving in Japan comes with specific conditions and legal requirements—especially in deep-snow regions like Nagano and Niigata. You can’t just book the cheapest compact car from Tokyo and expect it to get you up to Madarao or Nozawa during a snowstorm. Booking the wrong car—or renting from the wrong location—can be a costly and frustrating mistake.
This detailed guide will walk you through how to rent a car, where to do it, when to book, what you’ll need, and why it matters—with all the links, advice, and real-world tips you need to drive safely and confidently through Japan’s snow country
RENT YOUR CAR NEAR THE MOUNTAINS, NOT IN THE CITY
While you can rent a car from Narita or Tokyo, it’s usually better to rent closer to your ski destination. Why?
Because rental cars in Tokyo, Osaka, or even at the airport aren’t always fitted for snow.
If you’re heading to Madarao, Myoko, or Nozawa, the best move is to rent a car at the Shinkansen exit station closest to your resort. This guarantees better vehicle readiness for the terrain ahead.
Best Rental Stations Near Ski Resorts:
• Iiyama Station (Madarao Kogen)
• Joetsu-Myoko Station (Myoko Kogen)
• Nagano Station (Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen)
• Hakuba (via Nagano or Matsumoto)
Once you hop off the bullet train, you can pick up your snow-ready vehicle and be on the slopes within 25–60 minutes.
4WD/AWD + WINTER TIRES ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE
This is the single most important thing you need to know:
Do not accept a rental car that does not have both 4WD (or AWD) and winter tires.
Even if the rental company says “you’ll be fine,” do not take the risk.
In Japan’s mountainous regions (especially above 500 meters elevation), snow is consistent and can fall rapidly. Roads are plowed often but conditions change by the hour. You do not want to be the person sliding backwards on a hill or blocking the road to the resort.
Why This Matters:
• Snow tires (studded or studless) are required by law in many mountain regions
• Without proper tires, you may be stopped by police and denied entry to the resort exit from the highway
• Driving without the right gear puts you and others at risk
• Getting stuck can cost you hours (and ruin your trip)
Always double confirm the car is fitted with snow tires and is 4WD/AWD before you leave the lot—especially if renting from urban areas.
THE DANGERS OF UNDERPREPARED VEHICLES
Accepting a 2WD car or one with regular tires may save a little money upfront—but it could cost you a lot more later.
Here’s what can happen:
• You could get stuck mid-slope in a blizzard
• You might not be able to access your accommodation driveway
• You could block narrow mountain roads or even cause an accident
• In some areas, hotels and roadside services are not obligated to assist you
At Onpoint Madarao, for example, we cannot be held responsible if your vehicle gets stuck. Snow clearing and rescue services are handled by municipalities or your rental provider. Our priority is guest safety—and trying to push a car can lead to serious injury for both our staff and you.
BENEFITS OF HAVING A PRIVATE VEHICLE IN THE MOUNTAINS
Renting a car isn’t just about convenience. It completely transforms your snow holiday.
Here’s what you gain:
✅ Resort hopping: With over 45 ski resorts within a 60-minute drive of Madarao, you can chase the best snow each day.
✅ Local dining: Venture off-mountain to hidden izakayas, ramen shops, or countryside restaurants.
✅ Onsen adventures: Japan’s best hot springs aren’t always within walking distance. A car gives you access to the quiet, remote ones.
✅ Tourist exploration: Visit Zenkoji Temple, snow monkey parks, or Lake Nojiri without paying for tours or relying on infrequent buses.
✅ Freedom and pace: No need to rush for a train. You control your day, your detours, and your discovery.
For stays longer than 4 nights, a car unlocks an entirely different experience—especially if you’re staying at a lodge like Onpoint Madarao.
WHERE TO RENT A CAR IN ENGLISH
Here are three major, traveler-friendly rental companies with English booking pages:
You can reserve online, choose your pickup location, select winter tires/4WD as options, and request add-ons like ETC cards or snow chains. You can also check locally with private car rental services. Both Nagano and Myoko have local operators with cars equipped for winter adventures.
WHEN TO BOOK
As early as possible.
Winter-ready cars (especially 4WD/AWD models with snow tires) are limited, and ski season overlaps with domestic Japanese holiday periods. Book at least 1–2 months in advance—especially for peak dates (Christmas–early March).
If you’re traveling during New Year, Chinese New Year, or February weekends, book even earlier.
WHAT YOU NEED TO RENT A CAR IN JAPAN
Check-list.
✅ Passport
✅ International Driving Permit (IDP) – 1949 Geneva Convention format
✅ Your driver’s license (from your home country)
✅ Credit card for payment
✅ Email confirmation of reservation
You must carry your physical IDP—a scanned version or digital image is not legally accepted.
JAPAN’S DRIVING LAWS AND SAFETY CULTURE
Japan has very strict laws around road safety.
• 🚫 Zero tolerance for alcohol while driving – Legal limit: 0.00 BAC.
Even a sip of beer can result in license revocation or arrest.
• 🚨 Speed limits:
City: 40 km/h
Countryside: 50–60 km/h
Highway: 80–100 km/h
• 🛑 No phone use unless hands-free
• 🚘 Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt (yes, even in the back)
Fines and penalties are serious. Drive with care and patience.
WHAT TO CARRY IN YOUR CAR
If you must rent a 2WD car (not recommended), make sure you also carry:
• ❄️ Snow chains (know how to install them)
• 🥾 Snow floor mats to step on when getting in/out
• 🛠 Small shovel in case you get stuck
• 🧾 Rental agreement + emergency assistance number
• 🔋 Phone charger + power bank (in case of roadside delay)
• 🧤 Blanket + gloves (especially for remote areas)
IF YOU GET STUCK—WHAT TO DO (AND NOT DO)
Even with 4WD, extreme snow conditions can overwhelm your car.
DO:
• Stay calm
• Clear snow around tires
• Use mats or boards under tires for grip
• Call roadside assistance (provided by the rental company)
• Work as a team with your group to push carefully (if safe)
DO NOT:
• Expect your hotel or lodge to tow or push your car
• Leave your vehicle during a snowstorm or at night
• Abandon the car without telling someone
• Drive further if you’ve lost traction
Important: If you leave your car during a blizzard in a remote area, you risk getting lost—and not finding it again. Stay with your vehicle unless you can walk to safety in daylight and good visibility.
IS RENTING A CAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you’re staying 3 nights or less, want to ski one resort only, and prefer everything handled for you—then public transport + shuttles may be enough.
But if you’re:
• Staying 4+ nights
• Keen to explore multiple resorts
• Traveling with a group
• Wanting more cultural exploration
…then a rental car is one of the best investments you can make.
Just make sure you rent the right vehicle, from the right place, and drive with care.
STAY ONPOINT: WHY A CAR WORKS PERFECTLY WITH YOUR STAY
Madarao Kogen is the perfect basecamp for a car-based snow holiday.
From Onpoint Madarao, you’re within 1 hour of:
• Over 45 ski resorts including Myoko, Nozawa, Togari, Seki Onsen, and more
• Dozens of authentic restaurants and izakayas
• Stunning onsens, shrines, lakes, and villages
• Zenkoji Temple (Nagano), Snow Monkey Park, Obuse Town
• Hidden gem resorts with deep snow and zero crowds
Book a private lodge stay with us, bring a car, and unlock all the freedom and flavour Japan’s winter countryside has to offer.
Embark on an all-out winter adventure at Onpoint Madarao: carve through deep powder, warm up with incredible local food, and explore the magic of Japan’s snow country. Book now at www.onpointmadarao.com and let Madarao’s winter spirit captivate your heart!
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