Things you should know before driving Hokkaido.

🪪 1. Driving License Requirements

• International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for most foreign drivers.

• 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is accepted in Japan (used by the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).

• If you're from Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland, or Taiwan, you'll need a Japanese translation of your license from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

• Always carry your passport, home license, and IDP when driving.

  🛣️ 2. Driving Rules & Road Etiquette

  • Drive on the left side of the road.

  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.

  • No mobile phone use while driving (unless hands-free).

  • Speed limits:

  • City roads: 40-60 km/h

  • Expressways: 80-100 km/h

  • Watch out for hidden stop signs ("止まれ") at intersections - they mean stop

    ❄️3. Winter Driving Can Be Dangerous

  • Hokkaido winters (Nov-Mar) bring heavy snow and icy roads.

  • Studless snow tires or chains are mandatory during winter (rental cars usually come equipped).

  • Black ice is common, especially at night or early morning.

  • Drive slowly, avoid sudden braking, and increase following distance.

  • Be prepared for snowstorms that can cause road closures and low visibility.

  ⛽️ 4. Fuel and Service Stations

• Gas stations are common in cities but sparse in rural areas, especially in eastern Hokkaido.

• Fill up before heading into remote areas.

• Self-service and full-service stations exist. Look for "セルフサービス" for self-serve

  🗾 5. Navigation Tips

• Use car navigation systems (GPS). Most rentals offer English options.

• Input destinations using Map Codes or telephone numbers, which are often more accurate than addresses in Japan.

• Download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps, Maps.me) as some areas have poor signal.

  💳 6. Tolls and Expressways

• Many highways are toll roads. Use ETC cards (Electronic Toll Collection) if available with your rental car — faster and sometimes cheaper.

• Without ETC, you'll need to take tickets and pay cash/card at toll booths.

• Consider a Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP) for unlimited use of expressways for foreign tourists.

🅿️ 7. Parking

• Avoid illegal parking — fines and towing are strict.

• Use coin parking lots, convenience store lots (for short stops), or designated roadside rest areas ("Michi-no-Eki").

• In urban areas, parking can be expensive or limited.

🐻 8. Wildlife and Rural Roads

• Watch for deer and foxes, especially in national parks or at night.

• Rural roads can be narrow, winding, and poorly lit.

• Always keep headlights on in rural or foggy conditions.

📲 9. Emergency Numbers

• Police: 110

• Ambulance Fire: 119

• Road emergency (JAF): Dial #8139 from a mobile phone (English available)

🚗 10. Car Rental Tips

• Book early, especially during peak seasons (winter ski season, summer holidays).

• Choose a 4WD vehicle if traveling in winter or rural areas.

• Confirm the car has:

• ETC card slot

• Snow tires

• English GPS

• Map Code navigation

Bonus : Rest Stops (Michi-no-Eki)

• Clean toilets, local food, souvenirs, and free parking.

• Great places to take a break, especially on long drives.