Winter Driving in Hokkaido -- Not for Rookies
We receive many inquiries about whether it's possible to rent a car and drive in the winter while visiting Furano.
Here is our consistent answer: If you don't have solid winter driving experience, then categorically NO. You should not drive in the winter.
Hokkaido has legitimate, full-on winter. Your vacation is not the time to try and teach yourself how to drive in snow on public roads. Winter driving is VERY different than summer driving, and if you've never learned how, it's highly likely that you will go off the road or have at least a small accident. The potential for something worse is quite high. Why have that happen on your vacation?
Our recommendation: Take taxis, buses, or other public transportation.