Winter Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko

Winter Driving in Kawaguchiko Area

Studless Tires Available on Select Vehicles

Studless tires available for select vehicles (December - March)

Why Are Studless Tires Recommended in Kawaguchiko?

Located at an altitude of approximately 900m, the Kawaguchiko area experiences temperatures 5-6°C lower than Tokyo. During winter, snow accumulation and road surface freezing can occur. Studless tires are strongly recommended for safer driving. Please note that not all vehicles are equipped with studless tires - availability varies by vehicle.

Winter Road Conditions in Kawaguchiko Area

Winter road conditions

Temperature Data (December - March)

  • • Average temperature: -2°C to 5°C
  • • Minimum temperature: Can drop below -10°C
  • • Road surface may freeze even during daytime

Snow Conditions

  • • Annual snow days: Approximately 20-30 days
  • • Snow accumulation: 5-30cm (during heavy snow)
  • • Special caution needed for morning and evening freezing

Areas Requiring Special Caution

Areas Prone to Freezing

  • • Near Fuji Subaru Line entrance
  • • Kawaguchiko Bridge
  • • Mountain curves
  • • Tunnel entrances and exits

Areas with Heavy Snow

  • • Roads to Mt. Fuji 5th Station
  • • Narusawa to Lake Motosu area
  • • Lake Shoji and Lake Saiko surroundings
  • • Areas above 1,000m altitude
Book Your Winter Vehicle Now

Limited availability during peak winter season

Importance of Studless Tires

Enhanced Safety

  • Braking performance on ice improved by 1.5x
  • Significantly improved grip on snowy roads
  • Greatly reduced risk of slip accidents

Comfortable Driving

  • Special rubber maintains flexibility at low temperatures
  • Design that compacts and grips snow
  • Stable driving reduces fatigue

Legal Requirements

  • Can pass winter tire regulations (not chain regulations)
  • Affects fault percentage in accidents
  • Meets insurance coverage requirements

5 Key Points for Safe Winter Driving

1
🚗

Avoid Sudden Starts and Stops

Operate accelerator and brakes gently. Maintain 3x normal stopping distance.

2
↔️

Keep Sufficient Following Distance

Maintain at least 2x normal following distance while predicting the movement of vehicles ahead.

3
🔄

Slow Down Before Curves

Reduce speed sufficiently before entering curves. Avoid braking while turning.

4
👁️

Ensure Clear Visibility

Completely remove frost and snow from windows before departure. Check wipers and washer fluid.

5
📅

Plan with Extra Time

Plan for 1.5x normal travel time. Check weather and road information in advance.

Professional Advice

Be especially careful when driving first thing in the morning. This is when road surfaces frozen overnight are most slippery. Also, shaded areas, bridges, and tunnel entrances/exits are prone to freezing, so reduce speed and pass through carefully.

Drive Safely This Winter

Reserve your studless tire-equipped vehicle today and explore Kawaguchiko worry-free

Monthly Studless Tire Necessity

DecemberNecessity: 80%

Possibility of first snow. Watch for morning and evening freezing

JanuaryNecessity: 100%

Coldest period. High possibility of snow and freezing

FebruaryNecessity: 100%

Period with most snow accumulation. Essential equipment

MarchNecessity: 60%

Warm during the day but possibility of morning/evening freezing

Don't risk driving on icy roads without proper equipment

Reserve Winter-Ready Vehicle Today

Enjoy Winter in Kawaguchiko Safely

At Fuji Premium Car Rental, studless tires are available
for select vehicles from December to March (not standard on all vehicles)

Vehicle Availability

Available on select vehicles

When Available

Quality tires on equipped vehicles

Limited Availability

Only certain vehicles equipped

Important Information

  • Regulation Differences: During "Chain Regulations" (チェーン規制), vehicles without chains cannot pass. During "Winter Tire Regulations" (冬用タイヤ規制), vehicles with studless tires can pass.
  • Vehicle Availability: Studless tires are NOT standard equipment on all vehicles. Some vehicles may not have studless tires equipped. Please confirm availability when making your reservation.
  • Advance Booking: During winter season, vehicles with studless tires are in high demand. We recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.