Driving from Chitose to Niseko March, safe?

Hi all,

End of march 2015 will be our first time in Niseko. 8 of us travelling with 3 children ages 2-6.

How difficult is it to drive from New Chitose airport (we will land at 3pm) to Niseko (Hirafu) given that:

1. We have never driven on show
2. We have never driven in japan (but we drive on the same side of the road as japan)

I know you can get a 4wd with english gps.

Thanks!

How difficult is it to drive from New Chitose airport (we will land at 3pm) to Niseko (Hirafu)

It depends on the road conditions. If the roads are snow or ice covered, it can be very dangerous for a person without winter driving experience. In case the roads are mostly free of snow and ice, it is not a big problem. The road conditions depend on the weather that precedes your visit. There is a higher risk of snow covered roads in early March as opposed to late March. But the risk is generally pretty high.

Therefore, I recommend against driving in your case.