Is it safe driving in Hokkaido in Feb?

I will be driving from 15th Feb basic on the following :

Day 1 : Abashiri to Lake Mashu to Lake Akan
Day 2 : Lake Akan to Akan International crane center to Kushiro city
Day 3 : Kushiro city to Shikaribetsu Lake to Obihiro Station and taking train to Sounkyo .

If driving is safe, what time is the best timing to set off.

Thank you!

Have you ever driven thru snow and ice before?

No problem if you have winter driving experience as the roads are well maintained and generally clear in good weather. However it can be dangerous in poor weather especially for inexperienced drivers.

Not really, first time driving in the winter but my friend who was first time driving there, said it will be safe enough as the public transport timing is not really flexible to me as i need to cover as many places as possible.

Thank you!

Get snow tyres.
Never stop the car. Move at 1 km/hr if you have to but do not stop it. It needs the momentum to keep on going.

Furano is known to have the most deadly roads in Japan. Add the snow and it is even worse.

Remember all.
http://northern-road.jp/navi/eng/index.htm
http://www.hkd.mlit.go.jp/topics/toukei/chousa/h20keikaku/e/e_all.pdf
http://northern-road.jp/navi/info/drive.htm

If bad like this.
http://youtu.be/-tbCJO9SmUo
http://youtu.be/KNIIZOM_JdY
http://youtu.be/0tgYBdpOqFY
http://youtu.be/5YdwvnJW_tQ
http://youtu.be/GQX3qOO0ZAU
http://youtu.be/8JcijcDlDqo

4WD,ABS,TRC and VSC are NOT always perfect.
http://youtu.be/mKiTAcXK6M4
http://youtu.be/Z8KjsjrIGqI
And NOT all cars with.
Just with winter tyres so driver's skill is the most important than car selection for safe.

FYI, rental cars in Hokkaido and other snowy areas are outfitted with snow tires as standard equipment during the winter months.

Thanks everyone for your great advise and helps =)!