I wanted to get opinions on winter driving in Tohoku without 4 wheel drive (4wd).
My friend and I had a plan to drive from Kansai to Tohoku and all around over the winter holidays next week. The plan was mostly going to mountains to ski but the snow conditions are quiet rough so maybe more general exploring of Tohoku cities and countryside. Our 4wd car we had planned to rent fell through, and now the only options near us are 2wd (with studless tires, of course).
If I take a train 3 hours there are some 4wd options but looking at the forecast it looks like there'll only be snow this weekend and then warmer temperatures throughout the holidays. Would we manage on 2wd if we stay out the mountains in the early morning and evening? Is it very risky taking a 2wd car there? Would you take a train 3 hours and drive back again to start the roadtrip for the comfort of having 4wd?
Thoughts appreciated (and Tohoku recommendations!) Thanks for reading.
by badbads