After about 2 hours of driving I was able to make it relatively easy to Komagatake. My rental car was a small Toyota Yaris (the little blue car in the parking lot). Although small and low-to-ground, there was about maybe 2km worth of gravel roads with some holes in spots but nothing that got me stuck. I was initially a bit concerned when I first hit a spot with a few potholes in the road but soon after hit a smoother stretch and all was good from there.
Overall accessing Hokkaido Komagatake Trailhead (北海道駒ヶ岳 登山口) was safe and easy. From the trailhead start it was about maybe 2.5 KM to the main area. Out and back about 5 KM. At this point in my hiking and travel I was still wearing my Nike running shoes however after this trip, I decided to upgrade my gear a bit more. Beautiful, easy hike that often only locals visit.
For corresponding blog: https://volcanicjapan.com/ive-explored/f/%E5%8C%97%E6%B5%B7%E9%81%93%E9%A7%92%E3%83%B6%E5%B2%B3—hokkaido-komagatake—10202022