Many people are looking forward to traveling to Hokkaido during the snow season, with its winter sports, snow and ice festivals, and more! However, Hokkaido, a snowy region, has many differences compared to regions without snow. In this article, we will introduce 6 things you should know before enjoying Hokkaido in the winter.

1. It's warm indoors in Hokkaido! Clothing that helps regulate body temperature is best

People in Hokkaido, who live in the bitter cold, turn on the heaters in well-insulated rooms to create an environment that is as warm and comfortable as possible. For this reason, many people feel that public transportation and commercial facilities are not just "warm," but "hot." Sapporo city has many underground shopping malls, so walking around fully equipped can make you sweat. When traveling to Hokkaido, it's best to wear clothes that can be easily put on and taken off.

2. Prepare for snowy roads starting from your feet! Penguin walking and anti-slip equipment are essential

Snowy roads are very slippery. The trick to walking on snowy roads is the "penguin walk." It involves walking on tiptoe with small steps. Also, if you don't have winter shoes that are slippery on snowy roads, we recommend purchasing a type of anti-slip pad that can be easily attached to the soles of your feet. They are sold at convenience stores in airports and are reasonably priced at around 1,000 yen.

3. No need for an umbrella in Hokkaido - No need to worry about snow!

Snow is generally thought of as something that "gets you wet," just like rain, but the snow that falls in Hokkaido is light because the outside temperature is low. Therefore, even if some snow gets on your body, you won't get wet right away. If snow piles up on your body, you can just brush it off, so people in Hokkaido don't need umbrellas that often. Make sure to wear the hood of your outerwear when going out.

4. I can't move forward because of the snow! Traveling with a suitcase is a bit inconvenient

Suitcases are the standard way to carry your luggage when traveling, but they are a bit inconvenient in Hokkaido's winters. The reason is that the wheels get stuck on the poorly-footed snowy roads. To enjoy your trip safely, we recommend using a backpack as your main bag.

5. Caps and gloves should be both stylish and practical

Knitted hats and gloves are essential items in the Hokkaido winter. Not only do they keep your head and hands warm, but they also protect your hands and head from hard snow and ice if you fall. It's common for people to slip and fall and land on their hands, but there are many cases where they avoid injury because they had gloves on.

6. Driving on snowy roads is completely off the mark! It's best to leave driving to the professionals.

Driving through the pure white snowy roads of Hokkaido is an exhilarating sight, but for those who are not used to driving on snowy roads, there are many difficulties. The glare from the snow makes the road dazzling, you can't tell what the road is like, and even if you step on the brakes, you can't stop, which can be very scary. If you are planning to visit Hokkaido in the winter, we recommend using public transportation such as trains, buses, and taxis.

Hokkaido in winter is truly a wonderland! Enjoy it while keeping safety first

There's a lot to enjoy in Hokkaido in winter, including food, hot springs, and winter festivals all over the country! If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido in winter, make sure you plan well in advance and remember the important points in advance to have a great trip!

*Image is for illustrative purposes only.

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