Let's go on a trip to Hokkaido to enjoy the snow season, including winter sports and snow and ice festivals! There are many people who are looking forward to snow season in Hokkaido. However, there are many differences between Hokkaido, which is a snowy region, and regions without snow. In this issue, we will introduce "6 points" you should know before enjoying Hokkaido in winter.

It is warm indoors in Hokkaido! It is best to wear clothes that allow you to adjust your body temperature.

People in Hokkaido live in the bitter cold and try to stay as warm and comfortable as possible by heating their rooms with high insulation. Therefore, many people feel "hot" in public transportation and commercial facilities. In particular, Sapporo has a well-developed underground shopping mall, so you may end up sweating when walking around in full gear. When traveling in Hokkaido, it is best to wear clothes that you can easily take off and put on.

2. Preparing for snowy roads starts with your feet! Penguin walking & non-slip shoes are a must!

Snow-covered roads are slippery. The trick to walking on snow-covered roads is to "walk like a penguin. The trick to walking on snow-covered paths is to "walk like a penguin," with your feet on the ground and your feet on the ground. If you do not have winter shoes that do not slip easily on snow-covered roads, it is recommended to purchase anti-slip shoes that can be easily attached to the soles of your feet. They are sold at airport convenience stores and are reasonably priced at about 1,000 yen.

3. Don't be afraid of snow! Umbrella-free Hokkaido

Snow is generally thought of as "getting wet" in the same way as rain, but snow in Hokkaido is dry due to the low outside temperature. Therefore, you will not get wet immediately even if you get some snow on your body. If snow does fall on your body, you can simply brush it off, so people in Hokkaido do not need umbrellas very often. So, it is best to wear a hood over your head when you go out.

4. Snow prevents you from moving forward! Traveling with suitcases is a bit inconvenient

Suitcases are the standard way to pack for a trip, but they are a bit inconvenient in the Hokkaido winter. The reason for this is that the wheels get stuck on snow-covered roads with poor footing. To enjoy your trip safely, we recommend that you use a backpack as your main carry-on bag.

5. Caps and gloves are not only fashionable but also practical.

Knit caps and gloves are essential items for winter in Hokkaido. Not only do they keep your head and hands warm, but they also protect your hands and head from hard snow and ice in the event of a fall. It is not uncommon for people to slip and fall and get their hands caught in the snow, but often they are able to avoid injury because they have gloves on.

6. Driving on snowy roads is not all that standard! Driving is best left to the professionals.

Driving through the white snowy roads of Hokkaido in an exhilarating car...a wonderful sight, but there are many difficulties for those who are not used to driving on snow-covered roads. The snow glares off the road, you can't see what the road is like, and it can be extremely frightening to stop even if you step on the brake. If you are planning to visit Hokkaido in winter, it is recommended to use public transportation such as trains, buses, and cabs.

Hokkaido in winter is truly a wonderland! Let's enjoy it with safety first!

Hokkaido in winter is full of fun things to do, such as food, hot springs, and winter festivals in various regions! If you are planning a trip to Hokkaido in winter, please plan well in advance and take the necessary precautions to ensure an enjoyable trip!

*Image is for illustrative purposes only.

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